candy
06-20-2007, 01:31 AM
http://www.hepcassoc.org/index.html
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets.asp
http://www.hepcnet.net/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/)
Above are a few links that I put up if anyone wants to read up about Hep C.
The majority of new Hep C infections each year is from IV drug users. They expect due to the fact that people are afraid to test or deny having shared needles, that the numbers are much higher than they projected
Hey, I know it is scary to test. No one wants to know and even if you have only shared once, you are at risk.
Not only is Hep C on the rise, but the number of co-infections has grown among new users, meaning HIV/Hep C.
Most of us at one time or another have shared equipment. Maybe with a close friend, a lover, even someone you only met and shared with once. You still have put yourself at risk.
Especially for new younger users, who are more likely to use among a group of friends, sharing equipment is common. Maybe you only have one needle for a few of you. This is the best time to jump in there and start some peer education. Don't be afraid to speak up and talk about reducing the risks of any of you spreading the virus or just the start of good practices that will follow you.
Working with so many young adults who are so misinformed and who misinforms them? Their friends! It's not intentional, but young adults and teens are more likely to listen to their friends than an adult.
This is where you can learn the facts and share them with your friends. Be a leader and not only will you keep your friends safe, your keeping #1 safe-YOU!
For new members, those new to IV use, and anyone interested, please read some of the above links and get the facts.
I myself not so long ago finished Hep C treatment. Given to me by a boyfriend who swore he was neg for the virus. Because of his insistence and what apeared to be hurt feelings or mistrust, I reluctantly shared the needle going after him. Rinsing with water is not enough and Hep C can live on your spoons, in your cottons, in the water you rinse that may be shared by others, and of course your needle.
Yeah, it is a few extra steps to take, maybe a drive to the pharmacy or Needle Exchange, but it is worth it.
Hep C treatment is not fun, I couldn't eat, or sleep, lost a lot of weight, lived with chronic fatigue, and felt like crap most of the time. And all this for 48 long weeks! Maybe a year doesn't seem that long, but when you feel like the way I did, it seemed forever.
Everyday, I counsel people on Hep C and HIV, this may be before they test or after. It's pretty hard to look someone in the eye and tell them they have HIV or both HIV and Hep C. To them, it's like being handed a death sentence.
Please, I urge everyone to get the facts and get tested!
I don't know about you, but I would enjoy my high a lot more knowing I am Hep C neg and using my own clean equipment. No second guessing, no stress wondering, "IF", and being responsible for your own life!
This is no lecture. This comes from the heart and not just some nurse pushing out info. I have been there and back and if I would of known then, what I know now, my liver would be in much better shape!
I luv ya all!
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets.asp
http://www.hepcnet.net/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/)
Above are a few links that I put up if anyone wants to read up about Hep C.
The majority of new Hep C infections each year is from IV drug users. They expect due to the fact that people are afraid to test or deny having shared needles, that the numbers are much higher than they projected
Hey, I know it is scary to test. No one wants to know and even if you have only shared once, you are at risk.
Not only is Hep C on the rise, but the number of co-infections has grown among new users, meaning HIV/Hep C.
Most of us at one time or another have shared equipment. Maybe with a close friend, a lover, even someone you only met and shared with once. You still have put yourself at risk.
Especially for new younger users, who are more likely to use among a group of friends, sharing equipment is common. Maybe you only have one needle for a few of you. This is the best time to jump in there and start some peer education. Don't be afraid to speak up and talk about reducing the risks of any of you spreading the virus or just the start of good practices that will follow you.
Working with so many young adults who are so misinformed and who misinforms them? Their friends! It's not intentional, but young adults and teens are more likely to listen to their friends than an adult.
This is where you can learn the facts and share them with your friends. Be a leader and not only will you keep your friends safe, your keeping #1 safe-YOU!
For new members, those new to IV use, and anyone interested, please read some of the above links and get the facts.
I myself not so long ago finished Hep C treatment. Given to me by a boyfriend who swore he was neg for the virus. Because of his insistence and what apeared to be hurt feelings or mistrust, I reluctantly shared the needle going after him. Rinsing with water is not enough and Hep C can live on your spoons, in your cottons, in the water you rinse that may be shared by others, and of course your needle.
Yeah, it is a few extra steps to take, maybe a drive to the pharmacy or Needle Exchange, but it is worth it.
Hep C treatment is not fun, I couldn't eat, or sleep, lost a lot of weight, lived with chronic fatigue, and felt like crap most of the time. And all this for 48 long weeks! Maybe a year doesn't seem that long, but when you feel like the way I did, it seemed forever.
Everyday, I counsel people on Hep C and HIV, this may be before they test or after. It's pretty hard to look someone in the eye and tell them they have HIV or both HIV and Hep C. To them, it's like being handed a death sentence.
Please, I urge everyone to get the facts and get tested!
I don't know about you, but I would enjoy my high a lot more knowing I am Hep C neg and using my own clean equipment. No second guessing, no stress wondering, "IF", and being responsible for your own life!
This is no lecture. This comes from the heart and not just some nurse pushing out info. I have been there and back and if I would of known then, what I know now, my liver would be in much better shape!
I luv ya all!