It hasn't really changed the direction of my life, but it has definitely made me cherish life more. I'm much more grateful for every day now.

I think that HCV is certainly a part of my path, although like you I was already on the path when I found out about it. HCV was part of a triple whammy for me. My health went downhill fast. It's helped me to find out more about health and relationships, the financial still eludes me. Mainly I am very sensitive to changes in routine or diet and have to be very careful. I can't eat at most restaurants, for instance, and if I do go to a restaurant on a rare occasion, there is usually only one thing on the menu that I can eat. I used to enjoy Thai Food or going to that Italian chain the Olive Garden, but I don't know, they've done something to the food....Olive garden gets all their food in bags and it's all made in factories and sent to the restaurants, so it's all treated to retard spoilage. I'm not sure what the Thai places do, but I have a bad night after eating there too.

I had a bad night last night, I couldn't get comfortable no matter which way I tried to lay down. I had some tea that I put frozen orange juice into instead of lemon, it was easier, right? Tea doesn't bother me, but stuff in cans and bottles seems to. I let my hubby have the rest of the frozen OJ. It doesn't bother him.

Sandy, that's inspiring. For me it's (especially i nthe past) often beent he other way, that fear and regret about HCV interfered/s with the time I do have. I;m working on that.
Mak, I admire your eating so much. I eat really well, but not on your level. But I think I get it -- when people tell me I have so much discipline for eating the way I too, I think, "That's not it at all. I have to eat this way or I'd feel awful." Sometimes I wish I could be one of those people who can eat Ben and Jerry's occassionally and feel fine. (Well, knowing how the dairy industry supports the veal industry, I could never feel fine about it, but I meant how my body reacts.)

I don't think I dwelled on it all that much...for the most part I let sleeping dogs lie...nobody I knew seemed to understand the disease or the effects it had on me....infact, they still don't...my family is supportive but still don't GET IT....
I think when you find groups like this, you start to really pay attention...As big pharma wasnt an option in my mind, I kind of rolled with the punches....the only time it all really overwhelmed me was on the DX and the dire DX at that....but after researching and seeing ND's and every other quack thats out there...I just decided to take better care of myself and enjoy life here and now. Worrying about something that you really can't do anything about is futile...and the stress that accompanies it...worthless and harmful.

it has so drasticly changed my life. i don't take much for granted. I am learning to love myself which has enabled me to love others in a way i couldn't before. my goals in life have so changed. How has it changed your lives.

My life has changed to the Nth degree since I accepted my DX.

I stopped drinking wine...my nemesis (sp) and german beer...spent too much time in europe with relatives.

I take care of myself now. I am grateful for what I have...I don't whine for what I don't have.

I know there is a reason I am still alive...I have no more time to be negative and feel sorry for myself.

There is much work to be done before i depart this planet. I am awaiting orders...until then...I am mindful to remain as helpful, healthy, positive, compassionate, and self-preserving as possible.

I have always toyed with living a better life through food, I have always exercised. But following the dx, I have changed my eating habits. I do not eat meat of any kind. I rarely eat any kind of animal products. I have lost some belly fat and I feel great. It has been more of an emotional roller coaster ride than a physical one. And ditto with Gooser. My family has been supportive but they don't really 'get it.'

Even if I chose to do treatment, HCV changed my path. I think I will always be a vegetarian and take supplements.

Oh yeah--I would say it has been both a gateway and a catalyst for me. Gateway with the healthier living and a catalyst in dealing with raw emotions.