Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Hello! I am not sure if I am doing this correctly - not sure if there is an existing "Introduction" section, but I will play around and try to learn the lay of the land. I just wanted to introduce myself and get to know some other memebers of this support group.
I was just diagnosed with HCV about a month ago when liver enzymes came back elevated after routine bloodwork. It is a shock, and I remain very scared. Most likely I've had this for about 20 years. I'm pretty nervous that due to the long duration of my time having it undiagnosed and untreated, it must be pretty bad now.
I had my first meeting with a hepatologist yesterday, got vaccines for A and B, and scheduled a biopsy for next week. Scared. I never thought the word biopsy would figure in my life so prominently... now I'm just throwing it around very casually. Still, I am more upset than i even know how to let on.
Well, I am looking forward to talking more about things and meeting the rest of you. Does anyone have any tips on how to use the site?
Thanks very much!
I was just diagnosed with HCV about a month ago when liver enzymes came back elevated after routine bloodwork. It is a shock, and I remain very scared. Most likely I've had this for about 20 years. I'm pretty nervous that due to the long duration of my time having it undiagnosed and untreated, it must be pretty bad now.
I had my first meeting with a hepatologist yesterday, got vaccines for A and B, and scheduled a biopsy for next week. Scared. I never thought the word biopsy would figure in my life so prominently... now I'm just throwing it around very casually. Still, I am more upset than i even know how to let on.
Well, I am looking forward to talking more about things and meeting the rest of you. Does anyone have any tips on how to use the site?
Thanks very much!
Your biopsy will tell you how much damage has already been done. The good thing is that it's treatable, and there are new drugs coming out this yr that will improve the success rate of the treatment. Do you know your genotype or viral load yet? Your genotype will determine how long you will need to stay on tx if you decide to treat...either 24 or 48 wks. I'm currently in my 38th out of 48 wks of tx.
I know this alot to think about right now. I think we were all shocked when we were first diagnosed. Start educating yourself. Read through past discussions, and feel free to ask any question...there are no "stupid" questions about hcv, esp since nobody really talks about it, which has got to change. Anyway, here are a few good links to get you started...
http://www.hcvadvocate.org
http://www.hepatitis-central.com
When I got my initial test results back that confirmed the virus, the viral load was part of those results - I asked my primary care doc about it. She really didnt know how to advise me on that or on much of anything about HCV - she referred me to a new doc (who is a hepatologist). I had my first meeting with him yesterday and we talked for a long time, he seems nice which was comforting. I got another blood test to determine the genotype and should have the results in 2 weeks. I will make a point to ask for my viral load numbers at my next visit. I'm surprised no one has given me a number yet. I was a little flustered yesterday and forgot to ask him about it..
I will keep sharing info as I get it. Thanks again for including me, here.. I will be reading through the site today and seeing what else I can learn. :)
I was diagnosed 5 years ago, but because of poor choices for a couple of years, my Hep C advanced. Now I will be starting treatment in a few weeks. As soon as patient assistance is approved. I have found everyone on here very kind, supportive, and a wealth of information. You have come to the right place! "WELCOME"
hep c is a very slow advancing virus so you might not have any liver damage at all. i had it for over 30 years and was drinking the whole time and never knew i had this. then i started treatment and the virus was gone in 4 weeks.
having hep c isn't as bad as you think. infact, i'd rather have hep c than something like diabetes. really!
We're all glad that you found us!.....The more you learn about hepc the better and at ease you'll feel....Stick with us....you already got in good input on the subject, keep reading and asking if need be,!
We're here for YOU
I plan to stick around, learn, and check in every day... feeling more comfortable with the website now too, since I dove in the first time :)
Quasar, what you mentioned about drinking has struck a chord with me too - I've been having a glass or two of wine after work every night for years. I'm anxious to see if that's had a dramatic effect. I quit drinking after my diagnosis and that is also a challenge right now. A little better every day though.
Thanks again you guys!
This is a live/sanity-saving place to be if you have the dragon. We are all Dragon-slayers (according to LadyStarr, I think!)
Anyway, WELCOME!!