Hello diharg, I am fairly new to this wonderful site, but am not new to chronic depression or HepC. After finding out I had Hepc, for me, it helped to answer why about some of my depression causes also, because the liver affects so much, and after reading these blogs, I see you are also doing treatment and with everything else going on in your life - seems to be a lot at one time and a little depression seems ok - for a minute! You seem to have gotten through and still getting through so much - so good for you. And you're right - at last - someplace to just talk to others who will Listen without Judgement and really care about each other!!!! Sending you love and blessings and hope for a better day! One very wise doctor once told me 'when you're feeling really depressed, fighting it makes it worse - just take a time out and take a nap, your brain may just need some rest and hopefully you'll wake up feeling better - It has worked lots for me. Hope for you - Angelia

I feel for you and your situation, but be strong, it is manageable. I too am totally alone with this disease. I start tx in Oct., and have no one to help me, but I am determined to do it because I have to. I'd like to share some suggestions after reading your post: 1) Try to find a liver specialist, not just GI or GP, preferably at a major hospital or medical center. They have the most experience and also have access to the latest in tx. 2) Ask your doc about putting you on an anti-depressant. I was put on one before tx. I take celexa and I've experienced no side effects! 3) Try to find a support group or psychologist to talk to. I joined a support group at the hospital and they are great. Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

hi djharg,

hey you made it here. glad to see you. lots of support here for you. it helps so much just to write about how you are feeling. you are also helping out other people too even though they my not reply to your post.

i read everyones post and take something with me from them. i feel connected with everyone here because were share a common bond.

maybe something like this will make you feel a little better.

HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGG.
take carte,
joe

hey dj my friend. you're not alone:) i understand the gp attitude cos i have one like that. in fact, i dont even use her. if i have a question, i ring the specialist nurse or the hospital, do you not have a number for your specialist nurse? i also know how you feel bout the hospital in and out in 15 cos i've seen it so many times, but if i were you i would look on that as a good sign cos if they were worried about you in any way they would not have you in and out so quickly. they are obviously happy with all your bloods and the way your tx is going or they would keep a closer eye on you. once a month to pick up your meds is a good sign in my mind. i have to see my hepatologist every week or two, but again, i'm glad cos they are being true to their word and closely monitoring me. if i were you i would write a list of questions you wanna ask and just read them out when you get to clinic. i do that every time i go. prolly even asked the same qs time and time again knowing me. lol but hey, no worries. thats what they're there for. pester them if need be.
sorry you're going this alone honey:) it must be very difficult for you at times. any time you wanna friend i'm here ok.
in the meantime, be strong, stay positive and keep smiling
x

Hello djharg,
Me too! I am alone dealing with new dx of HCV+. Have suffered severe depression for years. Doing well at the moment, its all temporay, LOL.
Are you in any 12 step programs for the other issues? It could be a good source of hope & support, & you will meet more people with your conditions.
Post here 24/7, we'll respond as soon as we can. Best wishes.

Hi djharg.
I am with ya bro...so you are not doing this alone. :)

I totally understand about the depression thing. It is hard somedays to stay positie but try we must. I am fighting to control my emotional ups and downs without taking anti-depressants. I saw them turm my sister into a zombie and heck if I can go through treatment without another drug and it's side effects then I think I will be better off.

I think you are strong for doing this treatment and leaving your friends behind that were not positive influences. That was a very wise choice. You have made new good friends(us here at D for example) right!

With regards to your doc's beng jerks and of very little help...again I am right there with you bro. My specialists don't give two hoots about me. It hurts to see that the nurses are so cold and uncaring. I think they have become numb to us and it frusterates me that they are the way they are. I think of chaning specialists but wonder if they are all the same. Maybe it's like winning the lottery to find a good one.

Anyway my friend try and keep that chin up...message me any time and I will try and help ya out.

It's tuff...but we're tuffer!

Stay strong,
your friend
Brave Rabbit

hi, yes this site is the best ever. there are people on here who have been through treatment and are now on the other (side for several years.) they've know so much and are kind and generous to be helping the rest of us!
and there are a whole tribe of us who are in the middle of fighting the dragon. welcome to DS. hugs, Q

Yes, I agree, I recieved more help here than at the doctor.barb

I know how you feel about facing what is going on by yourself for I am by myself so my main goal is to help others in whatever way I can especially when it comes to testifying that had it not been for prayer and faith I could not have made it this far, hep c can be a very lonely life but don't live your life for it (and I'm not saying anything is easy cause I know it is'nt)live life to the fullest for you and God !!!! You are in my thoughts, BlueEyed

Keep coming to this site, we will cheer you up in some form or another, the meds make me feel down also, I have 21 months clean and sober and changed all my friends. The only real friends I have are the people in here and my gf, and that is enough for me.

Good for you my friend.

Please know that you can come here and vent all you want, we are all here for you.

Yes starting over, new life, new friends, to get away from it all, and newly divorce, can and does take a toll of a person's life, and then mix that up with treatment, well depression is inevitable.

Are you on antidepressents at this time?

I'm glad you love this place, there are over 500,000 communities, and you can spend soo much time here to last you a life time.

When you down, you could go for a walk if treatment allows you, also have you ever thought of getting a pet.

A nice little dog would be a nice companion for you at this time.

I know I had my balou, a small dog when I was on tx, and believe me he was the best little friend to have during my journey.

Always near me, quiet since they do sence when we are not well.

Just an idea.

Anyways I will keep you in my prayers and please know that we are here for you, if you need to vent, talk, even laugh we are just a message away, or here in the message board.

Do take care, and don't give up, we are here for you.

Love & Respect,
Mckenzie
One day at the time.

SOME PEOPLE TAKE ST, JOHNS WORT FOR DEPRESSION, SOME TAKE MEDS FOR DEPRESSION, I ? IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH CHEMICALS IN THE BRAIN EITHER RELAEASES THE CALMING OR SUPPRESS THE PROCUCTION OF , CANT REMEMBER WHICH BUT IT WORKED FOR ME. GOOD LUCK AND KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR

I absolutely agree with you bro!! In this few days, I've actually gathered so much info from u guyz than I had from my dr. U all r so amazing & I thank God for having discovered this site!!