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.
Hi Everyone,
Well it is time for my yearly appointment with my Hep Dr. on the 18th. I hate to admit it but it seems I have had my head in a hole for the last few months trying to ignore the fact that I still have this horrible thing called hep c. Now I need some help, please. I want to go in there prepared and ready. Can anyone give me some advise on what I should ask? I have seen some posts about new things coming but haven't really paid that much attention. Silly me!!!!! Or should I say stupid me? I have tried reading some of the posts but it just seems to be all a bunch of words that don't make sense to me. I have come to the conclusion that I am just trying to block it all. Failing tx twice has really done a number on my head. So any advise you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Hugs
Debbie
Well it is time for my yearly appointment with my Hep Dr. on the 18th. I hate to admit it but it seems I have had my head in a hole for the last few months trying to ignore the fact that I still have this horrible thing called hep c. Now I need some help, please. I want to go in there prepared and ready. Can anyone give me some advise on what I should ask? I have seen some posts about new things coming but haven't really paid that much attention. Silly me!!!!! Or should I say stupid me? I have tried reading some of the posts but it just seems to be all a bunch of words that don't make sense to me. I have come to the conclusion that I am just trying to block it all. Failing tx twice has really done a number on my head. So any advise you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Hugs
Debbie
I would ask about the new treatments being fast tracked & when your Dr thinks one will be available for you.
Meanwhile, you know the drill - nutrition, exercise, no alcohol, prevent stress overload.
When you see your Dr. ask about the status of your HCV and Liver and hopefully you will just be able to wait until next year when the all oral drugs start to roll out.
You could ask your Dr. to contact the various hospital's trial coordinators to be sure you are enrolled in their data base.
I just missed an excellent trial because it was being held at another hospital in Toronto, Toronto Western. My Dr. contacted all the other hospitals in the area.
In the meantime, be patient, live healthy. A few drinks now could potentially shave off precious days you need to be able to wait!!!
Try to make yourself go for walks or something to get some excersize in. Not only is it good for you physically, but mentally too & will help relieve symptoms of stress.
What the others have said to ask makes a lot of sense. I wish you well.
xo
When you plan your daily schedule, build in breaks, 'treats' (and i don't mean brownies), things that you know relieve stress for you. I go into a dark room and lie down and close my eyes for 5 minutes and breathe (yes, even in my office at work) and it is often enough to restore me for the next leg. You have been through a LOT. Whether you are starting tx sooner or later, consider yourself in training for tx, and make that your top priority.
Good nutrition does not have to be lots of prep & cooking (believe me).
You say "hit me with your best shot". I'm not going to, we're friends & I'm glad we are, Debbie.
You say you failed previous tx cuz you "didn't follow the rules". You already know any alcohol is contraindicated. You know the things you need to do. What is really important to you? Whatever you're doing, obviously, or you would change it.
Last Aug I forced my lethargic butt back to the gym just for a gentle aqua class. I'm now a maniac because I see & feel the results. Haven't touched alcohol in 10yrs, & I eat for nutrition, because my health is important to me. I'm older than you & I have cirrhosis.
Taking the first step is the hardest. hugsss to you too