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! I am new to this site and feel my story is a little different from everyone elses. I will try and keep this short. I do not have HEP C but the girl I am dating does. I am on this site because she is the type of person who does not want to read, hear or know anything bad about what will happen to her when she starts her treatment in about a month. I feel it is my obligation to know everything about what to expect so when she is going through her rough patches I can tell it is normal to feel this way. Her story is when she was 11 back in 1993 she had a bad accident and had to have a blood transfussion in russia. Her accident left her blind in one eye and 2 months ago she found out it also left her with HEP C. You would never know she is blind in her eye or sick. She is one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen. Its crazy to look at her and know she is sick. What worries me is she has had it since 1993 and lived a normal life of a now 24 year old. (drinking, partying, smoking, popping pills for headaches, drinking coffee and tea on a regular basis.) All of which has probably effected her liver. I know she is a genotype 2 or 3 but I have no idea what her viral load is. She also never got a biopsy because she didn't have insurance or money to pay for it. (thank God she has it now)The Doctor gave her a choice to schedule a biopsy (2 months later) or start the treatment within 3 weeks. She chose the treatment. She just started a new job as a hair dresser in a fancy salon in NYC and works about 12 hours a day 4 days a week. Appearance is huge in her business and she worries about that the most. On top of that she has told me that if it gets to rough she will let me go because she does not want me to have to deal with this or see her like this. That caused some sad conversations.....:( To top it all off she has no family here as they all live in Russia. However, she is so strong and always tells me that she is blessed that it is not something more serious like cancer or some other terrible sickness. I thank all of you for the support and if you made it this far through my story I appreciate it. I will post as she goes through her treatment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Now she is young, so the younger the better.
Also if she is in shape, even better.
Some especially those like your gf, in shape and young breeze thru treatment, so I am not worried that the sides should be soo bad for her.
Being active during treatment is also Key, getting dress and all dolled up in the am, is great therapy.
Tell her is shouldn't be that bad, due to the above comments.
The best of luck to you both.
Mckenzie
one day at the time
It sounds like she is walking carefully through her decisions, even though she has taken a few detours (We do that from time to time!). Based on what you've said here, she knows the difference between right and wrong, and so the choices she makes tells me she's frustrated with having to deal with the reality of her health status. And this is okay, I promise you, as long as she comes back to the realization that only she can take the proper steps to deal with this virus.
Your support seems to bring her back on track. How fortunate for her!
This is a good board to be on, to prepare for what is coming down the road, and to help guide you in how best to support her. Make sure you have support as well, because this can be as taxing on you as her, especially during those days that you feel helpless in getting her through a rough patch. Venting here will be well-received, I promise!:smile:
If you do need to "talk" with someone about her treatment, or how you're feeling, we have a free, weekly hep C Chat on Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm Central Time. Feel free to join us!
You can also contact our office HEP C-MO, at: 1.816.767.8472 Mon-Friday from 11am-5pm Central Time.
Blessings!