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.

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Arabella1 02/08/2012

My name is Kat and I just donated blood and received a letter that said I was Hep C positive. After a mini internal melt down, quite a few tears, a trip to the health clinic and a night of anxiety, I am coming to terms with it today (day 2 of finding out) but I definitely NEED some support from more "experienced" hep C survivors. My husband is deployed in Afghanistan I have a 3 year old and we live in Germany currently so i feel a bit alone, but Im keeping my chin up. I feel fine Physically though I did just get a Hep A and B vaccination and feel a little tired. The bloodwork is on its way to wherever it goes to verify and get some enzyme levels and a i suppose other things, my doctor was not very knowledgeable and I will be referred to either a German specialist or another Army hospital 4 hours away YIKES! Well i hope to meet others and just talk about this and also NOT this :) I hope for wellness for all of us and long rich lives!

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Kat I am soo sorry Sweety. It will take you a while its kindof like breking off from a marrige or something. But dont you think it is a death sentice most people outllive the virious with or without the treatment so its not as bad as you mihght think. WE are herefor you and always will be. You nake friends for life in here. Great support right down to the Heart. Later Lots of Hugs Oh sorry I am Jim

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Kat, It's not so bad. I had HCV for 40 years and only found out about it through regular blood work. I'm almost done 24 weeks of treatment. Hang in there. You'll be fine.

Trissa01 02/08/2012

Hello Kat arabella
Read new & old post here to get a crash course, search the 'net etc.
You've entered the Eternal Waiting area.
Welcome

mema485 02/08/2012

Hi Kat....you will find a lot of info & support here!!!!
and thank you & your husband for his Service!!!! It'a appreciated!!!!!

crystalcrane 02/08/2012

So sorry Kat, but, I found out all of the information I needed right here on DS. I keep a folder with copies of all of my blood tests and any other tests they give me. When I get information I print it out or write it down. You cannot remember everything, so write it down. Take a deep breath, read, read, read.

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Welcome Kat. You'll get lots of support, education and even a few laughs here. This site was a lifesaver for me. Jump right in, ask questions, read old posts. So glad you're here!!

deleted_user 02/08/2012

HI Kat
Bad news is that you just found out your are HCV positive.
Great news is that treatment and "cures" yes CURES due to new effective kinder treatments are right around the corner.
A lot of us have been living with HCV for many many years with only very poor brutal treatments.
Hang in there. You will be fine!
Things to find out are:
Geno type of the virus
Your liver grade of inflammation and stage of fibrosis (if any).
Start building from there

deleted_user 02/08/2012

From one Kat to another Kat -

Welcome. I was overwhelmed when I was first diagnosed...well, truth be told, I still am.

Viel Glck...tschss

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Welcome! I think I can say with assurance that all of us were knocked to our knees when we were given the diagnosis (dx). We all understand that feeling.

You have found a wonderful resource in this site. Lots of information. Read the old posts and ask any questions you have. Someone will have an answer or be able to point you in the right direction.

You ARE OK, you will BE OK. You are still the same person you were 2 days ago... Let no one tell you differently. Love yourself.... Hugs...

Arabella1 02/08/2012

Oh my goodness, I am so overjoyed by all of this feedback and kind caring words, I have tears i my eyes. I am feverishly reading all I can to be educated, and lots of uplifting success stories. I can tell this support group is going to be one of my most valuable assets. thanks everyone, I look forward to a lasting friendship with you! Hugs to all of you!!

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Welcome to the motley, Arabella!

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Heads up Arabella ..we've been know to have a little fun now and then too so hope you enjoy our occasional craziness! :)

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Hi,
welcome kat... you will be fine here....
Truly a great bunch.x
:@)

deleted_user 02/12/2012

Welcome arabella, i completely understand I cried off and on for weeks and I really didn't come out of it till I knew my hubby and kids were not infected.. Sending hugs and prayers in all the decisions you will have to make the next few weeks!!!

deleted_user 02/13/2012

Welcome Kat first I would like to thank your husband for fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today and you for being there to love and care for him and your child. Thank you.

Now about this peskie viris, it is suvivorable. Work with a good GI dr. find out where you are in this and who knows you may be able to wait for newer drugs that are comming down the pipe. Learn everything you can. Education is the best way to stamp out this fear you have.

Stay strong Kat you are a worrier wife and you can do this and remember we are here for you.
blanche

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