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Newly diagnosed and scared. I've also been unemployed so don't want to jepordized my new job. have already had hep A & b vacinations but would like to put off biopsey till i'm more established in my new job. What do you all think? :rolleyes:

Just finding out about this hep is stressful, not to mention the tests and the being scared. It is normal and it is up to you to decide what you are ready for and when. But I can tell you that a biopsy at least for me was no big deal. Was more scared going into it because of the unknown of it all. They numb you out, give a good IV cocktail and it is over in no time at all. Took a month to get my results. Find out how long it will take to get the results then maybe you can plan better knowing that. Did you get your genotype yet or your viral load? If so all that is left to get a true assesment of your liver damage is the biopsy. Also go to [ website not allowed - please read the posting rules ]Good luck on what ever you decide. Windy

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Newly diagnosed and scared. I've also been unemployed so don't want to jepordized my new job. have already had hep A & b vacinations but would like to put off biopsey till i'm more established in my new job. What do you all think? :rolleyes:




Hepatitis C is a very slow moving disease. When progression happens, it could be accelerated by some lifestyle choices made before you were aware of your status. I encourage you to have the biopsy so that you know where you stand. You may not need to treat any time soon, but you also may. You won't know what your choices are until you have the results of the biopsy.

To that end, do not smoke or drink alcohol at all. Do not allow yourself to be subjected to second hand smoke, either. It's just as bad. People who are overweight also may have another condition called a fatty liver (NASH) This complicates things because it can cause the same symptoms and problems as hepatitis C. So, reaching and maintaining a normal weight is important. A biopsy will reveal whether you have NASH (fatty liver)

Eat heart healthy as it is liver healthy also. Good nutrition is very important.

Be careful around chemicals of any kind and wear protective gear if you are exposed to any type of chemicals in the workplace.

About 2% of those with hepatitis C actually die of the disease or its complications. About 15-20% progress to liver disease (cirrhosis) Women have less severe problems than do men as estrogen is liver protective.

You can expect to live a long and healthy life and learn to manage your hepatitis C and any symptoms that result from it, if any ever do. Hepatitis C is a life sentence, not a death sentence and you can learn to manage it.

There is good reason to expect better, safer treatments within a few years if you choose to wait for them.

Try to relax and gain perspective. You can read up on a number of topics, questions and answers from this (check the archives) and other sites or at the website below my name. Many have come here before you with similar questions and concerns. The initial anxiety and fear soon gives way as you educate yourself and communicate with those who have come here before you.

I hope this helps,

thanbey

I do know that my genotype is 1, I don't think I was told about a viral load. :confused:

I do know that my genotype is 1, I don't think I was told about a viral load. :confused:


Viral load is not relevant to assessing the damage to your liver or the severity of liver disease, if any. Don't sweat that one.

thanbey