Scared of the unknown HEPC - Hepatitis Message Board

DebSue · 07-15-2003, 09:59 PM

I am 52 and felt I was in the prime of my life. Married 30 years with 2 wonderful grown daughters, a fabulous son-in-law and my first grandchild now almost 2 and a wonderful career. Now I find out I have this disease and I am scared to death. I have been reading so much of this site from so many of you and feel now I am not so alone. To treat or not to treat? I am waiting for another round of tests to tell me where I'm at with this HEPC and I know my life will change as never before. I will continue to read to gather knowledge to fight this. So many of you sound so strong and I hope I am also a fighter. My hubby is in denial at this point as I have not had any "symptoms" but not having symptoms makes me hope I have caught this early. Thanks for all the information I truely feel I have a place to go for support and maybe answers. Thanks!

Wes1212 · 07-15-2003, 11:10 PM

Hi. You will probably find out that not so much will need to change.

best wishes!

thanbey · 07-16-2003, 02:04 AM

First the bad news: You are still 52.(So am I)

Now the good news:

You are still married with two wonderful grown daughters. I assume you have a husband worth keeping for 30 years, your career, and all of the blessings you have listed. Nothing has changes except that you know now that you must take extra care. Your life can still continue as before.

Fear will not kill you and neither will having hepatitis C. It will require some lifestyle modification but possibly it won't, depending on your current lifestyle choices. Most people die with hepatitis C and not of it. And a good many of those never knew they had it.

Women, particularly those who do not drink or smoke, almost never progress to liver disease.

So, do not drink alcohol AT ALL EVER. Do not smoke anything, ever, or let yourself be exposed to the smoke of others. Do not use paint, chemicals or anything elsewithout a respirator (this included working in a beauty shop or having false nails done)

Nutrition is important. So, learn to eat well, handle food safely and get on with your wonderful life.

Get vaccinated for hep A and B. One hep is too many. You continue to compromise your health by adding other diseases.

You are not contagious by ordinary hugging, kissing, or sharing kitchen utensils or glasses. Watch to clean and bandage over any cuts. Do not share toothbrushes or razors or any other personal item. Your granchildren are completely safe in your care.

Okay, that is the short course. You have time to study, learn about taking good care and all of the options open to you. There is absolutely no need to make decisions in a hurry or under any pressure. You can take lots of time because the disease moves very slowly when it moves at all. In many people, it doesn't progress. So, you can check out everything as thoroughly as you need to before committing to anything.

As to the symptoms, there really are none for most people. With the diagnosis of hepatitis C, suddenly everything in the world becomes blamed on hep C including cakes that fall and dogs that bark. Try to relax and take things one at a time and you will be just fine and the world will look just as it did before.

askherjohn82 · 07-16-2003, 08:00 AM

hi DebSue
and a warm welcome to the site.i've had this 20+ years, and so far no symptoms.i know right now you are scared (so was i ), i feel like it's a shock to hear that one has contracted it , but after (the shock)sets in then we can concentrate on learning, studying about the virus much better.i'm undecided now to treat or not to treat.had my mind made up, but after my visit with the liv-doc he feels that there is no need to treat.there is a great concern regarding anti- dep, in my case.but who know's what lies ahead in the future.try to take it easy,and i'm looking forward to you postings.
keep the faith, bless you............mj

Jemah · 07-16-2003, 08:10 AM

Hi DebSue and welcome to the board. Glad that you have been reading and I'm really glad you don't feel so isolated anymore.

I was (am) in your shoes. I was terrified when I was first diagnosed over 2 years ago. My husband is just now coming to terms with my disease and I think he may have had more of a problem with how I got it than I have it. But he loves me and has really become very supportive.

I am a genotype 2b with mild liver fibrosis and I am currently taking Pegasys/Copegus and am in my 13th week. I waited 2 years to treat and during that time I did the herb and vitamin thing. I prayed it would "cure" me and it didn't even help a thing. My viral load jumped from 650,000 to 2,200,000. I just knew that this past April was time and so far the treatment has not been this scary monster that I've read so much about. I work a full time job and have an active family life. Sure I am more tired than usual because I am anemic (not severe) but that will be over with soon. I am a Christian and believe that I am in this for a reason and it has really changed me and made me more loving and forgiving of others and myself. I personally chose to treat so I wouldn't have to live the rest of my life with this virus replicating inside of me. But thats just me, its really a very personal decision.

Take good care of yourself and follow that little voice in your head. Let us know what turns up on your test results also. We are here for you because we know what your are going thru.

Jeannie