Hepatitis C Support Group

Yes friend you can live a active life you just have to realize some days are good and some days are bad, you just kind of get used to it...It seems hard and sometimes it is but you can control it and try not to let it control you...Pam

You will be okay. I had this disease for 29 years before diagnosis. I had kids, never missed a practice, game, performace what have you. I was the PTA pres, and was a cheer advisor, team mom etc etc etc. I was always tired, but figured I just did too much. I was very active in everyway in my life and in my marriage.

You are younger, and your body will respond alot different then us older chicks. I always taught me kids, that no one can take your joy....it is your choice to be positive and look toward good things, and not dwell on what ifs, and negative thoughts.

You don't say what genotype you are or, if you have or will start treatment. I have been with only my sweetie for all these years, and gave birth after being infected, and my husband tested neg for Hep C. So don't worry about that. You just have to use common sense, if you get a cut, you have to take care of it asap. Don't share toothbrushes or razors...just remember it is blood to blood that makes it contagious. Sometimes when we are low ebb, and just don't seem to want to get up off the couch, we need to anyway. What I do is make a list of things I need or want to get done for the day or week...then I make sure I get up and get SOMETHING done, it will make you feel so much better to get up and get moving as much as you are able to. Redeem the golden hours when you feel good go do something for your self or for others. It will lift you emotionally. I worked during alot the years. I would actually take my lunch, and take a little nap....never could figure out why I was so dang tired. I would sometimes drive somewhere and park and take a mini nap, or I would find an office with a couch (I worked for a University) and take a short nap on my lunch hour. I was able to work all those years, and function well. Keep your spirits up. It is a shock, I know I was shocked when I first heard about it....I did have one pity party for about an hour one day....cried, got mad, not at the disease or even the person who gave it to me via blood transusion...then I accepted it, just mad period! I still am thankful for the blood transfusion, as it saved my life. I have met some lifelong friends here at DS that I NEVER would of met with out Hep C. So I cherish the positive things that has come out of getting the diagnosis. I am sure you feel totally overwhelmed right now, and that is okay. So many things must be going through your mind....just remember this is a process...you find out, you get upset, you get angry, then you accept it...and work at getting better in what ever way you can. But it takes time to work through all of the emotions that come with diagnosis.
This is a great place to share, vent and ask questions. So many people have gone before me and you, who can pray for you, encourage you, listen to you etc. This too will pass...I am not sure where you are in your beliefs...but God is bigger then any diagnosis any of us can receive. I will add you to my prayer list. Please know that how you are feeling is completely normal...you are okay.
God Bless you and yours,
5starr

Thank you both for your reply.
I really needed to know it's not a death sentance. I just got diagnosed today, I have been exerciseing and eating right-and still felt terrible. My nurse prac. called while I was getting ready for work and told me. I had prepared myself, I thought. Today, I noticed, yes my liver hurts. I had a cat scan and I have an enlarged kidney for some reason. my joints and feet kill me from my exercise I injured both feet which wouldn't of happened If my health was o.k.
I just let everything go today and treated myself to an afternoon movie. It was great! "ironman". I have a real supportive fiance. I just hope he can continue to handle it.
You comments have made me feel connected and today for the first time, I quit kicking myself for not "doing enough" or gaining weight, all around my waist. Of course, I feel guilty because I contracted it somehow. Today I am blessed.
Oh, I don't know what genotype(?) I am. Just know I tested positive for hep.C.
My liver is o.k. according to an open MRI. But I have to go to a Nurse Prac. in a new by city medical center for treatment after todays diagnosis.
I know today I felt really bad physically and just started having fevers this week. Joint pain is terrible. when I did some heavy duty "man work" last week. Post hole digging. I got chills and couldn't walk. I guess I'll find out what type but I know I need treatment soon. Thank you and God bless you. I will pray for you as well!

Keep us posted on your prognosis and if you will be taking treatment or not. It is really okay to be self absorbed and overwhelmed at first. Just read as much as you can about the disease before you go for your follow up appt. Write down all your questions, as you may forget some once you are in the office. If possible, take some one with you...having the extra brain and ears will help you later.
You know sometimes when we do things now that we are a bit older, we don't realize it may take a few days to get over what ever that activity was...when we were younger, no biggy or maybe be sore for a day. So maybe realize you should not be digging post holes LOL!

know what your going through. finding it very hard to slow down!! maybe consider some gentler excise, swimming or yoga, and do little and often. I do not really take my own advice and keep over doing it and whacking myself out for days!

Good morning and welcome to DS!! This site will help with any questions and concerns you have. Perhaps your viral load wont be so bad and u may not have to do treatment. Your profile said u were newly diagnosed. The best way to see how much damage to your liver is a biopsy. That will determine how badly the hep damaged your liver. My viral load was 6 million and after 48 wks on treatment, I am undetectable and even though treatment was difficult, I perservered and finally am starting to feel good. I too took major naps prior to treatment. I actually felt pretty decent prior to treatment. That is why it is a silent disease. Had I not been tested for hep, I would have never known. I just thought I loved naps. Ask anyone in my life and they will tell u how I loved to nap. Maybe now that treatment is over, I wont need to nap as much. Good luck on your journey. I am always here if u need me:)

You can do anything you want as far as being active. I have slowed down somewhat but I have been on tx for 26 weeks and it does that to a person. I refuse to let this disease get me down. It really sucks but I will beat it and you can too. I just look into the eyes of my grandchildren if I ever get to feelling down and I pep right up again. Take care and contact me if you need to talk.