Re: Question about biopsey results

[Guest guest]

Common symptoms of hepatitis C

FatigueStress (adjusting to HCV)Flu-like symptomsRight upper side discomfort

The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe. They may be barely noticed, or they may cause problems for the infected person. Symptoms, when they appear at all, usually develop gradually. Because symptoms can appear and disappear, a person may experience periods of both good and poor health. Symptoms during the chronic phase may last several weeks or months at a time. However, rather than coming and going, it is possible that the symptoms could disappear altogether.

A symptom or treatment side effect may differ from person to person in these ways:

how often it appears (frequency); how much the individual feels it (intensity); and, how long it lasts (duration).

There are many reasons why people with HCV experience symptoms differently, such as age, general state of health, and the degree of viral infection (viral load). This makes it difficult for people working in health care, government, and the insurance business to agree on a definition for “disabling effect” that clearly reflects the severity of disability experienced by an individual person.

Here are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with HCV.

Fatigue

Many people infected with HCV experience fatigue. Factors that may contribute to fatigue include:

pain – Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort may cause fatigue. Pain may also sap energy. depression and stress– Depression and stress may cause a person to feel a lack of energy, or fatigued. (See more information under ‘Common side effects of treatment’.) being less active– One may not feel like doing much — even simple tasks require major effort. If a person doesn’t get enough physical activity, however, muscles will weaken and the person will be able to do less over time. overdoing it–Some people do too much on the days they feel well. They find it hard to pace themselves because they want to keep up with their regular activities or they don’t want others to know they are not well.

People who have fatigue describe having good days and bad days. Sometimes a string of good days will be followed by days of feeling totally “wiped out.” It’s entirely possible for a person with HCV not to feel fatigued; on the other hand, severe fatigue may develop in people whose tests show little or no changes in the liver due to the infection.

For some people fatigue is a daily companion. They may feel fatigued in the morning and completely exhausted before the end of an ordinary workday. This type of fatigue, which isn’t linked to over-stressed muscles, is better described by the word lassitude. Lassitude means the person feels a complete lack of energy, and may feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. This state of chronic weariness may cause a lot of negative changes in life.

Some people experience what may be called “brain fog”. Brain fog is how people describe being unable to concentrate or being forgetful. It may take them longer to complete a routine task, or they may feel a lack of mental strength needed to finish tasks.

Stress (adjusting to HCV)

Stress can be created when the person with HCV worries about the future. Why? Having HCV may change a person’s outlook on life. The stress of dealing with the losses caused by a chronic illness can make symptoms worse and may even affect the progression of disease. For some people, this emotional strain may be more disabling than the physical effects of the disease.

People living with HCV may experience depression and anger, even without signs of liver inflammation. Others report that they feel more irritable (likely to “fly off the handle”) or moody than usual. These symptoms, sometimes described as “inside your head,” may have a more direct link to HCV than is currently known. Researchers are looking for a connection between HCV and “mild” changes to the brain.

Some common stresses are:

uncertainty about the future and feeling unable to make plans; fear of physical or mental deterioration; possibility that important health care services may not be available when needed; imbalances and tension that may develop in important relationships; and, having tests done, including a liver biopsy, and then waiting for test results.

It must be noted that a person’s life situation, even without the HCV infection, may be terribly stressful. Taking care of the basics will likely take priority over symptom management or the threat of poor health in the future. Worry over where to sleep tonight or when the next meal will come is more “real” for some people than a concern for liver damage, with or without symptoms.

Flu-like symptoms

Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of HCV infection. If the nausea leads to severe vomiting, a health care provider should be consulted for help to avoid weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Muscles may feel sore and joints may ache.

Right upper side discomfort

Some people may feel a dull ache on their right side, just below the rib cage. In fewer cases, an ache or pain may travel up to the right shoulder, or be experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling. This discomfort is believed to be due to swelling of the liver, causing the thick membrane surrounding the liver to stretch.

[Guest guest]

Thanks, well, I guess I have it, LOL.. If I hadn't had the blood work, this would have given it away for sure.. It was actually the right upper side discomfort that finally got me to the doctor. Sheenaelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: Common symptoms of hepatitis C FatigueStress (adjusting to HCV)Flu-like symptomsRight upper side discomfort The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe. They may be barely noticed, or they may cause problems for the infected person. Symptoms, when they appear at all, usually develop

gradually. Because symptoms can appear and disappear, a person may experience periods of both good and poor health. Symptoms during the chronic phase may last several weeks or months at a time. However, rather than coming and going, it is possible that the symptoms could disappear altogether. A symptom or treatment side effect may differ from person to person in these ways: how often it appears (frequency); how much the individual feels it (intensity); and, how long it lasts (duration). There are many reasons why people with HCV experience symptoms differently, such as age, general state of health, and the degree of viral infection (viral load). This makes it difficult for people working in health care, government, and the insurance business to agree on a definition for “disabling effect” that clearly reflects the severity of disability experienced by an individual person. Here are the symptoms commonly

experienced by people with HCV. Fatigue Many people infected with HCV experience fatigue. Factors that may contribute to fatigue include: pain – Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort may cause fatigue. Pain may also sap energy. depression and stress– Depression and stress may cause a person to feel a lack of energy, or fatigued. (See more information under ‘Common side effects of treatment’.) being less active– One may not feel like doing much — even simple tasks require major effort. If a person doesn’t get enough physical activity, however, muscles will weaken and the person will be able to do less over time. overdoing it–Some people do too much on the days they feel well. They find it hard to pace themselves because they want to keep up with their regular activities or they don’t want

others to know they are not well. People who have fatigue describe having good days and bad days. Sometimes a string of good days will be followed by days of feeling totally “wiped out.” It’s entirely possible for a person with HCV not to feel fatigued; on the other hand, severe fatigue may develop in people whose tests show little or no changes in the liver due to the infection. For some people fatigue is a daily companion. They may feel fatigued in the morning and completely exhausted before the end of an ordinary workday. This type of fatigue, which isn’t linked to over-stressed muscles, is better described by the word lassitude. Lassitude means the person feels a complete lack of energy, and may feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. This state of chronic weariness may cause a lot of negative changes in life. Some people experience what may be called “brain fog”. Brain fog is how people describe being unable to

concentrate or being forgetful. It may take them longer to complete a routine task, or they may feel a lack of mental strength needed to finish tasks. Stress (adjusting to HCV) Stress can be created when the person with HCV worries about the future. Why? Having HCV may change a person’s outlook on life. The stress of dealing with the losses caused by a chronic illness can make symptoms worse and may even affect the progression of disease. For some people, this emotional strain may be more disabling than the physical effects of the disease. People living with HCV may experience depression and anger, even without signs of liver inflammation. Others report that they feel more irritable (likely to “fly off the handle”) or moody than usual. These symptoms, sometimes described as “inside your head,” may have a more direct link to HCV than

is currently known. Researchers are looking for a connection between HCV and “mild” changes to the brain. Some common stresses are: uncertainty about the future and feeling unable to make plans; fear of physical or mental deterioration; possibility that important health care services may not be available when needed; imbalances and tension that may develop in important relationships; and, having tests done, including a liver biopsy, and then waiting for test results. It must be noted that a person’s life situation, even without the HCV infection, may be terribly stressful. Taking care of the basics will likely take priority over symptom management or the threat of poor health in the future. Worry over where to sleep tonight or when the next meal will come is more “real” for some people than a concern for liver damage, with or without symptoms. Flu-like

symptoms Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of HCV infection. If the nausea leads to severe vomiting, a health care provider should be consulted for help to avoid weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Muscles may feel sore and joints may ache. Right upper side discomfort Some people may feel a dull ache on their right side, just below the rib cage. In fewer cases, an ache or pain may travel up to the right shoulder, or be experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling. This discomfort is believed to be due to swelling of the liver, causing the thick membrane surrounding the liver to stretch.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Most people are diagnosed like that , or they go to give blood and get letters from the blood banks .

Re: Question about biopsey results

Thanks, well, I guess I have it, LOL..

If I hadn't had the blood work, this would have given it away for sure..

It was actually the right upper side discomfort that finally got me

to the doctor.

Sheenaelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

Common symptoms of hepatitis C

FatigueStress (adjusting to HCV)Flu-like symptomsRight upper side discomfort

The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe. They may be barely noticed, or they may cause problems for the infected person. Symptoms, when they appear at all, usually develop gradually. Because symptoms can appear and disappear, a person may experience periods of both good and poor health. Symptoms during the chronic phase may last several weeks or months at a time. However, rather than coming and going, it is possible that the symptoms could disappear altogether.

A symptom or treatment side effect may differ from person to person in these ways:

how often it appears (frequency); how much the individual feels it (intensity); and, how long it lasts (duration).

There are many reasons why people with HCV experience symptoms differently, such as age, general state of health, and the degree of viral infection (viral load). This makes it difficult for people working in health care, government, and the insurance business to agree on a definition for “disabling effect” that clearly reflects the severity of disability experienced by an individual person.

Here are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with HCV.

Fatigue

Many people infected with HCV experience fatigue. Factors that may contribute to fatigue include:

pain – Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort may cause fatigue. Pain may also sap energy. depression and stress– Depression and stress may cause a person to feel a lack of energy, or fatigued. (See more information under ‘Common side effects of treatment’.) being less active– One may not feel like doing much — even simple tasks require major effort. If a person doesn’t get enough physical activity, however, muscles will weaken and the person will be able to do less over time. overdoing it–Some people do too much on the days they feel well. They find it hard to pace themselves because they want to keep up with their regular activities or they don’t want others to know they are not well.

People who have fatigue describe having good days and bad days. Sometimes a string of good days will be followed by days of feeling totally “wiped out.” It’s entirely possible for a person with HCV not to feel fatigued; on the other hand, severe fatigue may develop in people whose tests show little or no changes in the liver due to the infection.

For some people fatigue is a daily companion. They may feel fatigued in the morning and completely exhausted before the end of an ordinary workday. This type of fatigue, which isn’t linked to over-stressed muscles, is better described by the word lassitude. Lassitude means the person feels a complete lack of energy, and may feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. This state of chronic weariness may cause a lot of negative changes in life.

Some people experience what may be called “brain fog”. Brain fog is how people describe being unable to concentrate or being forgetful. It may take them longer to complete a routine task, or they may feel a lack of mental strength needed to finish tasks.

Stress (adjusting to HCV)

Stress can be created when the person with HCV worries about the future. Why? Having HCV may change a person’s outlook on life. The stress of dealing with the losses caused by a chronic illness can make symptoms worse and may even affect the progression of disease. For some people, this emotional strain may be more disabling than the physical effects of the disease.

People living with HCV may experience depression and anger, even without signs of liver inflammation. Others report that they feel more irritable (likely to “fly off the handle”) or moody than usual. These symptoms, sometimes described as “inside your head,” may have a more direct link to HCV than is currently known. Researchers are looking for a connection between HCV and “mild” changes to the brain.

Some common stresses are:

uncertainty about the future and feeling unable to make plans; fear of physical or mental deterioration; possibility that important health care services may not be available when needed; imbalances and tension that may develop in important relationships; and, having tests done, including a liver biopsy, and then waiting for test results.

It must be noted that a person’s life situation, even without the HCV infection, may be terribly stressful. Taking care of the basics will likely take priority over symptom management or the threat of poor health in the future. Worry over where to sleep tonight or when the next meal will come is more “real” for some people than a concern for liver damage, with or without symptoms.

Flu-like symptoms

Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of HCV infection. If the nausea leads to severe vomiting, a health care provider should be consulted for help to avoid weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Muscles may feel sore and joints may ache.

Right upper side discomfort

Some people may feel a dull ache on their right side, just below the rib cage. In fewer cases, an ache or pain may travel up to the right shoulder, or be experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling. This discomfort is believed to be due to swelling of the liver, causing the thick membrane surrounding the liver to stretch.

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

I found out when I got my labs after the life insurance company

rejected me for a 500k policy. I was more upset about being rejected

that about the hep c at first, because I was like, " ok, I'm gonna die,

who will take care of the kids! " . I hate that the insurance companies

write you off IMMEDIATELY when you have hep c...they have NO faith

that some people will actually take care of themselves and live along

life with hep c.

> Common symptoms of hepatitis C

>

>

>

>

> Fatigue

> Stress (adjusting to HCV)

> Flu-like symptoms

> Right upper side discomfort

> The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe. They

may be barely noticed, or they may cause problems for the infected

person. Symptoms, when they appear at all, usually develop gradually.

Because symptoms can appear and disappear, a person may experience

periods of both good and poor health. Symptoms during the chronic

phase may last several weeks or months at a time. However, rather than

coming and going, it is possible that the symptoms could disappear

altogether.

> A symptom or treatment side effect may differ from person

to person in these ways:

> a.. how often it appears (frequency);

> b.. how much the individual feels it (intensity); and,

> c.. how long it lasts (duration).

> There are many reasons why people with HCV experience

symptoms differently, such as age, general state of health, and the

degree of viral infection (viral load). This makes it difficult for

people working in health care, government, and the insurance business

to agree on a definition for " disabling effect " that clearly reflects

the severity of disability experienced by an individual person.

> Here are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with HCV.

> Fatigue

> Many people infected with HCV experience fatigue. Factors

that may contribute to fatigue include:

> a.. pain - Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort may

cause fatigue. Pain may also sap energy.

> b.. depression and stress- Depression and stress may

cause a person to feel a lack of energy, or fatigued. (See more

information under 'Common side effects of treatment'.)

> c.. being less active- One may not feel like doing much

- even simple tasks require major effort. If a person doesn't get

enough physical activity, however, muscles will weaken and the person

will be able to do less over time.

> d.. overdoing it-Some people do too much on the days

they feel well. They find it hard to pace themselves because they want

to keep up with their regular activities or they don't want others to

know they are not well.

> People who have fatigue describe having good days and bad

days. Sometimes a string of good days will be followed by days of

feeling totally " wiped out. " It's entirely possible for a person with

HCV not to feel fatigued; on the other hand, severe fatigue may

develop in people whose tests show little or no changes in the liver

due to the infection.

> For some people fatigue is a daily companion. They may

feel fatigued in the morning and completely exhausted before the end

of an ordinary workday. This type of fatigue, which isn't linked to

over-stressed muscles, is better described by the word lassitude.

Lassitude means the person feels a complete lack of energy, and may

feel tired even after a full night's sleep. This state of chronic

weariness may cause a lot of negative changes in life.

> Some people experience what may be called " brain fog " .

Brain fog is how people describe being unable to concentrate or being

forgetful. It may take them longer to complete a routine task, or they

may feel a lack of mental strength needed to finish tasks.

> Stress (adjusting to HCV)

> Stress can be created when the person with HCV worries

about the future. Why? Having HCV may change a person's outlook on

life. The stress of dealing with the losses caused by a chronic

illness can make symptoms worse and may even affect the progression of

disease. For some people, this emotional strain may be more disabling

than the physical effects of the disease.

> People living with HCV may experience depression and

anger, even without signs of liver inflammation. Others report that

they feel more irritable (likely to " fly off the handle " ) or moody

than usual. These symptoms, sometimes described as " inside your head, "

may have a more direct link to HCV than is currently known.

Researchers are looking for a connection between HCV and " mild "

changes to the brain.

> Some common stresses are:

> a.. uncertainty about the future and feeling unable to

make plans;

> b.. fear of physical or mental deterioration;

> c.. possibility that important health care services may

not be available when needed;

> d.. imbalances and tension that may develop in important

relationships; and,

> e.. having tests done, including a liver biopsy, and

then waiting for test results.

> It must be noted that a person's life situation, even

without the HCV infection, may be terribly stressful. Taking care of

the basics will likely take priority over symptom management or the

threat of poor health in the future. Worry over where to sleep tonight

or when the next meal will come is more " real " for some people than a

concern for liver damage, with or without symptoms.

> Flu-like symptoms

> Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of HCV

infection. If the nausea leads to severe vomiting, a health care

provider should be consulted for help to avoid weight loss,

dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Muscles may feel sore and

joints may ache.

> Right upper side discomfort

> Some people may feel a dull ache on their right side, just

below the rib cage. In fewer cases, an ache or pain may travel up to

the right shoulder, or be experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling.

This discomfort is believed to be due to swelling of the liver,

causing the thick membrane surrounding the liver to stretch.

>

>

>

>

>

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.

Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

>

[Guest guest]

That's so true , I gave up many years ago trying to get life insurance because they wouldnt cover me .

Re: Question about biopsey results

I found out when I got my labs after the life insurance companyrejected me for a 500k policy. I was more upset about being rejectedthat about the hep c at first, because I was like, "ok, I'm gonna die,who will take care of the kids!". I hate that the insurance companieswrite you off IMMEDIATELY when you have hep c...they have NO faiththat some people will actually take care of themselves and live alonglife with hep c.> Common symptoms of hepatitis C > > > > > Fatigue> Stress (adjusting to HCV)> Flu-like symptoms> Right upper side discomfort> The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe. Theymay be barely noticed, or they may cause problems for the infectedperson. Symptoms, when they appear at all, usually develop gradually.Because symptoms can appear and disappear, a person may experienceperiods of both good and poor health. Symptoms during the chronicphase may last several weeks or months at a time. However, rather thancoming and going, it is possible that the symptoms could disappearaltogether.> A symptom or treatment side effect may differ from personto person in these ways: > a.. how often it appears (frequency); > b.. how much the individual feels it (intensity); and, > c.. how long it lasts (duration).> There are many reasons why people with HCV experiencesymptoms differently, such as age, general state of health, and thedegree of viral infection (viral load). This makes it difficult forpeople working in health care, government, and the insurance businessto agree on a definition for "disabling effect" that clearly reflectsthe severity of disability experienced by an individual person.> Here are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with HCV.> Fatigue> Many people infected with HCV experience fatigue. Factorsthat may contribute to fatigue include: > a.. pain - Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort maycause fatigue. Pain may also sap energy. > b.. depression and stress- Depression and stress maycause a person to feel a lack of energy, or fatigued. (See moreinformation under 'Common side effects of treatment'.) > c.. being less active- One may not feel like doing much- even simple tasks require major effort. If a person doesn't getenough physical activity, however, muscles will weaken and the personwill be able to do less over time. > d.. overdoing it-Some people do too much on the daysthey feel well. They find it hard to pace themselves because they wantto keep up with their regular activities or they don't want others toknow they are not well.> People who have fatigue describe having good days and baddays. Sometimes a string of good days will be followed by days offeeling totally "wiped out." It's entirely possible for a person withHCV not to feel fatigued; on the other hand, severe fatigue maydevelop in people whose tests show little or no changes in the liverdue to the infection.> For some people fatigue is a daily companion. They mayfeel fatigued in the morning and completely exhausted before the endof an ordinary workday. This type of fatigue, which isn't linked toover-stressed muscles, is better described by the word lassitude.Lassitude means the person feels a complete lack of energy, and mayfeel tired even after a full night's sleep. This state of chronicweariness may cause a lot of negative changes in life.> Some people experience what may be called "brain fog".Brain fog is how people describe being unable to concentrate or beingforgetful. It may take them longer to complete a routine task, or theymay feel a lack of mental strength needed to finish tasks.> Stress (adjusting to HCV)> Stress can be created when the person with HCV worriesabout the future. Why? Having HCV may change a person's outlook onlife. The stress of dealing with the losses caused by a chronicillness can make symptoms worse and may even affect the progression ofdisease. For some people, this emotional strain may be more disablingthan the physical effects of the disease.> People living with HCV may experience depression andanger, even without signs of liver inflammation. Others report thatthey feel more irritable (likely to "fly off the handle") or moodythan usual. These symptoms, sometimes described as "inside your head,"may have a more direct link to HCV than is currently known.Researchers are looking for a connection between HCV and "mild"changes to the brain.> Some common stresses are: > a.. uncertainty about the future and feeling unable tomake plans; > b.. fear of physical or mental deterioration; > c.. possibility that important health care services maynot be available when needed; > d.. imbalances and tension that may develop in importantrelationships; and, > e.. having tests done, including a liver biopsy, andthen waiting for test results.> It must be noted that a person's life situation, evenwithout the HCV infection, may be terribly stressful. Taking care ofthe basics will likely take priority over symptom management or thethreat of poor health in the future. Worry over where to sleep tonightor when the next meal will come is more "real" for some people than aconcern for liver damage, with or without symptoms.> Flu-like symptoms> Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of HCVinfection. If the nausea leads to severe vomiting, a health careprovider should be consulted for help to avoid weight loss,dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Muscles may feel sore andjoints may ache.> Right upper side discomfort> Some people may feel a dull ache on their right side, justbelow the rib cage. In fewer cases, an ache or pain may travel up tothe right shoulder, or be experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling.This discomfort is believed to be due to swelling of the liver,causing the thick membrane surrounding the liver to stretch. > > > > > >----------------------------------------------------------> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.Great rates starting at 1¢/min.>

[Guest guest]

yep,, I hate em too,, they have NO soul or heart!marvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote: I found out when I got my labs after the life insurance companyrejected me for a 500k policy. I was more upset about being rejectedthat about the hep c at first, because I was like, "ok, I'm gonna die,who will take care of the kids!". I hate that the insurance companieswrite you off IMMEDIATELY when you have hep c...they have NO faiththat some people will actually take care of themselves and live

alonglife with hep c.>

Common symptoms of hepatitis C > > > > > Fatigue> Stress (adjusting to HCV)> Flu-like symptoms> Right upper side discomfort> The symptoms of HCV can range from mild to severe. Theymay be barely noticed, or they may cause problems for the infectedperson. Symptoms, when they appear at all, usually develop gradually.Because symptoms can appear and disappear, a person may experienceperiods of both good and poor health. Symptoms during the chronicphase may last several weeks or months at a time. However, rather thancoming and going, it is possible that the symptoms could disappearaltogether.> A symptom or treatment side effect may differ from personto person in these ways: > a.. how often it appears (frequency); > b.. how much the individual feels it (intensity); and, > c.. how long it lasts (duration).> There are many reasons why people with HCV

experiencesymptoms differently, such as age, general state of health, and thedegree of viral infection (viral load). This makes it difficult forpeople working in health care, government, and the insurance businessto agree on a definition for "disabling effect" that clearly reflectsthe severity of disability experienced by an individual person.> Here are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with HCV.> Fatigue> Many people infected with HCV experience fatigue. Factorsthat may contribute to fatigue include: > a.. pain - Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort maycause fatigue. Pain may also sap energy. > b.. depression and stress- Depression and stress maycause a person to feel a lack of energy, or fatigued. (See moreinformation under 'Common side effects of treatment'.) > c.. being less active- One may not feel like doing much- even simple tasks require major effort. If a person doesn't

getenough physical activity, however, muscles will weaken and the personwill be able to do less over time. > d.. overdoing it-Some people do too much on the daysthey feel well. They find it hard to pace themselves because they wantto keep up with their regular activities or they don't want others toknow they are not well.> People who have fatigue describe having good days and baddays. Sometimes a string of good days will be followed by days offeeling totally "wiped out." It's entirely possible for a person withHCV not to feel fatigued; on the other hand, severe fatigue maydevelop in people whose tests show little or no changes in the liverdue to the infection.> For some people fatigue is a daily companion. They mayfeel fatigued in the morning and completely exhausted before the endof an ordinary workday. This type of fatigue, which isn't linked toover-stressed muscles, is better described by the word

lassitude.Lassitude means the person feels a complete lack of energy, and mayfeel tired even after a full night's sleep. This state of chronicweariness may cause a lot of negative changes in life.> Some people experience what may be called "brain fog".Brain fog is how people describe being unable to concentrate or beingforgetful. It may take them longer to complete a routine task, or theymay feel a lack of mental strength needed to finish tasks.> Stress (adjusting to HCV)> Stress can be created when the person with HCV worriesabout the future. Why? Having HCV may change a person's outlook onlife. The stress of dealing with the losses caused by a chronicillness can make symptoms worse and may even affect the progression ofdisease. For some people, this emotional strain may be more disablingthan the physical effects of the disease.> People living with HCV may experience depression andanger, even

without signs of liver inflammation. Others report thatthey feel more irritable (likely to "fly off the handle") or moodythan usual. These symptoms, sometimes described as "inside your head,"may have a more direct link to HCV than is currently known.Researchers are looking for a connection between HCV and "mild"changes to the brain.> Some common stresses are: > a.. uncertainty about the future and feeling unable tomake plans; > b.. fear of physical or mental deterioration; > c.. possibility that important health care services maynot be available when needed; > d.. imbalances and tension that may develop in importantrelationships; and, > e.. having tests done, including a liver biopsy, andthen waiting for test results.> It must be noted that a person's life situation, evenwithout the HCV infection, may be terribly stressful. Taking care ofthe basics will likely take priority over

symptom management or thethreat of poor health in the future. Worry over where to sleep tonightor when the next meal will come is more "real" for some people than aconcern for liver damage, with or without symptoms.> Flu-like symptoms> Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of HCVinfection. If the nausea leads to severe vomiting, a health careprovider should be consulted for help to avoid weight loss,dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Muscles may feel sore andjoints may ache.> Right upper side discomfort> Some people may feel a dull ache on their right side, justbelow the rib cage. In fewer cases, an ache or pain may travel up tothe right shoulder, or be experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling.This discomfort is believed to be due to swelling of the liver,causing the thick membrane surrounding the liver to stretch. > > > > >

>----------------------------------------------------------> Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls.Great rates starting at 1¢/min.>Jackie