Hep C and Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I'm 76 years young and have had Hep C since (at the latest) my early 30's when I was diagnosed with liver disease--not called Hep C back then. Could have gotten it from blood transfusions I had at 19 with the birth of my 2nd child or from a little drug use in the early 1960's or from who knows where. I still have it--have not treated --am still in the early stages of liver damage. I was in my mid 60's when it was diagnosed as Hep C. Doctors recommended that I not treat then so I didn't.

This is what The Center for Disease Control has to say about Hep C.

The CDC (US Centers for Disease Control) states that of those that develop chronic Hepatitis C approximately 8-28% will develop cirrhosis over a period of 20-30 years. Also, of those infected with chronic Hepatitis C only about 2-7% will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer which is a profound bit of information to all Hepatitis C patients (especially the newly diagnosed). So be encouraged that Hepatitis C is certainly not a death sentence

Sounds as if you are not sure that you have Hep C. Have you been to the doctor to be sure? If you have not, Then YOU MUST GO. You need to see what you are ACTUALLY facing in terms of your health. Your boys might have gotten it in some sort of blood to blood contact with their dad. If you said that you have been diagnosed with Hep C in your postings, then I must have missed it and apologize in advance. You, also, need to learn ALL you can about Hep C. Then you will not be so afraid. It is a slow moving disease and affects us all a little differently. I am still fine after all these years. Many people who are fine don't go on forums and talk about it. They don't really feel the need of support and, unfortunately, don't post so others can be less afraid. There is an online book called Choices that gives a very clear picture of Hep C and what it is all about. Go to hepcchallenge.org and go to the reading room. You can read it online and don't have to buy it. It is important that you learn about it instead of worrying yourself sick.

As for treatment, many on the forum will tell you (and your sons) not to rush into treatment. Learn all you can about it first and make preparations. They have treated and know what is best. So many new and less difficult treatments are being tested right now.

If you go to a doctor who talks about dying--find one who talks about what you CAN do to live. Everyone of us on the forum is still living with Hep C or has done treatment and is now considered cured. Yes, people can die from Hep C but most of us live.

Take a deep breath, dry your tears and join us on this journey.

Hugs, SuziQ

In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling a song. Walt Whitman