At my wits end. Just looking for help.

[MintTop]

Hello, I was diagnosed with type 2 hep c 8 months ago but for about a year I have felt so unwell. I think that it's probably come from a tattoo I got 5 years ago. In the past I've suffered from anxiety and depression but I've managed to keep it under control until being diagnosed. Since then, I've been off work in a state of being sick of tired of being sick and tired.

I was just wondering if anyone else has any symptoms? I'm so tired all of the time, I'll have say one good day of being able to do things but then it's like I've used up all my energy. I ache all over, I especially have a headache everyday when I wake up. My skin can get really itchy, so itchy that in my sleep I'm itching my skin off. I'm having great difficulty sleeping, I used to be so good at sleeping 😁 and I have this pain around my liver area, it's like a dull throb but put of nowhere there's a stabbing pain that takes the wind out of me. If I was lying down it never bothered me but it's gradually got worse.

My anxiety has obviously got worse as well, I've changed anti-depressants 3 times and have started going to therapy, which does help. The GPS in ,your village aren't very good.

I first got diagnosed by accident when having a blood test for meningitis. My local GP had to take more blood for more tests which they messed up by using the wrong tubes. Then they confused me by saying maybe I didn't have it maybe it's gallstones but I did have it.

I live in Orkney so I've had to travel down to Aberdeen a few times to see liver specialists. The first time I saw a specialist nurse who was really good and she agreed that it probably came from the tattoo 5 years ago. The second time down, I had to see a doctor, she thought that I only caught it a few months ago and didn't want to rush me onto treatment, due to my history of depression, as sometimes it can go away on its own. She wanted a blood test to be done 4 weeks later to check.

So anot her blood test was taken which was messed up again by my GP because of the wrong blood tubes. So finally after another blood test, it turns out I still have it. You can tell because it's your own body when you aren't well. Because of where I live and everything having to go to Aberdeen, I feelet it's just taking so long for anything to happen and nobody iso telling what's going on.

After everything that's happened, I feel like my GP just doesn't listen to me at all I'm at my wits end about what to do about the pain I'm in as the usual paracetamol and ibuprofen doesn't touch it at all.

Sorry for my life's story but I want to put my mind at ease. Does anyone else feel the same way? Or is it just me and my anxiety?

Thanks for reading, if you could bare it 😊

[Chefkarl]

Mine also came from a tattoo... I'm working on Arran if you want yo meet to vent we can exchange details. We all need an ear!!

[MintTop in reply to Chefkarl]

That would be amazing but Arran is a completely different island. I'm off the very top of Scotland, very isolated. I think that's why I feel the way I do at the moment.

[Chefkarl in reply to MintTop]

Remote isn't good, find someone to talk to! I don't have anyone really hence why I have started looking on here! It's fucking shit really, I'm a chef and drink like a fish which h isn't good but apparently my liver is super healthy and I'm on a waiting list but you have to be fucked to get meds that makes no sense so why should I stop drinking! I'm considering going abroad maybe oz to buy the meds but saving is hard and to be honest my mind set is fucked would rather go travelling and just deal with it later. I'm still kinda in denial had it a year now or there about! I don't know what to say other than how your feeling is normal and your not the only one! Depression and anxiety I think is down to finding out and dealing with it I had it last year and this year really bad but stopped taking fluroxitine as I hated them and do t want yo rely on meds had diazipane for anxiety but just found myself eating the to block it all out! I just graft and don't think about it but I am going to my new gp tomorrow to try and find out where I'm at!!! Message on here anytime if you want to bounce of someone! I need that to! Be well mate

[MintTop in reply to Chefkarl]

I feel bad for you, what a poor show not giving you treatment. I know what you mean about taking medication for depression. I hate it too. I'm not eating properly too, eating way too much junk food and not making myself nice meals. If you are thinking of travelling, you'll be welcome here Orkney.

[Chefkarl in reply to MintTop]

I just came from my new gp now! Prescribed me beeterblockers! Should help with the panick attacks and the want to just run!!! Hopefully the go here and hospital will be a bit more attentive than the last!! Will see I'm not going anywhere soon I just need someone to start showing me the balls rolling otherwise what's the point may as well go on a jolly!! Orkney sounds good I'm a big fisherman!!! Sadly my job as a chef is full on, maybe October!! Stay strong. My private email... [e-mail] and if anyone else wants to talk feel free to email me and we can exchange details. I need to start accepting and understanding as I'm sure we all do. Best stress release for me is exercise and that's not going to hurt us it or a good long walk. I'm of today so of to climb a local summit

[MintTop in reply to Chefkarl]

That's good to hear. Sometimes that's all it takes, a change and to feel that you're being listened to.

[Healthypaul]

Hi, I can't really give you the reply you deserve. My situation is quite different and I guess I'm very lucky by comparison.

It sounds like you do have other health problems and when you add all this together I'm not at all surprised you feel as you do and struggle with the whole health scenario.

Your G.P. was right initially saying in the early weeks hep c can cure itself and pass on. However after several months heading towards a year it's not likely.

I am sure with your poor health the GO and specialists should recommend treatment and I would push for it.

Unfortunate that you live in a remote area but push for the treatment and work around it when it happens. Good luck.

A short history of my hep c. Think I got it 45 years ago didn't even know I had it til 15 years ago when I was a bit feverish, tired depressed and anxious. That passed a bit . Generally just get tired. Cut back on booze and have lots of alcohol free time.

Awaiting treatment, maybe this year. Still I'm one of the relatively lucky hep c sufferers

Good luck

[MintTop in reply to Healthypaul]

Thanks, I've heard that I'm starting treatment in September. It will be the ribaviron tablets I think. 7 tablets a day.

I'm nervous because of the side affects but at least I know it will only be for a few weeks.

[Mikemike229]

Don't let them talk you onto taking that muck.

You need Harvoni (or similar) Much greater chance of a cure and fewer sides.

You need to research this. There is plenty of stuff online.

[Coolninja807 in reply to Mikemike229]

Try mavyret

[Phillipaussie]

If you have it,the doctor has told you,they will contact you with an appointment to liver consultant,they may test further nothing to worry about, find out the genotype you have and start treatment, unfortunately the hardest part is the waiting,I'm in similar situation so found out after many many tests and scans, I have an appointment in Jan,can only guess it's to start treatment based on what they know been told I may have a cancer and it's not yet ruled out but I went from teaching to hep c prostate,gastritis,hernia,bladder etc etc. Hang in there,it's a journey but your underway, safe travels.x