Hep C and Fibrosis

[Alliecattt1]

Hi guys, I am hep c positive and just had my bloodwork results come back. I’m petrified because my dr told me I have fibrosis. Now I have to have an ultrasound to find out how scarred my liver is. I’ve been doing inet searches and scaring the hell out of myself because I think I’m starting to show symptoms actually I think I have been havin symptoms and just didn’t realize they were from hep c... (stomach lurching/intense twitches especially at night?). I’m so scared can anyone please respond? I just don’t know what to do, I guess there’s nothing I CAN do. I’m petfrified.

[violet420]

I just found out I have hep C a couple days ago. I see a liver specialist next week. I have no idea what to expect. I know nothing other than what I've read on the internet about hep C. I'm scared. And I suddenly feel all alone in the world. Since I found out a few days ago, all I've been doing is laying around. It takes all I can do to hold my head up. I assume I'm depressed. I just read what you wrote and wanted you to know you aren't alone.... The upside of this, is that there's medication to help us. I pray! And from what I've read, the liver is an organ that can regenerate itself somewhat. Dont quote me! Cause I've read so much on the internet, some could be false, some I could have misinterpreted!

I wish you the best. I wish us both the best! And if you have any advice for mr, please send it my way. Cause I'm at the point of freaking out!!!! Thanks!

[TwinklingStar]

Dear Alliecattt1 & Violet420,Please don't panic! Plenty of help will be available for you both. Are you in the UK? If you are then you will be able to have treatment and the treatment has an excellent success rate.

The most important thing is DO NOT DRINK ANY ALCOHOL! You need to both be in the best state of health to enable you to have the best treatment experience and success.

In 1974 when I was aged 18 I was infected with Hepatitis C during a six unit blood transfusion. I had no other risk factors as I was still a virgin and had not had any tattoos. I had no other risk factors. I developed the symptoms within a very short period of time. In many ways this was good because I recognized the symptoms quickly. Unfortunately, at that time, all my Doctor's refused to diagnose me even though it was blatantly obvious that I had contracted Hepatitis. There was no test for Hepatitis C but a diagnosis of Non A, Non B Hepatitis (now called Hepatitis C) should have been diagnosed because of the clear symptoms I had.

I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) although I wasn't aware of this until decades later. This caused me react badly to alcohol. Also knowing it was so highly probable that I had Hepatitis C I knew alcohol would be very bad for my health. Also the EDS caused me to feel fatigued and over the years I have slept more than the average person.

So a combination of things have probably helped me and consequently I am still alive. There are other people who were infected during blood transfusions who have survived for as long as me but I don't know their history. I do know that one person who was also infected in 1974 is in his 70's. I am now 64. So please stay calm.

The most important things to do while you wait for access to treatment are:

1. Do not drink alcohol

2. Get plenty of sleep

3. Drink plenty of water

4. Try not to consume artificial sweeteners (I find these give me terrible liver pain)

5. Cut your sugar intake down as much as you can (that includes fructose, and other added sugars)

6. Try to eat a balanced diet: not too much fat, not too much carbohydrate, etc. Just balanced I think is best.

7. Take Vitamin D ESPECIALLY if you have been on lockdown.

I think that's enough advice for now. Let me know which country you live in. Make sure to ask your GP (General Practitioner in UK) for a referral to a Consultant to get help about treatment.

Oh I forgot - if you or your partner are using drugs please get immediate help to stop. Do NOT use dirty or used equipment. If you cannot give up injecting drugs immediately then AT LEAST obtain clean equipment and seek help. There are plenty of even worse diseases that you can be infected with.

Remember STRESS is probably one of the biggest killers so get the correct help and while you are waiting do things to distract yourself from worrying -watch comedy programmes, listen to uplifting music, read books, and any other hobbies you enjoy, etc. The Liver can be permanently damaged by Hepatitis but much of the initial damage can be improved as the liver is the only organ which can regenerate itself.

Make sure that you don't have unprotected sex - a condom needs to be used during sex. Avoid sex completely during your periods.

Stay strong, stay safe, get help, don't infect others and BE CALM.

Hugs and love to you both from

🌟Twinkling Star🌟