Concentration and memory

[dheana]

It is wellknown that the Hep C virus induces neurological problems. For those of you who cleared the virus and finished the tx, do you feel an improvement in your memory and concentration comparing with the situation before tx when the virus was active?
I ask that because I have a very demanding job in terms of concentration and memory.

[Commdude]

Most definitely.   I did not know what was wrong with me before TX, and felt that either I was too tired from partying too much, but then again, I was just tooooo tired and unfocused towards the last three months before getting checked.   I have a job and responsibilities like anyone else, own the darned business and kind of have to have responsibilites...but something just didn't seem "right".  Thought it was due to drinking too much...but it was all in moderation...a few drinks after work with coworkers...the usual.... combined with occasional blow outs.  Didn't have alot of energy and "get-go", though for several months....which was uncharacteristic.   Decided then that it was time for a physical just for grins after 10 years without one.  Asked my doc to check  "Everything".  Then  I realized that I had "IT".

Went throught the Inteferon/Reba gauntlet, and after 4 months post TX, feel better than I have for several years.

Coinkidinky....perhaps, but I think not.  Quality of life is much better post Tx, and was definitely worth going through treatment, though I am undecided as to wether I'd do it again if not SVR.

[dheana]

Are you doing the treatment now? I mean do you have that "brain fog" during treatment or after or just before? I feel like I'm living in a different world. I'm now week 41 of treatment and this seems to be the major problem at this stage. I didn't notice any symptoms before I was diagnosed, I was just tired I think. Now I'm even more tired and wonder when this hell will end.

[terriri]

Hi deheana, I think everyone is different on this one. For me it

[Tallblonde]

Thanks for asking this question.  I've only known for 7 weeks that I have HCV, but my memory and concerntration difficulties date back at least 6-7 years.  I'm 44 now, so that means I was starting to experience what I thought were "senior moments" when I was only 36!  Now, looking back, my instincts were right.  Something was definitely NOT RIGHT.

My job demands a lot of focus and concentration.  I especially find it difficult to LISTEN to people.  My mind immediately starts drifting away.  And even the stuff I'm able to catch is lost quickly if I don't write it down.  I'm a strategic planning consultant and a business journalist -- so listening is vital to my success.

I haven't started treatment yet, but I'm so afraid these issues will be exacerbated while I'm on the combo.  And, like dheana, I fear that I'll never regain the mental sharpness I've already seemed to have lost.

Susan