Just diagnosed. What should I expect?

[DHinAZ]

Hi, I am 43 year old woman diagnosed 3 weeks ago with Hep C. -Which I am sure contracted at a dentist chair in South America.
The symptoms I have experienced for a while now, have been feeling tired with no energy and achy joints, some gastrointestinal disturbances that even though bothersome, were not scary, so I never gave them a second thought.
Many friends and family originally said: That's what it feels as you get older.
Though I would think to myself: Getting older shouldn't feel THIS bad.
And at this point, I wish that my liver would be my only health problem.
Since I don't want to bother you with a long list of those, one is being bipolar (fast cycling, with more tendency to the  depressive end of it) and BPD (borderline personality disorder). These are mood disorders that affect my daily living as it is.
I will be seeing a hepatologist later this month, and I understand that HCV's medication has the "tendency" to give depression...

OK, a question:
Hepatitis C and depression. Can someone give me the low down, please?

[sunspot]

There have been a few self identified bi-polar treaters on this board. The main thing I remember from them is to stay on top of your meds for your “mood” disorders.
Depression is a common side of treatment (tx) and many of us are on some form of AD’s but not all.
Have you had a viral load test? You may only be positive for Hep-C antibodies but not have active HCV.

[EspritLibre1]

true on your thots on depression... been studies recently cited here re: hep c and depression going hand-in-hand, and could have attributed to some of your problems all along, without your even know you had it... just my take.  once you see your hep doc and get all info in, let us know... Since I've been on here, I've seen people mention similar problems you're having, and yes it is something that would really have to be evaluated if you decided to treat.  Whoops!  where's my manners - welcome to the forum  and sorry you're dealing with Hep C.  Really tho.... try to relax, this is 'usually' a slow moving disease, there's a lot you can do.  One, you've already done -got a hepatologist.  Make sure once you meet with him/her you have a good communication with him and his office staff.... I'm finding that REALLY valuable 'cause I've been dead on my feet and they always listen to my gripes. Keep your records... ask for copies and of course you can compare notes with members here.  Do some research on your own, search through the archives while you're waiting to see the doc but don't go to crazy with search the information.  Take it one step at a time.  Maybe you'll find the damage is none or little and you will have time to wait.  I have a friend that's going through a study/trial presently (FullOfHope)_VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE- maybe Hope will pop in here.  You may want to visit the Liver Foundation online, CDC and places like that and punch in Hepatitis C to get the basics.

Good luck!  Libby

[DHinAZ]

Thanks,
Any info is welcome.
I was told I have the A genotype and I can't remember the viral load number (I'll make sure I keep record of it going up or down).
The bipolar I've been dealing for about 20 years, so I don't think they are related, but certainly they are overlapping right now, because, the HCV, I contracted just last summer (August 2006). In October 2006, all hepatitis tests were negative, though liver enzime levels were high, and they continued until I finally found out thank you to a doctor that actually listened to all my complains and actually did something about it, like have me get all these different tests to figure out what was wrong with me.
It has been hard to find a doctor that will listen to me when I have so many physical problems. I guess they thought I am just a hypochondriac; until low and behold, I am actually sick with a fair amount of problems.
Anyway,
thank you for your responses, and if you have any other thoughts, please, let me know.
DH

[EspritLibre1]

It is not too busy after a holiday, just my take, for what its worth. So, I hope you do come back and let us know you specific stats... so just keep posting.. and eventually someone will see it or can relate to it.  be well...

[orphanedhawk]

Please, remember we are like you,patients and not doctors.
    The subject of depression and HCV treatment has been covered many times on this forum. Please check the archives for additional information and view points.
   Since common side effects of tx is low blood counts, these can cause emotionally intense feelings. I also think tx effects your hormones while you're doing it. I think you will need to discuss these issues with your doctors. I have a good heptologist and he's tried to give me ADs but I have refused to take them. I have a pretty strong sense of self, have never been suicidal and was more depressed about the state of the world than my personal health. However, I started taking SAM-E for my liver and it has helped my general mood.        Good luck.
  

[ladybug52]

Welcome to the club. It's hard having a depressive disorder and this on top of it. I hope you are able to find a good understanding dr.
The genotypes are numbered like 1, 2, 3, 4. The further classification would be 1a, 1b, 2a, (for example) Your dr may want to order a  biopsy to see how much liver damage you have from the virus. Depending on the outcome of that, you can make a more informed choice on the need to tx immediately or hold off. Some of the newer drugs being tested now, have cut the tx time in half, (according to some of the studies)
Treatment length depends on what genotype you are. Genotype one treats 48 weeks usually, and geno 2 treats for 24. That's standard of care, but that can depend on how you respond to tx.
Good luck, others with bi-polar have been here while on tx. I guess like everything, it's your individual response that will determine what's right for you.
Bug

[DHinAZ]

Thank you all.
I know this is not a forum where doctors respond. I was asking because you are NOT doctors...
Doctors have a different view on illnesses unless they've gone through it themselves.
Nothing like someone who is going or has gone through something to understand it better thank someone who has spent years reading about it, yet have never felt it on their own skin.
And that goes for just about everything in life, doesn't it?
I will look at the archives and look for similar situations as mine.
I appreciate your time.
Be well as well.

[meki]

I can totally identify with the "hypochondriac" feelings.

For a long time I was --- ooooh this hurts... ooohh that doesn't feel right... How come I feel like I'm 100 years old? Why do my knees creak - why do I feel like I have the flu all the time... How come I have a pounding headache all the time - why do I feel depressed ---- cause I have no reason to be depressed --- and I'm not depressed... but I feel BLAH.

Every test under the sun except Hep panels. Nothing's wrong with you... A little anemia... A little thyroid issue... but nothing that won't fix itself if you change this --- or take that...

So - yeah - I can Identify... the day they FINALLY took my hep panels - it was like "OMG - I knew something was wrong - why didn't you find this sooner?"

Now you just have to figure out all the details...

Go on a rampant search.

Good luck to you - and may you clear quickly without lots of side effects.


OOOOHHH...

I wanted to tell you. YES, Hepatitis can and does affect people mentally.

The liver cleans out all toxins in your body - which includes toxins that can cause mental problems.

I do hope that you clear - and that it is the answer to your dreams.

Meki