Liver damage

[prettydamscared]

Hi all,  I learned on 4/4 that I have hep C.  I'm 51, female, 1a, VL is over 5M & I could possibly have contracted this as long ago as 35 years or as recently as 20 years.  BX won't be until June.  To say I'm scared is a major understatement.  I've spent hours reading old posts and links to articles.  You all are a wealth of information. I'm just figuring out the abbreviations.  I'm so glad I happened across this site.  I'm ashamed and embarrassed to talk to anyone about this and I'm so scared.  I feel like this disease is gomna kick my butt because it hits me in so many areas where I already feel weak and susceptible.  I understand high viral count isn't supposed to be an indicator of liver damage.  To me, it stands to reason that high VL and duration of time that I've had this would have to play into it.  Am I right?  What I'm most concerned about are prescription drugs.  I take ambien, xanax, or temazepam every night and have for years.  I take phentermine during the day & have been for almost 10 years.  I can't seem to find any info online about these drugs & have no idea how to broach my doc with this info.  I'd really appreciate any info about harmful drugs and/or supplements.  I drink very moderately so I'm not too concerned about that or should I be? My biggest concerns are the above mentioned drugs, how long I've been taling them and the fact that I can't sleep without a pill.  BX is 2 months away.  I'm afraid I'm going to completely freak myself out worrying about this between now & then.  Thanks in advance for any help.
Char

[OnAPrettyPoison]

Welcome - you came to the right place.  Research, and don't be scared and don't worry!  Easier to say than do!  I have had HCV about 23 years and had no damage and level 1 inflamation.  I decided to go ahead and treat while my odds of SVR are as good as they are going to get.  Just because you have had it awhile doesn't mean you have alot of damage.  You will find it is alot of hurry up and wait.  I found the waiting was much more stressful than the treating has been. Glad to have you with us!

[Pdilly]

You know it is scary how you can have this and not feel any pain or any of the symptoms I have read about.  I wonder how most people find out about it?   I just happened to have a yearly blood work and they found slightly positive numbers and redid the check and it still read that way.  My MD told me to wait but I don't want to.  I do better dealing with the facts.

[bobbyullc]

you had good luck finding this site. it has saved me thousands and given me support and info to keep me aware of how to proceed with tx.
i think the big marker for you is the bx. if it is only one or two you do not an imediate crisis. in any case there are many options with this desease and more coming all the time. it is not a death sentence so try and relax.
also it is nothing to feel ASHAMED about? i got it doing herion in the 60's and do not feel ashamed. it was one bad choice and i am not like that now. 4 million people or 2% of the usa have been diognosed with hep c so you are not alone. keep pluged into this site as it can really be a blessing. welcome to our merry band as we proceed down the foggy tx. path.
bobby

[Pdilly]

This is the best site.  I love it when you all come together and help someone so scared.  I tested positive by my MD and have a appointment with my specialist May2 to have the blood work done.  I agree the first week I thought I was dying. I cried and appoligized to my husband and son.  SInce then they nave been tested and are neg.  I may have had it since 70 or since 80.  Nothing in between will do.  I am a female 55.  I know they make it sound the older you are the worse off you are but the people on this site give you the courage to go on and to be as calm as you can be.

[Alady1620]

Everything will be ok.  It is normal to feel scared, embarassed, and depressed upon diagnosis of hep c.  If you haven't looked into a support group in your area, I suggest you do.

As far as the xanax, I was prescribed that along with Restoril, for sleep, when I started treatment so your sleep medications shouldn't be a problem.  Currently, I have found that one tylenol pm works just as well.

Are you going to treat?

[Forseegood]

hi, I neglected to say that of course you should talk to your doc about drugs, etc, youre taking and want to take...with a lot of matters, docs do disagree though...some are more inclined to prescribe pills and such then others...(of course I'm talking about a person with hep c and not currently on treatment, it's a lot different when youre treating) I was just saying that while not on treatment, it just makes sense to keep your system as clean as possible since youre liver is the main filtering organ and most drugs are processed though it...