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

[jmjm530]

No use trying to figure out what may or may not be.

As a geno 1, you probably need a biopsy anyway. A biopsy will tell you exactly how much damage you have or don't have. From there, the treat or not to treat decision becomes a lot easier.

Regarding the drugs mentioned, I'm not familiar with all, but certainly xanax and ambien are often prescribed for people on treatment. That said, it's always a good idea to discuss with your doctor ALL the drugs, vitamins and supplements you take. If you don't find him interested or knowledgeable, that tells you something right there. A good hepatologist (liver specialist) will want to go over these types of things with you.

All the best luck.

-- Jim

[doglover28]

Please read my thread "Scared". I posted it on I think the 18th. The people in here really helped me.  I tested positive to the Hep C Antibody.  I am waiting to see if I actually do have the virus and if so, what the viral load and genotype.  I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown when I stumbled upon this site.  Just try to hang in there.  
By the way, is there another place all you kind people online to chat?

[Forseegood]

Hi, thought Fishdoc had some excellent advice, you used to be a moderate drinker...nix on that now, as far as the drugs, I can relate to you in that I've always had hormonal probs, probably exercerbated by the hep c, and they have affected my sleep a lot though the years...once I found out I had this, in 01 I think, I knew I couldn't rely on sleep meds unless it was an emergency...because as you well know, you take a drug every night, you'll need a drug every night, that simple...

it's very hard, I won't say it isn't, but I had to train my body to sleep on it's own...it took me weeks of messed up sleep...but it will eventually happen...now, say, if I can't sleep for like, 3 nights straight, I will take a really small dose of xanax, like a half of the lowest dose...then the next night I'll make sure I don't take anything, and it seems to train my body to sleep...I never take things consecutively cause I know I'll be in trouble in that my body will be trained to rely on the pills...of course, other people might have different takes on this, but this is my take...

what I found out was really helpful for the sleep and relaxation was self hynosis...sometimes, if I'm having a hard time dropping off, insomniacs know when that happens, youre lying there and you are wide awake...I listen on my ipod to a tape...you can get them really cheap as downloads on    hypnosisdownloads.com   there's one for insomnia and there's one for anxiety, both are really good, or find one you like on your own....I swear, they get your mind off that loop of going around and around about your problems and etc....

if you decide to treat depending on your biopsy outcome and doctor's advice, your own studying, etc...then you'll be able to rely on the sleep meds cause youre probably going to need them while youre treating, but like I said, the cleaner your system is while youre not treating, the better youre liver will like it...

also, while youre not treating, and as best you can while you treat, try to eat a good balanced diet with little sugar...and lots of veggies and fruits and grains, etc...when you treat I understand it's a lot harder to eat that way but one tries their best...also get some exercise, good for the circulation and your liver needs that, lastly, try, try not to freak out that much...I should talk cause I'm Momma Freak, ha ha! but I kinda make that my life's ambition right now, to try to relax and put things in perspective...

freaking out does not get you anywhere and usually the fear is always a lot worse then the cirumstance, it's a matter of getting used to the diagnosis and then just taking it from there on how youre going to approach it...there are many people here treating and they are invaluable at helping you through this...good luck to you, you'll be okay....this is not a death sentence by any means, to the vast majority of people who have this, I myself have had it well over 30 years...

[Rogirl]

I'm new to this site also--similar stats--I'm 1a and my bx is stage 1 and grade 2 and I'm 52--likely same duration of the disease as you.
Like others mentioned, don't be scared and come to this site often.  You will find immense support and people with an incredible sense of humor.  They have so much information and are willing to share.
Regarding your meds--make certain your treating physician knows everything you are taking.
I haven't started tx yet--plan to start next month after my son's wedding.
You made a great step in finding this site.
Welcome.

Rose

[Upbeat]

How did you find out you had hep-c?  Was there another condition that brought on the need to check for hep-C?  Everything you take goes through the liver. The best thing you can do is research the drugs you take for liver warning. There are certain drugs like colesterol lowering drugs that are extra hard on the liver. Even to much tylenol is not good. If you have read past post you know alcohol is the number one no no. You will know more when you get yourbx results.  2 months seems a little long for your appointment. Don't stress.

                                                     Ron

[friole]

Welcome, sounds like you fit right in with the mix here.  We were all pretty damn scared at first.  The doctor of fish hit it on the head with the drinking.  Even moderate drinking should be avoided with hep C. Why don't you sip the cool lemonaide while waiting for the biopsy.  I am not sure about those meds either, but you might google the name of the med and liver damage and see what you come up with.

I too have probably been infected 35 years ago. Even so, my biopsy read stage 1, grade 1, so there is hope that yours too will be good. I am 58 yof - 57 when I decided to treat.  For me, and many here, the dx (diagnosis) of hep C has meant a lifesyle change - not only a long journey into the unknown.  If it weren't for my companions on this forum, it would be a long lonely journey indeed.

If you haven't already, check out the Janis 7 websight.  It has a wealth of valuable information and is quite readable.  I go back to it often for various references.

http://janis7hepc.com/

Read as much as you can, and ask lots of questions here.  If you can't get a thread, just join in on one and ask your questions there.  We are glad you are here.
friole