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My friend Ty told me about this forum.  My husband will start treatment next month.  Don't know yet what genotype or any of that.  He is scared he is going to die.  But I see so many that have been dealing with HCV for years.  He is already on Lexapro-was on this before diagnosis.  I hear that because he is already on anti-depressants the meds will make things worse.  I am worried about that.  I have a 7 year old child.  She needs to know some of what is going on- how do I explain to a child?  What precautions at home do I need to take to keep her safe from hep c?  Thank you for any information.

[GALLIUM]

when the granbaby asked my wife about how come poppy was so sick she just told her that he's sick and the medicine he takes to get well makes him very tired and he needs lots of rest.
she is 5 and that is a bit early to try and explaine a diseas to.
i would recomend tell your child that he is sick and that the medicine will make him better.
if he developes some of the side effects from treatment explaine to you child that the medicine is causing it and that he needs understanding and love to get better.

[ringeding]

welcome toni....first, please know that there are loads of people here that have treated and 'cleared'.or..'cured' and are doing very well now, myself one of them.  although it is wise to be onformed before treating, and also normal to be very frightened, many of us thought we were handed a death sentence, but that is just not the case, with the very very rare exception of someone who has advanced liver disease as a result of hep c....but it sounds like your husband is on the right track and will be fine...but i understand you are frightened...it will be okay sweetie...

as for the anti-depressants....i am assuming that is the drug he is on now, as a rule, many doctors prefer their clients to be on anti-depressants before beginning treatment to help deal with or minimize some of the side effects of treatment, so it is a GOOD THING he is already on them and should continue, unless the doctor suggests another anti-depressant for him. ( i amn ot familar with the one you mention)...

as for your child and yourself, it is highly unlikely to pass this on to either of you, with the exception of blood to blood contact....a few simple percautions are, never share toothbrushes...have a special one for your child that is undeniably a 'childs' toothbrush...like a mickey mouse or something and keep all others out of her reach so there is no chance she may use another by accident...also, for you, do not share his razors.....other than that, just common sense.  use universal precautions if he bleeds etc....and finally...never be afraid or embarressed to ask ANYTHING....any question is a good question......

...keep coming back here to update us....or just to read and get info...wishing you and your family all the best

kimmy

[LvdByGod!]

hi and welcome here toniatn!

i was on prozack for 10+ years before i started the meds for hepc...and i haven't had any depression since starting meds...i used to have severe depression, but not for years... i have had other sides on tx but not that...i believe the reason i haven't gotton depression is that i have been on the meds for so long before starting tx...

but i also geared myself up for it mentally and have not allowed myself to go down that path ...i have been sad about things like the side effects of treatment and how it's impacted my life and about the disease itself, but i don't dwell there for too long as to go into a spiral of depression. i keep aware that the meds are to blame for my problems right now and i am standing strong mentally against depression...cause i know if i go there it can destroy my chances of finishing the treatment...

he should prepare himself for the possibility and may need to increase the dosage of his meds or change to a stronger one...but,the main thing is to keep an eye on him and keep him honest with himself and if it ever gets too bad then than agree to inform the dr. so he can deside what to do...

this forum really helped me too...just knowing i wasn't alone and feeling like i was part of a team here of dragon slayers really made a huge difference...hopefully he will join us and have the support he needs too...

keep your tolitries, tooth brushes, razors,clippers,nail files,toothpicks, etc, ...all the stuff that could get blood on them even trace amounts in locked cabinates or drawers...and away from the possibility that your child could get into them...keep sores covered on both parties...

hope this helps a little...

sandi