Thinking of starting a group for people on HCV tx.

Hi All,

I'm in my 21st week of SOC tx, 3 more to go. The sx have been pretty hard from about week 4. It occurred to me that it may have been helpful for me to, in addition to utilizing this wonderful forum, find a support group in my area for people on tx. I'm talking about an affordable group therapy setting where people can talk freely about how things are going for them and where they can build a local network of support.

I'm a therapist and am thinking about starting such a group here in San Francisco, once I'm recovered of course. I'd like to ask you all who are on tx, have gone through it, or are considering going through it, what would you find helpful in a group like this? If I go ahead with it, I want to make it meaningful and as helpful as possible.

Thanks for any input.
June

[babs824]

i would be very surprised if there were not already at least one such group in san francisco. did u google it? yes indeed i find useful but often i could not get off the couch to go. id actually like groups that focus on pretreatment and post treatment. a therapist who has been thru this disease and tx should have quite a following. best, babs

[willbb]

Hi June.  There are HCV support groups in most major centers.however as babs said a therapist who has been through treatment would certainly have a lot to add. The folks who often attend these groups are the people that are close to the one with HCV,spouses etc.
Unfortunatly  sometimes they are forgotten and go through their own  tough times,with nowhere to turn for support. I don"t think there can ever be enough groups set up for those that are close to us. Good for you to think of doing this  and good luck.

Will

[Junebug812]

Thanks for the feedback Babs and Will. Yes, there are support groups in SF and I expect most major metro areas. It would be my hope that if I put a group together, my perspective might be a helpful addition since I've gone through this and experienced a tough time on tx.

And Yes, Will, I so agree with you that significant others are often forgotten. At times I have asked my partner how he is doing through all of this. He doesn't complain at all and has picked up a lot of slack. I wonder if it would be helpful to him to have a sounding board as I'm sure he doesn't feel he can complain to me. He's too sweet for that even though I'd be fine with it. Anyway, I would probably incorporate sessions into my group for spouses/partners, etc., as I do in Postpartum depression group.

[babs824]

good luck and let the folks here know how you are doing, best, babs