Aa
newby
I have had Hep C for around 10 years or so. I have never had a biopsy and was thinking I should get one soon. My biggest fear is what I will hear. I have thought about treatment but would probably be unable to work. That is not an option considering I have a car and house payment and many other bills. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
I was scared to death about treatment, and want to know what? I was fine, oh foggy minded and I had to be careful, I had Saturday as a day of rest. I am used to doing things by myself and tried not to rely on my husband too much, but I did when I had to. As far as work goes I continued to get up everyday at 6:00am and get myself in to work (I guess I am a lucky one), remember attitude speaks for itself:)
I could not have worked during tx. I think you need to have a contingency plan just in case.
I worked for 6 months, taking sick days as needed (I had a lot of sick leave). I am pretty sure that my work did not suffer and think it also kept me from worrying so much and made me sleep better at night (I was tired!). I could still be working but decided to take all that sick leave. It's entirely possible for most, just not fun.
My biopsy was worse than anticipated but I really needed to know. Results made up my mind to start treating right away and kept me VERY compliant (never missed a dose, rarely complained). So relieved I didn't put off longer and find things even worse later. No way to tell how the disease will progress in your individual system. Biopsy is proactive and can indicate what (if anything) you need to do.
My biopsy was worse than anticipated but I really needed to know. Results made up my mind to start treating right away and kept me VERY compliant (never missed a dose, rarely complained). So relieved I didn't put off longer and find things even worse later. No way to tell how the disease will progress in your individual system. Biopsy is proactive and can indicate what (if anything) you need to do.
Welcome to the Forum!
Agree with the others...biopsy gives you important information and will help you decide how to proceed. I suggest finding a good hepatologist to do your biopsy, someone who is knowledgeable about current treatment options and protocols.
I just finished 24 wks of tx 10 wks ago, and was able to work part-time throughout. If it had been necessary for me to work full-time, I believe I could have done that, but I appreciated having the option of part-time.
Best wishes to you, stay in touch.
Lapis
Agree with the others...biopsy gives you important information and will help you decide how to proceed. I suggest finding a good hepatologist to do your biopsy, someone who is knowledgeable about current treatment options and protocols.
I just finished 24 wks of tx 10 wks ago, and was able to work part-time throughout. If it had been necessary for me to work full-time, I believe I could have done that, but I appreciated having the option of part-time.
Best wishes to you, stay in touch.
Lapis
I agree with Copyman; I’d guess based on the population here in Medhelp that about 75% of treating patients continue to work, although some of us on a reduced or altered schedule. Most of us have other obligations as well, but one way or another find a way to work treatment into our lives.
The anxiety of the biopsy is generally worse than the procedure itself; and it can yield valuable information; if the results are good, you might even continue to postpone treatment for a while longer.
Good luck, and let us know how things go,
Bill
The anxiety of the biopsy is generally worse than the procedure itself; and it can yield valuable information; if the results are good, you might even continue to postpone treatment for a while longer.
Good luck, and let us know how things go,
Bill
It wasnt an option for me either to stay home first time in 30 years to treat.
However I couldnt work. I was home for 55 weeks.
I decided that my liver was more important than my mortgage payment!
If I didnt have my liver I couldnt have paid my mortgage either....
Believe me I know exactly where your coming from...You must have your ducks in a row before yous start tx.
Hope that you can work like many do! And many people do!
But prepare in case you cant,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Its a very long road.
I wish you the best and hope you come to a good decision for yourself.
I live alone and have no family..I managed..It was a stuggle every waking moment financially and emotionally. I did have the help of my savings which now is depleted..and unemployment which saved me.....
Tomorrow does care take of itself so some degree....Especially when G_d knows you are trying to help your health.
Be well.
Hope ALL works out.
Charm
However I couldnt work. I was home for 55 weeks.
I decided that my liver was more important than my mortgage payment!
If I didnt have my liver I couldnt have paid my mortgage either....
Believe me I know exactly where your coming from...You must have your ducks in a row before yous start tx.
Hope that you can work like many do! And many people do!
But prepare in case you cant,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Its a very long road.
I wish you the best and hope you come to a good decision for yourself.
I live alone and have no family..I managed..It was a stuggle every waking moment financially and emotionally. I did have the help of my savings which now is depleted..and unemployment which saved me.....
Tomorrow does care take of itself so some degree....Especially when G_d knows you are trying to help your health.
Be well.
Hope ALL works out.
Charm
Hi and welcome.
Everyone has that fear of what the biopsy will show. I feared the worse only to find out it was not that bad.
As for working while on treatment, most continue to work. don't go by what you read on the internet. keep in mind that most people on the internet are having a hard time and come here for help. most people do fine on treatment and have no need to come to internet. I'm not saying that treatment is easy but was not as bad as I thought it would be. Best of luck
Everyone has that fear of what the biopsy will show. I feared the worse only to find out it was not that bad.
As for working while on treatment, most continue to work. don't go by what you read on the internet. keep in mind that most people on the internet are having a hard time and come here for help. most people do fine on treatment and have no need to come to internet. I'm not saying that treatment is easy but was not as bad as I thought it would be. Best of luck
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