spouse/partner of Hep C people

[bebj]

I am the wife of bebj and we are 4 months into treatment.  I would love some feedback on the emotions besides depression, anxiety and the fatigue he is going through.  What is the best support I can give him?  Thanks for this Web site.  It is a shame drs. don't tell their patients about it.

[crossroadsec]

Well put Anne. Can u copy n paste that into my message box? Lol. Trying to act normal, not wanting to appear whiney - sigh. I withdraw. That's what I told my family to expect. If I don't feel good, (sad, tired or angry) I may need to be alone a rest. I remind them not to take it personally. It's the meds. They wreak havoc w/ us. We sure love those results tho...  Yipper.. And I'm gonna take it to the last dose.
Be sure and communicate your feelings as well. Words n actions still hurt and you've got to continue taking care of yourself!  Karen :)

[Anne1717]

It is so nice you are so supportive.  You said "besides the fatigue" and my experience was that the fatigue was almost unbearable and indescribable.  I had a a lot of support but I doubt that my family and friends truly understood that you can literally feel dead. The other thing I would mention is the fear of the unknown.  Until you get the confirmation that you are SVR,  it is scary to consider that you might have to do it all again.  There is sadness that we are not healthy as we used to be and we can't really tell many people what we are going through.  It's secretive even though we have outward symptoms.  It can be a bit  humiliating.  It can be frustrating getting the care we need.

It is a delicate balance to reach for families and friends between being of help and being intrusive.  Just please know that we  love you and it kills us to put those we love through this.  We really do need you and appreciate all you do but our minds are really consumed.

My best to you and your husband, Anne

[spouse74]

Be reassured that all the side effects you are hearing about are true.  This is my husbands second round and to make matters worse I had my own health situation happening.  I continue to have  to remind myself that he is on the treatment becasue there are times that I feel horrible induced by words and actions of him.  The reality is is is not fun or easy but if there is true love you have to continue to hope and pray and maintain patients while caring for self.  

[Joey_M]

Great that you are on here and able to read what others on the treatment are going through.

First, be sure to take care of yourself otherwise you will be negatively impacted as this can be a very tough journey for the spouse, SO, family or other caregiver. Give yourself breaks - exercise, eat healthy, visit friends, etc.

As far as emotions, it sounds like you are seeing it already. Add irritability and occasional anger to the list as well. Like said above, do not take any outbursts, withdrawl or other reactions personally as they are chemically indiuced (this site can be a good place to vent if you feel overwhelmed). My SO feels that interferon amplified the worst of my personality traits.

When I was going through the worst of treatment, sometimes I just wanted to be left alone - other times I wanted affection and talking. There will be ups and downs. We found that humor helped at times, but timing is key. Also, being over-helpful can be hard - try and let him do as much as he can possibly do.

Hugs,
Joey

[aquarius121]

First, the fact you are on this forum shows me a level of support that your already doing. My husband has been very supportive through 48 wk tx and now my second round. Being understanding that when we get crabby or just feel like shi...that it will pass and not reacting by upset knowing its the side effects and not the way we want to act. Being there on shot nite makes me feel loved and cared for. Iknow I can do it my self but him wanting to assist is reasurring. Rubbing my feet with essential oils after I have been on my feet working for 10 hrs is wonderful. Sometimes theres nothing he can do but just asking is supportive.For me its very hard to decide what I want to eat, so having some good fruit and healthy snacks around will help.  I dont think my husband has ever went on this forum and he knows i do almost everyday so good job for rreaching out. I know you'll get great support here and so will your man. Bless you Both