Anewbee

[Mary4now]

Hi, I have been getting alot of support from people on this site and from my friend who has cleared of hcv, to wait until I see the Dr. to freak,  but I know that I am feeling some symptoms, since being diagnosed w/ definately positive anti bodies.  I had hep 38 yrs. ago, thought it was A, thought it was gone, and now with a random blood test, ITS HERE,  I wont be seeing the Dr. until 1/15 and its drivingme crazy.  I have noticed a wave like burning sensation in my chest at night kind of comes over me every few hours, I get up, and then I feel a bit quesy, (like a ate to much)  I'm being very careful about what I eat, and I've always been on a pretty healthy diet, not much fried food, veges, etc.  Gawd those days when hcv wasnt in the picture.  
Anyway I live w/ my 84 yr old mom and I feel so bad that she has to go through this, she lost her 58 yr. old son 4 years ago to Cancer, now this....  by the way Im 58 too.  Getting ahead of myself, do they do liver transplants on older people?  I am so ............. scared..... I have insurance right now, but my job sucks, cuz people treat me like an outsider (I work for a doctor) and my HR friend says I am in a toxic workplace.  but right now the ins...............  how difficult is it to get on SSI with this dreaded gomboo disease?   Blessings to you all.  This is a tremendous lesson in impermanence.  M

[jools57]

I was so glad when i found this place.The encouragement and advice have helped me thru some major stuff! I am in week 31 of 48, and i think i went into major denial when i found out i had hep c. It took me 6 months to start treatment! As soon as you see the Dr. and find out your genotype, and viral load things will become clearer for you. We are rooting for you!!!
Blessings

[Mary4now]

Oh yeah, you're probably right I may have an anxiety problem, any thoughts, I will look into Ativan, last night I took a benedryl and I slept better.  I quite alcohol over 20 yrs ago, since then just a glass of wine now and then and now not even that.  I did quite coffee too recently, but I'm easily emotionally reactive to things like being sick.  Also, my work place can be a junky experience and that puts me on edge, but I"m practicing a mantra instead of letting my thoughts go wild.  And I'll tell you coming to this website, and listening to people who care enough to share, makes a LOT of difference.  I told my hair cutter last night about the dx. because I go to her house, shes so good, and she has 3 adopted kids, and I just thought if she nicked me by accident I didn't want to freak out.  And she was so good, (smart) she said its highly unlikely she could get anything, we would take precautions, come to have my hair cut and call her anytime just to talk.  Dang its nice to know theres people like you all out there.  Love,  M

[working dog]

sounds to me like you may have an anxiety problem...i get all kinds of pains when i'm stressed out..also did you just cut off alcohol?? just a thought cuz lots of folks that find out they have hep stop drinking and that can bring on sx of alcohol withdrawl..sometimes just a little bit...anxiety can be a *****...good luck...billy

[IAmTheWalrus]

Welcome and don't panic! You are understandably anxious, but there is much more to the picture than just the positive antibody test. Genotype, liver function, how long you've had the disease, lifestyle factors and other health factors all play a part in the prognosis. Be patient and don't get ahead of the situation. Make sure that you are seeing a GI that specializes in liver diseases. Question everything and get second opinions on any critical decision, i.e. decision to, or not, treat, listing for xplant, etc.

If you haven't been told this already, NO ALCOHOL - period. Others may take some exception, but I really believe this to be best. I think you would be well advised to make sure you have been immunized against Hep A & B, if you haven't already.

They do transplants on 58 yr. olds as far as I know. I had one last year at the age of 54. You may be a long way from needing TxPlant. If you do need xplant, it's not the end of the world by any stretch, just another of life's challenges.

BTW the symptoms you mention sound a lot like an ulcer or acid reflux. There is a simple blood test now for h.pyloric ulcers and they are easily treated with antibiotics these days.

This place has been a terrific help to me. I think you'll find support here also. Good luck!  :)

[Anonymous225]

We're glad to have you here...it would just be better if under different circumstances.  Its a long hard journey so hold on to everything and everyone that you have around for support.  I am lucky enough to work from home and have the support of my co-workers

First the most part, all of my symptoms I had prior to starting treatment are gone or should I say just replaced with a new set of symptoms from the Peg and Riba.  Rashes and flu like symptons are the most prevalent right now.

I think one of the things that kills me most is seeing my mom watching me go through treatments and her knowing I am sick.  We talk every day and i know its because she is so scared for me .  Beting a father of four myself, I understand her position.

The best advice I can give is just hang in there and hold on to what you've got.

[wyntre9]

From what I've read about SSI, it is quite difficult to get with a hep-C diagnosis, although some people have been successful.

If it turns out you have to start treatment and the meds are hard on you, at that point i would consider applying for SSI.

It often takes several rejections and appeals before the case is resolved and that can take several years.

wyntre