I'm new to all this

[fdog77]

Within a few weeks I will be starting my treatment that I really don’t look forward to doing, but the only way to get rid of this virus I guess I have to go thru with it. I found out last December that I had Hep C and man I was scared to death when I started to read up on it on the web, so here are my stats,   I’m a 30 year old single guy who is very healthy and a family that lives an hour away from my house, I just found out last week that I am genotype 2. Which was the good news and I only have to be on the treatment for 6 months. Now I need to know what type of food should I eat, how much water I should drink per day, would it be good for me to take the shot on Friday at my parents so that I am monitored? I still have to schedule an appointment with the nurse to watch a video and some other things.  I still have not come out with my parents about me having this virus since I don’t want to be a burden in there life but I know that I must do this.  Thanks for your input and help.

[Marcia2202]

Ask them NOT to put it, as you do not want your job to know what you have. The medical profession is NOT allowed to dish out any information on their patients.

Marcia

[fdog77]

Now my job if you miss some days you need a doctor’s excuse now does the doc or nurse put what I have on that excuse or will it say something related to illness?

[Texas714]

I didn't tell anyone anything.  I figured it was no one's business.  I've been on tx for 3 months and happy with that decision.

[fretboard]

Yeah, that's a very important question.  Just keep in mind that whatever you decide to tell people, tell them all the same thing.  Hell, it's a good reason to be a good liar, I look at it like this.  Number one, it's really nobody's business and number two if they ask all I'm gonna tell them is that I'm on chemo.  That's it, if they ask for more information I will just say that it's really personal to me and that I don't really want to talk about it.  Of course if I have to miss some work I may have to go to a plan B, which is tell the truth.  good luck with your tx.  

sierranvgrl:  check this out www.clinicaltrials.gov

[Marcia2202]

Some people have suggested to say that one is on chemotherapy. You do not have to tell them what the chemo is for. If they ask further, you can just tell them that you'd rather not speak about it. People should respect that you don't want to speak about your illness.

Marcia

[sierranvgrl]

Great questions...I am new to this as well and wondered some of the same things (from real people). I have Type 1A (and am 39 years old) and will be starting treatment in the next week or two. I am pretty scared myself. Although I am really glad I found this forum.   My question is does anyone have any info on co-pay assistance. Mine is $750 a month...YIKES.  Thank God at least I have insurance, but I don't have that much extra cash laying around. My viral load isn't bad, but I want to treat before it gets that way. Any suggestions?

[fdog77]

I don't want to tell people at work that i have Hep C what are some other alternatives that  could say is wrong if I'm not feeling good at work?

[nygirl7]

Good luck to you.  None of us 'wanted' to go through treatment but we all wanted to get rid of this disease so we did it too.  Believe me, we all understand JUST how you feel about it!

Look at it this way though - you may be one of the people who have no tremendous difficulty with the side effects.  And even if you do - since you are in here you will be able to find the tricks of the trade so to speak...things and medications that can help you out GREATLY.

When I started I had no idea i would be continuing for 72 weeks.  But I did. Now I can say I have been cured of this idiot disease.  It wasn't always easy but it WAS worth it.

Learn as much as you can - ask a lot of questions.  It's the biggest advantage you can have with this disease - knowledge.  Oh and also - the support you will find in here is just absolutely crucial.  so many times I got depressed and just wanted to stop...but these guys...they kept me going one way or another.

Good luck.  Let us know whatever you need.

ps I was a geno 1A and 1b ...if I can do it you DEFINITELY can do it too :)

Water = half your body weight a day in ounces (pretty much although gatorade, juice etc. count in towards it too).  If you weigh 160 then drink 80 oz a day.  Don't worry about being "monitored" or anything like that.  Just make sure you have a nice comfy cozy bed and a good remote control in your hand - I took my shot on Friday and then made Saturday my 'day of rest'.  I ate ice cream and watched terrible B movies (because I was so tired I couldn't really concentrate) and just rested as much as I could.  Take 2 tylenol WITH the shot to help fight away any flu like symptoms (I never got them until week 30!).

Debby

[Texas714]

As far as taking anything while on tx. I'd advise you to ask your dr. before you start tx.  

[DragonSlayer45]

I agree with my buddy Rita and just relax. I know I was getting myself worked up too before I started. Also if you scroll down to the bottom right side of the forum page (any forum page) there is a section called Most viewed health pages. In there is a "Common Hepatitis C acronyms" section. I know it used to drive me nuts too as I never knew what anyone was saying and felt stupid asking.

[fdog77]

Are there any problems if I have been taking a vitamin E pill and Fiibercon pills once a day for the past few months?

[nerja2007]

Please read this- I found it great help educating myself on side effects
http://www.phys.huji.ac.il/~yshimoni/hepC.html

[rita863]

your welcome keep posting questions everyone is here to help you get through this

peace
rita

[fdog77]

thank you so much.

[rita863]

Hello,

SVR is sustanined viral response, meaning you are responding to the treatment
TX is treatment
UND  undetected
there is a list of acroynmns on the side that will help you.

Always ask for copies of your blood work, or any test results.

My advise is drink plenty of water, rest when you need to.  everyone suffers from different side effects so i wouldnt worry about them util they happen.

i would also take the shot on friday nights if not to have someone with, but just so you have the weekend to rest.

the people on this forum know alot, i am still leaning as i go along,  i have been treating for 24 weeks and i am UND.  which mean i am responding to the treatment.

good luck
peace
rita

[fdog77]

Another thing I need to know what does SVR, TX any of the abbreviations  mean the good and the bad levels.