Im 21, stage 1 grade 1 fibrosis and scared to death, starting

[youngfella21]

Hi everybody, Im a 21 year old college student who has had hep.c for about 6 years, due to IV use.
I found out recently that I have stage 1 grade 1 fibrosis. I have been drinking fairly heavily for sometime, and have recently quit. I am starting treatment within the next week and I am ready for it but am afraid it is going to affect my schooling??? will this be the case??? also one thing that terrorfies me is the fact that I have this fibrosis at such a young age, what are the chances that this will lead to cirrhosis?? when? in my 30's? 40's ? 50's? I have no idea, and i guess I just wants to know that there is a chance to have a long and happy life..... if somebody could please reply I would appreciate it so deeply, I am very down, and very scared.

[kcrandy]

welcome to the group.

i am happy that you are choosing tx now and not waiting later for things to progress,
i.e. liver damage.  it would be helpful if you could provide a little more info, so that you will find there are many in here who will be able to guide you better thru your soon to be tx.

1.  do you have any blood test that you can share?

2.  did you have a biopsy done?

3.   are you seeing a hepspecialist or a gi doc?

4.   do you know what type of drugs you will be taking for your tx, and the time frame
      of tx duration. ( how many weeks ).

these are just a few things you will learn alot more as you progress thru your tx.

i agree that your quitting drinking will help you tremendously during tx and hopefully after tx.
you have caught this disease early and you are or should be fine.  no one can say with certainty anyones outcome but i can say the odds are in your favor.

i also agree that surrounding yourself with people who are supportive is very important.

as far as will this tx affect your schooling it might and it might not.  each person reacts differently to tx side effects.  many in here can share there expierences with you.

hang in there we all will pulling for you as well be here for your support when you need it.

and finally research as much as you can about hep c for knowledge is powerful and will be a big help for you in your future.

now begins the journey.  : O )

[zena49]

I understand your scared, thats normal when you get results. If you do tx and maintain a healthy lifestyle, no alcohol, drugs etc. you should be fine and live a long healthy life. Remember being so young you will have to have alot of willpower being around friends and stuff. But alcohol is like putting gas on a fire for the liver. GOOD LUCK