Concentration and memory

[dheana]

It is wellknown that the Hep C virus induces neurological problems. For those of you who cleared the virus and finished the tx, do you feel an improvement in your memory and concentration comparing with the situation before tx when the virus was active?
I ask that because I have a very demanding job in terms of concentration and memory.

[susan400]

I noticed, before I ever started treatment  that if I drank a 1/2 a glass of wine, that was all I could handle.  And I thought that was a little strange because in the past I had drank mixed drinks daily.  It was at that point that I gave up drinking.  This was about 7 years ago and my doctor at that time basically had told me that the treatment of the time (Interferon alone), was useless and to just ignore the HEP C until something better came along.  He didn't say alot about stopping drinking or anything but I pretty much had to.  In any case, yes, I've had brain fog off of treatment and on.  I haven't been able to work,but when I did try, (for one day), I couldn't retain any of the new info that they were teaching me.  Susan400

[Ampz]

Your description of your particular type of 'brain fog' is almost exactlty the same as mine... listening, especially in a group, is very difficult for me and this has been going on for nearly  10 years.
The odd part is I have a very low viral load, test positive for A, B, & C antibodies, and my biopsy shows minimal inflammation and no scarring, and I won't need treatment.
I'm am still fatigued and have the 'fog' though. I also have been treated for depression 3 times in the past 20 years. I weaned myself off Paxil just over a year ago... I feel ok as far as the depression goes.
I truly hope all goes well with your treatment, again , like you, I was diagnosed just 7 weeks ago. Good Luck.
Ampz

[Ampz]

Oops! See what I mean by 'fog'. I was confusing your time you've been diagnosed with tallblonde's.
Sorry all!
Ampz

[Tallblonde]

There seems to be several interesting parallels with our situations.  My listening problem is definitely hardest for me in group settings.  I began a master's program in journalism six years ago and couldn't seem to follow or understand the classroom discussions.  It was the weirdest thing!  I ended up with a 3.85 GPA for the program, but I can't remember a damn thing I learned!

I don't understand how I can have such prominent symptoms for years, and yet have such a low viral load and virtually no liver damage.  Can someone explain that to me?  In addition to my usual brain fog, my joints and muscles are particulary painful today. These symptoms have been going on for 6-7 years!

Ampz...what is your VL and genotype?  Did you have a biopsy?  What were the findings?  Are you just postponing treatment, or are you saying you don't need it ever?

Susan

[Tallblonde]

See what I mean....there's that brain fog again.  I asked if you had a biopsy yet, and now I see that you already said that you did.  My "listening" skills stink.

I'm still  interested in hearing about your VL, genotype and treatment decision, if you're willing to share.  Also, how old are you?

Susan

[lackalustre]

i understand tall blondes and dheanas concerns about ever regaining brainpower.   ive been a detail oriented person as well and the brain fog really gets to me bad.   of couse other things can play into the situation like hormones, menopause, etc...  when we get older.
     have had anxiety issues and only took low dose trazadone during tx.  tried all kinds of anti de     thru the years and couldnt handle them.  they all made me sick.    so i learned to wing it and just avoid some stresses , watch my diet, etc..
   thats one reason i put off tx. for so long.   still on low dose trazadone post tx. and i MADE it thru tx. with a lot of prayer.   now im off tx. and motivation to do things is harder, i think about things i want to do but doing them is another thing.  just do it and motivation follows is working some. just trying to stay positive.   prayers to all of you.