What to expect

[Debbie223]

I had my first blood test which showed postive for Hep C antibody, my numbers were pretty high...had no ideal anything was wrong... feel fine.

Now I am in the waiting game... met the Doctor but he has nothing to really go on until the next set of blood work comes back, I had a ultra-sound this week and am scheduled for the liver biospy on the 21st. He was cool, hey he promised me I would not die from this.

I am going crazy with so many thoughts and am not really even sure i should be on this site because honestly it scares me even more at times.

The waiting game begins, how do you all out there cope, I find myself breaking down when i am alone and crying. I love my life style and want to think that I will once again be able to go back to enjoying it.

Any words of wisdom would be most helpful.

[meki]

Man --- I went through every stage --- I was like OMG - I'm dying (Theatrics included --- Ophelia down to the core.. LMAO!)

Then I was quietly introspective...

And then I decided - oh well - Let's try this adventure...

LOL!

I'm like that -- everything is an adventure....

And I didn't particularly like that adventure.... But hey - it was an experience. Yanno?

But I've heard others say the same thing --- it's like either losing a friend --- or feeling like you're going to die immediately --- and then the anger phase -- and the disbelief phase...

But in the end --- for me --- it was and will always be another experience that molds me into who I am --- and who I will become.

Hugs to ya!

Meki

[GSDgirl]

I can honestly say that grief was not one of my feelings.  It was --do it, get it done and get on with my life.  It worked for me but I guess everyone is different.  JMHO

Denise

[copyman]

i must admit that these sites can scare the heck out of you when you first find out.  i was in the same spot as you about a year and half ago. if not for these websites i probably would have treated already. i was approved by commitment to care back then and even got my first months supply but never went through with it. there was so much fear in me from what i read hear i chickened out. once in awhile i think about if i did not have internet i would have treated already and maybe been SVR right now. On the other hand i can now say i know almost everything about HCV. knowledge is power and will help you beat this piece of $&*% disease. Hang in there and give it some time, trust me it will get better. what i think you meant was your antibody # was really high which means there is a good chance you are indeed infected. there is only a 5% chance it was a false positive with higher AB's. there are many HCV sites but this is the best by far. best of luck

[meki]

Well first -- know that you're going to go through ALL of the stages of GRIEF...

And it's totally natural.

But as soon as you've gone through the normal phases --- kick your heels up and grab your bootstraps because you've got some hard work to do.

Think of it like a project that you have to complete to get to your next step in life.

Keep your sense of humor --- if you have to watch stupid movies to laugh --- then do it.

Take a few moments --- a cup of your favorite non-alcoholic beverage --- and read through this community...

You'll be surprised at the adversity and incredible strength you will find.

Hugs - and hang on tight to those you love!

Meki

[gr8faith]

Hi, I too felt the same way when I first found out I had Hep C.  That was in Nov. 03 and I am so glad I found this website.  It was my LIFELINE through all my testing and getting prepared to take the plunge and then tx.  I haven't been on this site in quite a while but today I had my annual check up and wanted to share I am 3yrs post tx and still undectable!!!  I was a 3a and did 24 wks and cleared.  This site was not only my source for valuable information it was also full of "family" to see me through.  The people here were awesome!

I too, had good days and bad days, lots of support from family and only missed 5 days of work in 6 months of tx.  This is doable.  Blessings to you.

Candy

[GSDgirl]

Hi, I felt the exact same way as you.  I actually thought I was given a death sentance.  I did 6 months of TX (treatment) and am almost 4 week off.  From what I was told and have researched is that the high numbers don't exactly mean much.  Go into this with a positive attitude, it helps a lot.  The treatment might not even give you any major side effects, some people are lucky.......I had good days and bad days and a lot of help from hubby and my mom.  

Good luck and you can & will get through this.

Denise