Stage 3 Fibrosis

[lsaldy]

So here I am 4 years later retreating for my Hep C. I was approved and am on Harvoni.  Originally a Fibroscan was done a year ago and they stated I was early stage 2, to be told they made a mistake and I am stage 3.   I am 55 lbs  overweight and have a degenerative back disease that prevent exercising.  I smoke but am trying to quit...I am scared to death that I have done so much damage that I will die young (I am only 46). I am not even sure what my question is......I have a few....please please someone tell me what a liver friendly diet is and can someone tell me what else I could do to try to repair some of my damage........by the way, for the first time in five years I am starting to get energy......thank you Harvoni.....but holy crow am I hungry on it lol. Thank you all

[Dee1956]

Hi Lynn is right, a heart healthy diet is the way to go.  Also, a member on here has listed some liver friendly foods.  I thought you might be interested in taking a look.

http://www.ihelpc.com/liver-loving-recipes/

[Dee1956]

Hello!  Welcome! We have all been where you are, newly diagnosed and afraid.  I could not talk about it for 3 months after without crying.
Now it is 7 years later, I am cured of HCV.  Please ask any questions you may have.  
There are many caring people on here who are here to help.
Hang in there, hard to believe but eventually your brain will wrap around all of this and you will be fine :)  As Lynn said baby steps, breath and make sure to drink lots of water.
Dee

[AWorriedMom]

Hi and welcome to Medhelp. Both Lynn and Carl did such an excellent job answering your questions, which are definitely good ones and important, that I will just add a bit about my story.

I was diagnosed in 1991 and already was Stage 4. I got the virus in 1966. I treated many times and never had a favorable response. In 2012 I finally cleared the virus and am cured. The new class of drugs is amazing. So, for the vast majority of us, the virus progresses slowly....kinda like a turtle on valium. You will be just fine. If you have to have HCV, you did it at a great time.

[Carlhcv]

Your questions ARE important. There is a lot of info on a liver healthy diet already and it's easy to find. For basics, fruit, veggies, nuts, not too much meat, no processed or fast foods. Stop smoking. Lose weight. Hopefully the Harvoni will work for you and your liver will then heal itself at least to some degree. There is a lot of hope for you. This is the best hep C forum that I have found so stick around and you will get the info, help and support that you need. I am on week five of Harvoni. Good luck.

[lsaldy]

Thanks......I suppose my questions were not really that important :), guess I was just trying to reach out to people who relate to some of what I am going through.......it gets mentally exhausting when you are battling for a healthy long life and dealing with this whirlwind called life sometimes.  Appreciated you response. Thank you

[flyinlynn]

Hi

Ok take a breath it will be ok baby steps ok?

I am 57 this week female was diagnosed with F4 cirrhosis in Jan 2008 just a bit before my big 50 birthday and I am still here and you will be too!

If you google a Heart Smart diet that is also basically a liver smart diet. So you could start there. Minimize use of salt is a big one. Small changes over time work best this life is a marathon not a sprint so pace yourself.

More fruits and veggies less refined sugar and maybe see if you can get with a physical therapist to discover exercises you can safetly do. I am sure you know by losing some of the wait it will also help your back as well as your liver and your overall health.

No easy answers diet and exercise all things in moderation.

Good luck to you wishing you good health
Lynn