just diagnosed with hep c!

[Badbabyboomer]

Just diagnosed, now what? My stomach is huge, like I'm pregnant. Very bloated.

[Livelife777]

Hi there and welcome.   In agreement with everyone that you need to find out whats happening, but January is a long way away.  You may want to see if you can be seen on a cancelation visit (standby) or referred to another expert sooner.  Should this be ascities from Cirrhosis it's important to be seen and get treatment underway.
In the meantime, you should try to stay away from alcohol, Tylenol products, and go easy on your intake of salt until you've been evaluated.  I say this to you not to scare you, but rather give you a scenario where liver damage could occur.
As Pooh has indicated there are varied reasons for an enlarged stomach.
Lets hope that your liver is in good shape and that the hernia you suggested could be the culprit.
Please keep us posted on how your doing.
.....Kim

[tobila]

Pooh is absolutely right. You need to see a hepatologist  soon. Don't want to scare you but to encourage you to be your own advocate and get treated right away.  There's a great post here titled " who's your good doctor" where people recommend good hepatologists all over the country. I found a great doctor, Saro Khemichian of USC from this list. Although I had to wait over a month to see him, they did an ultrasound right away and told me if it showed anything that needed immediate attention, they would bump to to the head of the line.
Bottom line: a good hepatologist will take you seriously and get you on the path to recovery. Good luck!

[footsaver]

Hi. My name is Faster

    I just started Harvoni last night 11-20-14. This will be my fourth attempt at clearing the dragon. I was denied it the first time mainly because my prescription plan did not get the right info. Tonight will be my 2nd pill that I take. So far no side affects. Oh by the way I am genotype 1a with stage 4 cirrhosis. Liver still functioning. Viral load 3.6 million. Duration of treatment 24 weeks.I hope and pray that everyone with this dragon gets the same medicine to beat it. Hang in there. I did.

[Badbabyboomer]

Thank you so much...

[pooh55811]

Welcome to the forum.

If it difficult to know what is going on with you since we have very little information about you. An enlarged stomach can be caused by several things. A failing liver is one cause.

You do not say what type of doctor you will be seeing. I would suggest seeing a Hepatologist at a large university affiliated medical center.

If your enlarged stomach is due to Cirrhosis of the liver, then the enlarged stomach is probably from fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and you definitely need to see a Hepatologist, preferably one at a liver transplant medical center.

After you see a specialist (preferably a Hepatologist) you will know your Hepatitis C Genotype. The Genotype will determine which type of treatment you will receive. You will also know how your liver is functioning and what stage of liver fibrosis you have. There are 4 stages, 5 stages if you count 0: Stage 0 would be no damage whatsoever; Stage 1, minimal fibrosis; Stage 2, moderate fibrosis; Stage 3, severe fibrosis: and Stage 4, advanced fibrosis/Cirrhosis.  

Learning one has Hep C  is very frightening. Try to learn as much as you can about Hepatitis C and treatment for it. This forum is a good place to get good information and support.

[Badbabyboomer]

I wont find anything out until January. I am so worried about my stomach. I also have a hernia above my naval. The more I read the scarier it gets. What is in my stomach?

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Do you have a doctor to order your labs and MELD test? One step at a time.

[dontworry_behappy1]

Welcome to the forum.  What is your genotype and viral load?  Do you know the current condition of your liver?  

Best to you