Liver damage

[prettydamscared]

Hi all,  I learned on 4/4 that I have hep C.  I'm 51, female, 1a, VL is over 5M & I could possibly have contracted this as long ago as 35 years or as recently as 20 years.  BX won't be until June.  To say I'm scared is a major understatement.  I've spent hours reading old posts and links to articles.  You all are a wealth of information. I'm just figuring out the abbreviations.  I'm so glad I happened across this site.  I'm ashamed and embarrassed to talk to anyone about this and I'm so scared.  I feel like this disease is gomna kick my butt because it hits me in so many areas where I already feel weak and susceptible.  I understand high viral count isn't supposed to be an indicator of liver damage.  To me, it stands to reason that high VL and duration of time that I've had this would have to play into it.  Am I right?  What I'm most concerned about are prescription drugs.  I take ambien, xanax, or temazepam every night and have for years.  I take phentermine during the day & have been for almost 10 years.  I can't seem to find any info online about these drugs & have no idea how to broach my doc with this info.  I'd really appreciate any info about harmful drugs and/or supplements.  I drink very moderately so I'm not too concerned about that or should I be? My biggest concerns are the above mentioned drugs, how long I've been taling them and the fact that I can't sleep without a pill.  BX is 2 months away.  I'm afraid I'm going to completely freak myself out worrying about this between now & then.  Thanks in advance for any help.
Char

[can-do-man]

Hello and welcome, try not to freak over this, Good that you have been reading. Just don't believe everything you read. Make a list of questions with you to your doctor and after your bx see whats best for you. Best of luck and come back now.


Fish doc says...(OK, 2-3 pints of whiskey a week-is that a fish?),..........Lord she doesn't even know what a fish is.

[fishdoc]

Hi, and welcome.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, don't panic, thats my job!!
I am 50, 1a, vl 2.9 million, and I know I contracted it prior to 78.  My biopsy was good, not sure on the drugs, best course-stop as prudently as possible.  You used to drink moderately.  Now you don't take even one more drink if you love yourself and your family.  Number one factor in advancing into active liver disease-alcohol.  even moderate drinking raises your risk factor.  that said, I drank like a fish before I found out about mine in 93 (OK, 2-3 pints of whiskey a week-is that a fish?), and again, my biopsy was good.  Look back at all the old records of Dr. visits, and see if you had elevated liver enzymes - AST and ALT.  If you had above normal levels, might indicate ongoing liver damage.  Be patient, you don't have cancer, your in for the long haul, but even now, you can stop and smell the roses.  and again, welcome.