Nevermind....

[amirtracy]

My question was going to be: Is there any way to get through treatment without having to tell people you're on it?
Texasgal sorta answered my question...:) I guess it's different for everyone. I'm having bx on Jan.6 and have pretty much resigned myself to treat no matter what. I was hoping to get through this without explaining much but i guess i'll just have to wait and see. i must admit waiting to begin is hell...anyhow Happy New Year and best of health to all!

[cougareyes]

You have to be prepared to roll with the punches, you can never tell how you will be affected by the drugs. I always considered myself a very strong(physically and mentally) person. So I figured it might? hit me a little in the beginning and then I would just shake it off and go on with my life. Ha Ha, I was bed ridden for the 1st 4 weeks, then I have only returned to work 2 days a week; with a lighter work load. I've tried to boost up my hours and my productivity, only to make myself sicker.
So far I've been very fortunate, I did prepare financially just in case I couldn't work. I also prepared my employer just in case I had to take medical leave, shorten my work hours, ect. So far I've kept my job position and insurance. I'm now on 26/48. Next week I'm going to resubmit FMLA paperwork for a limited schedule, and that should protect me through the end of my treatment.
Tx brings alot of drama in all areas of your life, it's a big decision that you must take your time to make; and be prepared to go the distance once you start.    Peace

[amirtracy]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm lucky, my husband and I have our own catering business so missing work wasn't really the issue with me. I haven't told my kids yet, boys 14 & 18 (only the 14 at home), and i was hoping i wouldn't have to disclose it had anything to do with my liver because of recent events in my family. My father died 2 years ago from alcoholic-induced cirrhosis and my brother-in-law died 1 year ago. He was a drug-addict, positive for hepc but apparently had a genetic liver disorder that killed him @ 31. The hepc, we were told, wasn't what killed him. His father also died @ 31 from the same disorder. His wife, my youngest sister, is also an addict and positive. Even after her husbands death. Noone has seen or heard from her since shortly after he died. So. It seems I contracted this from youthful indiscretions with cocaine, never did drugs with them, and it's purely coincedental that someone else in our family has this. I worked so hard to turn my life around and for the last 15 years have been drug and alcohol free. Just turned 40. So now I find out I'm positive. Now it bites me in the ass. I always knew It was too good to be true. To walk away from that and not be bitten. Anyway, I don't mean to vent, but the point I was trying to make was that I didn't want my kids to think I was going to die because of this. I also didn't really feel like 'fessing up to my past when they know nothing of it. Especially now, at their ages. I don't want them to say I did drugs so they can too. ??? I guess I'll just have to deal. Thanks for listening. Sorry I went on and on...

[NYgirl]

Hi!

As much as it is different for each person it's probably a good idea to tell your boss SOMETHING if possible (for example that you have a blood disorder and need to start chemo if you are just worried about saying HepC).

You will have good days and bad days and tired days and hyper days and I did not want to tell anyone either but I had to.

Maybe you can see how you are doing and not say anything unless you have to?  If you really do not want to I would do it that way.  Then I'd have time to prepare as well what it is you want to say.

Believe me there are a lot of us in here who at first didn't want to say we had this.  I was one.  Now I don't care anymore and try to educate those ignorant people who want to look at me oddly.  Idiots!

I wish you all of the best!

Debby

[amirtracy]

I'd just like to thank all of you. You've made the last few months bearable...
Good luck Spacecoast! It's someohow nice to know you're out there and not far away!
Mrs. O- You just relieved my mind big-time! 4 hours to approval! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's that easy!
Texasgal- thanks for the advice. Best of luck to everyone. What a trip it's already been and i haven't started yet!

[amommy]

Thanks! I'm going to go check it out right now :)

[texasgal]

It is so hard to predict what to expect with these drugs, but in my opinion, you can try and try and try, but you cannot hide what they do to you.  I was very fortunate to have employers that I could talk to and they understood and put up with every side effect I had.  There were times when I would get to work at 7:00 a.m. and I would feel so bad, I would leave by 7:30, but I tried.  However, everyone is different.  Everyone experiences different reactions and everyone handles them in different ways.  It seemed like every day, something new would pop up for me until I just couldn't handle it any more.  If you have to start this long journey, just remember that this board is probably the most helpful place to go than even your own doctor's office.  The people here have all become more than just people to write to.  They become friends and confidants.  When you can't talk to anyone else, come here.  We will all help.

Good luck to you.

Linda