New Treatment

[hopefulgirl38]

Hi All,

My boyfriend is about to start treatment, we are terrifed, he already has early cirrohsis - does everyone get so sick on treatment - I have seen postings that indicate that even after treatment stos some people still have long term side affects like depression.  It seems pretty hopeless

[WriteItDown]

Hi Hopefulgirl38,

I was in your boat seven months ago, with my husband starting tx. I was very nervous and scared, but it ended up being not as bad as I feared. It wasn't exactly a picnic, and there were some hard times, BUT it was way better than we'd heard it might be.  Now he is six weeks post-tx, and feeling pretty much back to normal.  We know he was one of the lucky ones, but maybe your bf will be, too.  Everyone responds differently, so he might not feel too bad.  

I do know that having you there to support him will help!  Best of luck to you both.

[eureka254]

It's pretty natural to feel the anxiety you describe -- most of us here have been there -- you're not alone.

"Keep your eye on the prize" has been my motto -- my husband also has cirrhosis, and though the treatment was difficult, it's been doable. (He has done 70 weeks so far.) Although some people struggle, some people have very mild side effects, even with cirrhosis -- it's really very individual how each person reacts.  Also, keep in mind that some people undergo the treatment with no problems and never seek out support -- you'll see lots of issues addressed here, but remember that the people who don't have difficulty probably aren't posting here :).

Don't give up hope -- it's definitely a scary time, but at least nowadays our loved ones with hep c cirrhosis have options which didn't exist 20 years ago.
As you go through the next steps with your boyfriend, don't hesitate to post your questions and concerns... you'll find that there are people here to help you in your journey if you just ask.  Good luck, and keep hopeful. ~eureka