Positive n

[tempster]

Basically, my lifestyle is a what society considers bad, i'm a gang member, n it's the actions that we did it some still do that earn that label, I say this because of the fact that most gang members almost all have hep c, but like me don't know anything expect that they tested positive few times, in prison, in using heroin, n the lifestyle i'm sure i'm far from well, but like most comments I've read no symptoms here, and the label we carry along with my look tattoos shaved head, it makes help from other for us not come so easy or feel easy to get, who cares really, for us, but I finally came to want to care for me, I have long way to to but my changes r positive n maybe I'll be lucky n get help just a bit different n easier then other times I've tried, to be the person I wasn't n should be I have to live n once I don't have the sealed faith we all have to die to violence, by changing, I may still be young enough to live a good life normal peaceful, but I have to deal n cope with my issues including health, geo c I know little about n to scared to go to the doctor n ask for my current stage or however it's said, I figured try to eat healthy be healthy n maybe work some nervep to then go in a few months, but I don't know how to eat or be healthy with hep c ,

[ceanothus]

I just wrote a reply to your other post encouraging you to start a new thread, and now I see you've already done that - excellent! Welcome! Treating your addiction is the single most important thing you can do right now, but you can also try other healthy living steps at the same time. These won't cure your Hepatitis C, but they will reduce the stress on your liver. Rule number one is don't drink alcohol. Everybody knows that excessive alcohol can damage a healthy liver, but with HCV that danger increases significantly because your liver is already being damaged by the virus and because alcohol enhances the ability of the virus to do damage, so the damage done by the two together is greater than just adding the two individual parts together. Drinking while infected with HCV is commonly compared to throwing gasoline on a fire. Unfortunately, at least some narcotics, if not all (I don't know which it is), also increase the activity of the virus, so fear of reinfection is not the only reason to get clear of the drug addiction.

Working on the addiction and on avoiding alcohol are maybe as much as can be asked of any mere mortal at one time, but if you still have any energy left to try other health-strengthening measures, it basically comes down to the same things everyone is told: eat healthy foods - lots of whole fruits and fresh vegetables, minimize salt, sugar, red meat, saturated fats and highly processed foods. Be careful about what over the counter meds you use, particularly NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be hard on the liver. Try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, try to maintain a regular exercise routine, whether it be walking, running, swimming or bicycling. Try to get adequate sleep, and put some energy into your relationships with other people, as we all need some real physical friends for optimal mental health. Choose a doctor who specializes in the liver, a hepatologist, to care for your liver disease and to guide you through treatment later on. If you can't get a hepatologist, then a gastroenterologist is next-best.

Keep coming back to let us know how you are progressing!

[HCVinPDX]

I truly respect you for making a decision to turn your life around.  It takes a lot of courage to step out of your comfort zone.  I found out I had Hep C nearly 3 years ago.  I believe I was exposed in 1982 at a time that I had no self-esteem and made some bad choices.  I am currently undergoing treatment and will be done in nine weeks.  
Please be sure to surround yourself with a strong support system when you find yourself struggling.  I live alone and don't know anyone else with Hep C.  I started out knowing almost nothing and this group has educated, supported and encouraged me since I joined last year.
Wishing you aLl the best,
Rebecca

[rivll]

Good for you, I am really impressed that you are at the stage of thinking about your life and maybe trying to save it.
I agree with everything ActingBrandNew said, get clean first if you can, then seek treatment if you are still using. No use in treating for the hep.C if you are likely to reinfect yourself. Remember if you have any more tattoos, get them at a reputable place that uses new needles.
ABN is also right that most doctors don't care about your history as much as doing their job so don't let that keep you from seeking help. If you do get one who treats you bad, just find another, don't give up.
Good luck. I wish you all the best.

[ActingBrandNew]

I understand where your coming from but there are plenty doctors that dont care about a lot of the things you just mentioned. They just want to do there part and help you get well. I caught Hep C from IV drug use too....after I got some clean time I treated it and am cured. I found a compassionate doctor who didn't care about how I looked. If your not using anymore, I suggest you make an appointment with a Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist to find out where you stand with the disease. There are some new meds that are around the corner that have less side effects than the current ones. If your still using, Id suggest you get clean before deciding to treat that way you dont end up re-infecting yourself.