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alcohol

Why does it matter if you are off  alcohol for 6 months before starting treatment?
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Avatar universal
I'm not worried about the not drinking; it makes sense to me, and isn't a ig deal. But having to wait 6 months is a little frustrating, and I'm curious as to why they make you wait. I will probably be taking Harvoni, if that makes any difference.
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Avatar universal
I took lot of natural iron
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Hopfully before doing this you have had a full iron panel done as  very often  one with HCV has an over abundace of iron  stored which can be harmful.

linda: I concur with  cando"s  and Mike's good advice in regards to alcohol consumption..

Will

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Avatar universal
"I too worry about this but my worrys are after tx will I be able to have a wee pint or night out and will it bring the hep c back !...."

I have never seen any evidence whatsoever that drinking after one has achieved SVR can trigger a recurrence of hepatitis c. Abuse of alcohol can certainly damage your liver but it will not "bring the hep c back".

Mike
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Avatar universal
did you do the meds yet?
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Avatar universal
I too worry about this but my worrys are after tx will I be able to have a wee pint or night out and will it bring the hep c back ! I drank befor tx think the waiting and all information can be overwhelming when say drank had one or few nights with girls cause knew I had a year of no nights out. But I really kept to a minimum and I think it's just common sense to get you as healthy as possible and stable befor treatment. I took lot of natural iron vitamin b and c eat well but I got to admit the wait and the unknown of will thy tx was a very anxious worrying time. My advice would be everything in moderation and listen to what they say the hep team about tx cause they know what they talking about but it is something that was never brought up with me I was just totally honest drink was no issue take or leave told them had odd joint of weed and it was more to do with preparing me for this hell now I look back and understand why they so cushion with us and try cover every angle just like the got to be on a contraceptive which I can't take due to chemical imbalance but if I didn't sign. Contract to say I would I would of got no tx ! And that was the words from the heads mouth. If you'd kept fighting no contraceptive we wouldn't of gave you tx. There so many things to take in I think you can over do it with the Internet and information. Your day will come I waited ten year actually forgot at times but OCD so bad I'd got into a pattern were no one could catch it until my liver enzymes started Christmas and I started tx end may! But if I could of I'd of started it then at that first appointment medicin come along way even people who have mental health or are on maintenance methadone are all welcome to fight the good fight it's just if your ready mentally and physically I can only say they just trying to get your liver prepped all the best ! I would of done anything to get tx and if I was asked to stay of anything drink fags I would done it . It ment so much
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Avatar universal
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/provider/guidelines/2006HCV-groups.asp


Patients with Ongoing Alcohol Use
in those who completed HCV therapy, SVR was similar in drinkers and nondrinkers . Thus, alcohol users should not be excluded from antiviral therapy but treatment adherence should be stressed
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Avatar universal
Without giving you the normal alcohol lecture here, the number 1 reason why some doctors do this is compliance with taking the meds, if someone does not take their meds on time and on a regular basis the odds of gaining SVR are much lower.
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