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Life with and after cirrhosis
How to talk to family, friends, pay for tx, live with and survive after my husband's 4th stage cirrhosis diagnosis, completed hep c tx, blood levels improved, waiting for ultrasound
Hello there! Welcome! Patra and Nan have given you great advice. I am sure it is overwhelming. The best thing to do is to try to break it down into manageable pieces, prioritize and work on each problem individually.
I know that for me, I am easily overwhelmed. When I think of everything at once. I become afraid and panic. So...I try to think of one thing at a time.
I am not saying it is easy. I struggle with it as others on here do.
The good thing, the best thing is this wonderful group of people who will offer support, advice, care. I do not think I could have gotten through the treatment without everyone here.
In my area there are places that will help with food, clothing etc. You might try searching in your area. In our area it is called "Ecumenical Helping Others" Another is called SOME "So Others May Eat"
You could call you social services office to see if they know of places, or churches.
Remind your husband to drink water. It will help flush his system, dehydration can cause a lot of aching.
Take Care
Dee
I know that for me, I am easily overwhelmed. When I think of everything at once. I become afraid and panic. So...I try to think of one thing at a time.
I am not saying it is easy. I struggle with it as others on here do.
The good thing, the best thing is this wonderful group of people who will offer support, advice, care. I do not think I could have gotten through the treatment without everyone here.
In my area there are places that will help with food, clothing etc. You might try searching in your area. In our area it is called "Ecumenical Helping Others" Another is called SOME "So Others May Eat"
You could call you social services office to see if they know of places, or churches.
Remind your husband to drink water. It will help flush his system, dehydration can cause a lot of aching.
Take Care
Dee
Welcome to the Hep C Community. I know exactly how you feel as I was you in December, 2010 when my husband found out he had advanced cirrhosis as a result of Hep C. He had it for over 30 years without knowing which I just couldn't comprehend at the time. In 1979, he had blood transfusions as a result of bleeding ulcers. This is how he most likely contracted Hep C. What a shock it was to hear that he had end stage liver disease and would need a liver transplant to survive.
As Patra has advised you, you will be amazed how strong you can be. Your husband needs you now more than ever. Learn as much as you can about Hepatitis C. The internet is an amazing educational tool. I credit the information I got on the internet (including this wonderful website) to my husband still being alive four years later.
As for what to tell family and friends, tell them the truth. You will need all the support you can get. Some may disappoint you in their response, but that is their problem, don't make it yours. You will enough to deal with.
I see you wrote that he completed his Hep C treatment and is getting an ultrasound now. Is your husband being seen by a hepatologist at a liver transplant center? If not, I would highly recommend that you make an appointment so he can be evaluated for a liver transplant since he has cirrhosis. Best case scenario, he doesn't need one and his Hep C is cured.
That would be wonderful.
Keep coming back here. We care and will be here for you.
Nan
As Patra has advised you, you will be amazed how strong you can be. Your husband needs you now more than ever. Learn as much as you can about Hepatitis C. The internet is an amazing educational tool. I credit the information I got on the internet (including this wonderful website) to my husband still being alive four years later.
As for what to tell family and friends, tell them the truth. You will need all the support you can get. Some may disappoint you in their response, but that is their problem, don't make it yours. You will enough to deal with.
I see you wrote that he completed his Hep C treatment and is getting an ultrasound now. Is your husband being seen by a hepatologist at a liver transplant center? If not, I would highly recommend that you make an appointment so he can be evaluated for a liver transplant since he has cirrhosis. Best case scenario, he doesn't need one and his Hep C is cured.
That would be wonderful.
Keep coming back here. We care and will be here for you.
Nan
Wow, you sound pretty overwhelmed. At least on this site you will find LOTS of people who 'get it' and understand what he, and YOU are going through. i don't know what Gt, tx length, meds, etc, he was on to give you any positive feedback on that. All you can do is tell people and, if they ask if they can help, give them a finite, specific thing to do, so they can see a result - and be willing to help again.
As for income and life planning, are you near a liver transplant center? You can get a lot of good information there - as you will be able to from people on this site.
Income is a little different. Are y'all old enough for Social Security? Medicare? Those can help a lot. If he is not old enough for Social Secutiyu, then check into SSI (Supplemental Security Benefit - 'disability Soc Sec'). Again, won't get rich, but will help with the bills AND will qualify y'all as low income and eligible for other benefits.
FIRST, take a deep breath, exhale slowly and relax! You two can do this, by yourselves if you have to, but remember, with the forum, you all are NOT by yourselves.
One step at a time. Hang in there, and keep on keeping on. You have been strong -- and will be amazed how strong you still are / will be with the Forum behind you, pushing, helping, comforting, advising. Pat
As for income and life planning, are you near a liver transplant center? You can get a lot of good information there - as you will be able to from people on this site.
Income is a little different. Are y'all old enough for Social Security? Medicare? Those can help a lot. If he is not old enough for Social Secutiyu, then check into SSI (Supplemental Security Benefit - 'disability Soc Sec'). Again, won't get rich, but will help with the bills AND will qualify y'all as low income and eligible for other benefits.
FIRST, take a deep breath, exhale slowly and relax! You two can do this, by yourselves if you have to, but remember, with the forum, you all are NOT by yourselves.
One step at a time. Hang in there, and keep on keeping on. You have been strong -- and will be amazed how strong you still are / will be with the Forum behind you, pushing, helping, comforting, advising. Pat
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