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Living With Hepatitis C

Hepatitis is a highly infectious disease that affects the liver. Hepatitis C can cause fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. The virus is spread via blood-to-blood contact, usually through drug use or sexual transmission. Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms and do not know they are infected until blood tests indicate that they have liver damage. Hepatitis C can be treated with medication, but only about 50 percent of those treated will recover.

  1. Managing symptoms

    • Hepatitis can cause a multitude of symptoms that can be managed via a few strategies. To avoid fatigue, make sure you are getting enough sleep at night, drink plenty of water or nutritional drinks, and take naps when needed. Moderate exercise can keep you energized; just be sure to stretch beforehand. Try to avoid stress and ask for help with daily activities if you need it. If you are having headaches and muscle pain, they can be eased with Tylenol or Motrin. Hepatitis can cause dry skin and mouth: Avoid harsh soaps, (which can further dry the skin), use moisturizer, and chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to keep your mouth moist. It's also important to practice safe sex. Make sure your partner knows that you have the disease and take precautions.

    Depression

    • Many times, being diagnosed with an illness can lead to depression. Depression can cause you the sufferer to feel sad, empty, alone and worthless. You may spend a lot of time crying and lose all interest in things you once loved. You may experience weight loss, sleeplessness, overeating or thoughts of death. When depression worsens, you may experience panic attacks, tremors, dizziness and even difficulty breathing. If the diagnosis of hepatitis has you feeling depressed, talk to someone. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. Speak with your physician to determine the best treatment for your situation.

    Treatment

    • Treatments for Hepatitis C involve weekly injections and twice-daily pills of antiviral drugs. This method of treatment usually cures over half of patients. If your doctor recommends this form of treatment, you will take the medication for a period of 48 weeks. If you have reached the end stages of liver damage, a liver transplant will be necessary. (It can take years to find a proper donor.) The best way to guard against the disease is to avoid tattooing, risky sexual behavior and drug use. Proper diet can also help keep you healthy. Individuals with hepatitis should have a diet low in fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

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