How to Live With Hepatitis C

Most people diagnosed with hepatitis C have no symptoms and only find out they have the disease when they receive routine blood tests for something else. Being diagnosed with the virus is in no way a death sentence, especially if it is caught early. While your life will change with a hepatitis C diagnosis, you can learn to live with the disease. Read on to find out how to live with this virus.

Things You'll Need

• Gastroenterologist or hepatologist
• Doctor

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Instructions

• 1

  Deal with the emotional stress caused by hepatitis C. When learning to live with the virus, you must face the mental and emotional turmoil caused by being diagnosed with a serious illness.

• 2

  Look to your family and friends for support. You may also consider seeing a therapist or attending a support group. Your local chapter of the American Liver Foundation can refer you to a group in your area. See the Resources section below for a link.

• 3

  Take it easy, getting plenty of rest. As your body fights hepatitis, you will experience bouts of fatigue. Try not to overexert yourself.

• 4

  Speak to your employer if your workday is too tiring. Try to arrange flexible hours or ask to telecommute. Be honest with your employer about your disease and treatment plans.

• 5

  Inform potential sexual partners that you are infected with hepatitis C. Use a latex condom when having sex with any new partner.

• 6

  Reduce your alcohol intake. Your liver is already inflamed due to the hepatitis, so you should avoid stressing it further with excessive alcohol.

• 7

  Avoid taking any over-the-counter medications without speaking with your doctor. Even acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) may cause damage to your liver.

• 8

  Keep a line of communication open with your doctor about symptoms. Be sure to notify him about any new symptoms you may be experiencing. Write them down as they happen, so you can remember the specifics between appointments.

• 9

  Consider seeing a specialist. A gastroenterologist or hepatologist, who specializes in liver problems or hepatitis treatment, may be able to offer the latest information on new treatments.