i had a blood transfussion in 1977 and found out recently i have hep c they can not treat it had it to long?

Question

i have manic depression and they say the treatment causes this soooo what to do will i ever work again or just get sicker they say they really do not know i am 56 and do not want this wish it would go away is there any better advice out there?????

Answer 1

first of all, i'd like to explain to those that claim they are healthy are NOT healthy if they have HCV!

now, on the other hand....you did not say why they wont treat.
if it is because of the mental disease (manic depression)-that is CAUSED by having HCV!

HCV is not just a liver disease! HCV only needs the liver as it's host, our bloodstream is it's transporter! HCV is found in ALL tissues-not just the liver! It even passes the blood brain barrier! (which is why more heppers than not have HCV related CNS diseases such as depression, mania, bi-polar illness, as well as others like major depression, short term memory issues ect ect ect.....

If this is the only reason why they will not treat, you need to march back into your doctor and tell him that if you were not HCV infected, you wouldnt have manic depression!
There are medications that can help you during your antiviral chemotherapy! Antidepressants with the combination of buspar or other non-addicting anti-anxiety meds will help!

I had depression from the age of 13 up until I did antiviral chemotherapy at age 34.....I no longer battle with depression because I am a responder to the chemo meds...the virus is not capable of causing an upset in how my brain chemistry communicates.....I am post 5 years and feel great! Treatment for me was easy because I kept up my water intake during the entire year! (water greatly reduces side effects!)

Now, if it is your liver damage that is causing the doctors to tell you that your not a good canadite for treatment, then at least ask him about infergon.....it is the one folks have been waiting for!

If you have the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, treatment is not an option for you-or anyone else for that matter who has this disorder:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_1-antitrypsin_deficiency

meanwhile, while your awaiting to talk to your doctor again, you can try to introduce milk thistle-this is the ONLY proven beneficial, non harming herb for those with HCV.
drink plenty of water (do not exceed the daily allowance)
try to gain most of your protein from veggies-they are easier for your body to digest
refrain from sodium, sugars (all kinds, all forms including artificial) stevia seems to be safe-this if found at GNC but some stores are now carrying foods/beverages with this ingredient.
do not take a multivitamin with iron in it...if your not sure, ask the pharmasist which ones do not have any form of iron in it...this goes for food too...no foods with iron in it.
try to limit your red meat intake (iron and high protein-hard to digest). chicken or fish a few times a week is much better if you need to eat meat.
coffees and teas are good for you, however, if your liver damage is causing panic attacks from toxin overload (waste and bi-products of foods) by all means do not drink it.

juices, cleanses (cure alls) are dangerous for anyone, not just those with liver disease. do not fall victim!

if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get into touch with me....
heppystephy at yahoo.com

Answer 2

I was diagnosed with Hep-c back in '96, and I feel fine. I haven't had to take any meds...thank God. I'm 40 now, but we traced it to when I was got homemade tattoos when I was 16. I live life to the fullest and I don't dwell on the past, my life is better for it.

Answer 3

Did you by any chance consider getting a second or even third opinion? If I were you, I'd research this as much as possible on my own, and go to the doctor armed with what I have learned.

Answer 4

i know a few people with hep c and some are on interferon and others aren't .some got so sick on the cure interfurion that they quit doing it,,others had it for 20yrs and are in good health as they eat veggies and fruits and just basically take care of their selves....it is not a death sentence as aids once was...get another eval from another docter.good luck and god bless you always,,,,,