What is your biggest fear when it comes to hep C?
Do you have any fears when it comes to living with hep C? This is a safe space to share how you feel.
I don’t really think I had a fear about living with Hep C. Although my story is different from every one else, I willingly contracted Hep C from an organ donor. I knew what I was doing when I signed the paperwork to receive a high risk organ and at the time, I was running out of options, so my best case scenario was to receive a high risk organ or die. I chose to receive a Hep C donor’s heart and I’m abundantly grateful that I made the right decision for myself. I’m currently 3 years post heart transplant and I’m healthier than I’ve ever been in my life.
Leslie (Community Moderator)
Social blockage
, that's a very valid fear! I wish this weren't the case, as HepC is highly treatable and not contagious unless one engages in certain activities (and even then, prevention can prevent transmission). Having HepC should not still have a stigma surrounding it, but I know it does.
Best, Erin, HepatitisC.net Team Member.I would have to agree. Sometimes the fear of the unknown can send people into fear, panic, and anxiety of the what if’s and tend to isolate or leave out the person with Hep C. Personally, I willingly contracted Hep C from an organ donor. I became educated about Hepatitis C and I educated my family and friends of the Hep C medications that cure Hep C, however, I still have friends who are still are standoffish and there’s nothing that can be done to change their minds. Hope you are doing well. Leslie (Community Moderator)
I don't have that much fear because I have no pain from my hep C as of yet. I am 66 years old and I have other things that worry me right now. I have OCD and terrible panic attacks that I need to get help for real soon My primary doctor of over 30 years is retiring and I am in the process of changing over to my new primary, My first a poointment ils Jun.16 th. I'm stressing big time about the change. I also am on methadone to and doctors scare away when they find that out. They say it's not them it's the government. I'm on a very low dose I'm trying to come off and have been for awhile I'm only on 70 mg. a day, I was on 170 mg. s🤐
Hi
. Methadone is important to your health. It would be great if you could come off it, but please don't rush it because of the ignorance of some doctors. You need to do what is best for you. OCD can be pretty debilitating. Have you found a good psychiatrist? I know that is not easy. First, you have to find someone who is taking new patients, and then you are often placed on a waiting list. The sooner you can get on that list though, the better. You need and deserve some relief from your panic attacks. Your new primary care doctor might be able to help in the interim. Can you see a therapist in the meantime who can help with coping skills? Therapy won't cure your OCD, but it can help you de-escalate when you feel a panic attack starting. Please don't let any of that stop you from treating your Hepatitis C though. The earlier you treat it, the better the chances that you will be cured. Here is an article about the importance of early treatment that might interest you: https://hepatitisc.net/clinical/dangers-untreated. You have a ton going on right now. Please know we are here for you whenever you need a place to vent or some extra support. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) It’s totally understandable to have some anxiety by from changing your doctor whom you have had for 30 years to a totally new doctor. Personally, I had the same circumstances. My regular physician whom I’ve had almost 50 years retired this year and I had to see a new young doctor who knew little to nothing about my medical history. Hope everything goes well. Leslie (Community Moderator)
Thank you I have already got the hepatitis cure years ago
That's wonderful,
! Have you been rechecked at all since? I hope you are done with it for good now and that you have no lasting damage. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
