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Hands together with a hopeful glow growing between them

Hope Beyond Hepatitis C

Connie Welch's avatar image

By Connie Welch

2 min read

There is great hope to get beyond hep C. It begins with learning what proactive steps we can take that will lead us toward our goal of being cured of hep C and being healthy.

Learning to take better care of yourself

When I was diagnosed with hep C one of the first steps, I had to take was to learn what is healthy and harmful to my liver and how to take better care of myself to help my liver fight hep C.

Steps for self-care:

  • Learn what to avoid that is harmful to your liver
  • Learn what is helpful and healthy for our liver
  • Eat a healthy liver diet. A liver-healthy diet can fuel your body with good nutrition and help strengthen your immune system
  • If you are overweight, lose weight
  • Rest. Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Take rest breaks or naps during the day if possible
  • Drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of filtered water daily or water infused with citrus slices. Water helps keep you hydrated, aids in cell function, and flushes toxins from your system

Proactive medical steps:

  • Do not assume you do not have hep C even if you do not have symptoms. Be tested for hep C to find out for sure
  • If you are hep C positive, seek the care of a liver specialist like a hepatologist, gastroenterologist, or infectious disease doctor. These doctors specialize in the care and treatment of hep C and liver disease
  • Make a list of questions to take with you when you meet with your doctor
  • Seek follow-up testing to determine the condition of your liver
  • Seek treatment for hep C. Prepare ahead for treatment by learning about treatment side effects and what you can take to help relieve side effects in case you experience any
  • Prepare meals ahead
  • Join a support group for hep C
  • Make your post-treatment recovery plan and follow up with your doctor for tests

Treatment for hep C:

  • Treatment for hep C has improved over time
  • Treatment is available for most liver and medical conditions
  • Newer treatments should have fewer side effects than older treatments
  • If you do not have insurance or cannot afford your insurance copay, there are patient assistance programs you can apply for help

Do not give up. Keep focused on achieving your goal of being cured.

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