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What Hepatitis C Taught Me

Connie Welch's avatar image

By Connie Welch

2 min read

My 20 year journey with hepatitis C included a total of 3 treatments, 2 liver biopsies, and countless other tests and physical exams. It also included highs and lows - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I learned many valuable life lessons throughout my entire journey that will remain with me always.

What hepatitis C taught me

Hep C taught me...

  • To focus more on gains, not losses.
  • I did not have control over the disease, but I did have control over my attitude and choices.
  • My attitude, choices, and actions had a great effect on my physical health.
  • Hepatitis C lived with me. I did not live with it.
  • Concentrate on what you can do rather than what you can’t do.
  • Being proactive made a big impact on my progress
  • Perseverance is key. Never give up.
  • Take one day, one week at a time. Focus on the next thing you need to do.

Focus on reaching weekly mile markers, using check-off lists to help you see progress and weekly victories. Some ideas include:

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  • If I have a bad day, remember, it is temporary, it will pass.
  • Reach out for help and support. It is important to healing.
  • Learn something new. Do something you enjoy.
  • Look for what is good every day and be thankful.
  • Recovery, like anything in life, takes time. Be patient in the process.

Proactive, daily steps matter

Being mindful of all aspects of health - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually make a huge impact on your journey with hepatitis C and liver disease. I also recommend:

  • Drinking lots of pure water daily, or water infused with lemon or citrus.
  • Eating good, nutritious meals that are healthy and liver-friendly.
  • Avoid what is harmful to the liver: alcohol, recreational drugs, some herbal supplements, chemicals, and toxins. Learn what over the medications and amounts are safe and unsafe for your liver condition. Talk to your doctor before taking anything.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial to liver health.
  • Exercise, even mild daily exercise like walking, is beneficial physically and mentally.
  • Focus on the good in each day and being thankful is beneficial emotionally and mentally.
  • Practice daily quiet time like prayer, meditation, or reading from the Bible.
  • Journaling is beneficial mentally and emotionally.

In summary

No matter where you are in your journey with hepatitis C and liver disease, take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You're worth it, my friend!

What have you or what did you learn through your hep C journey?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The HepatitisC.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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