Hepatitis C Treatment Side Effect Busters

My journey through hepatitis C lasted 20 years and included 3 treatments. Two treatments failed, and the last treatment helped bring me the cure, but I had to deal with treatment side effects with all of them.

My experiences with treatment side effects

I compared my experience with treatment side effects like a box of chocolates; Each day, I never knew what I was going to get. Some days I had energy and felt well, other days, fatigue plagued me, and I felt ill. I labeled unwell days as hard days, but the hard days were not impossible. I was determined to find something good in each day, no matter what I was dealing with. The most common treatment side effect I experienced was fatigue throughout my entire treatment. I learned treatment side effect busters that helped.

Some things that may help

Drinking lots of pure water: Adding citrus slices added flavor, variety, and a smile. Drinking at least 64 ounces of pure water daily helps keep you hydrated and less sluggish. It also aids in your treatment.

Taking vitamin B-12 and vitamin C: B vitamins helps energy production. Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.

Eating nutritious meals 3 times a day or smaller meals throughout the day: Eating a healthy, light snack every 2 to 3 hours helps keep your blood sugar and energy balanced. Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats that can make you feel tired.

Mild exercise like walking and stretching exercises helps boost energy. Even a short 10 to 15-minute walk is great to boost energy, stamina, and endurance.

Resting: Take naps or breaks through the day when needed. Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you have run out of gas.

Keeping busy: Keep your mind active with work or a project you enjoy.

Keep a daily thankfulness journal: Every day I wrote down 10 things I was thankful for. I actively looked for the good in each day, no matter how I felt. Even on the hard days when my energy was low, I could find some much to be thankful for. Being thankful and positive helps keep your mind from diverting to how you feel physically and keep you out of depression.

Connecting with others: Visiting with friends and family on the phone or in person was a great energy lifter.

Laughing is good medicine. Watching a funny movie, or laughing with friends, always made me feel better. Research says laughing releases endorphins in the brain which help reduce pain and help you to physically feel better.

Are you dealing with hepatitis C treatment side effects?