Don't Attach Yourself to Someone's Feelings: Coping with a Hep C Diagnosis

I will talk about the caregiver's perspective on hepatitis C. The situation is already hard, but it turns more challenging when you start to mix your feelings with others that want to help you. After a hep C diagnosis, you do need to do your research, talk with the doctor, and ask for websites to learn more about hepatitis C. We know so many people want to help, but the information comes from so many sources that it can lead you to feel more anxious. You must have one or two people that you trust to lean on. If no one you know has the knowledge about hep C, but they want to help, ask them to do the research together with you. People have many different opinions, and with it comes everyone's emotional background and how they deal with their anxiety.

What to expect after a hep C diagnosis

After his diagnosis, my husband and I studied a lot about hepatitis C. It helped us to understand so many things and how to deal with it, making me feel more confident and not so vulnerable when someone wanted to tell me what was better for him and my family. Be prepared for all the emotional imbalances a hep C patient can have like anger, depression, and anxiety. Also, trouble sleeping, difficulty eating some kinds of food, ascites, brain fog, and more. It'll depend, as each patient can react differently.

How others can hurt, and help

The last thing you want is people bringing a lot of information and personal opinions, because it can cause a conflict. Those outside of the problem have a different view of everything; They are not together, every day, dealing with the problem and with the patient. On the other side, do not forget, you need someone to lean on; Discuss your doubts with them, and yes, sometimes you are so overwhelmed that maybe they can help in some way.

Coping and staying strong

My husband got very sick. His appearance was not good, and some family and friends got scared. I was afraid, but I had a powerful feeling inside me, my intuition, and faith that he will get over it. He did, he got the transplant and then cured. The most important thing to do when your loved one is in this stage is not to allow people's emotions to get over you; this wasn't very easy at that time for me! Some people thought he wouldn't make it. Thank God I kept my soul in a different vibration. I was firmly in one direction, believing that everything will be okay - and that gave me the impulse to keep going. If I believe in miracles, why would I assume something terrible would happen? Keep my mind like that it was not easy. Don't think about the problems that can come; Instead, live day by day. Meditate, watch, and read things about protecting your emotional feelings, living in the moment, and most importantly, help your patient to do the same together with you.