Stomach Issues and Hep C: Part 1

When I was diagnosed in 2010 with stage 4 liver disease because of my hepatitis C, I began noticing a huge new issue in my body: stomach problems. 

Ranging from acid reflux to feeling bloated and pain.  I began doing what we all know to do and started taking over-the-counter medications for relief. Tums, Pepcid, you name it and I tried it.  Liquid stomach coating I drank like kool-aid and chewed who knows how many Tums a day.

My stomach after eating began to burn and I did not have anything spicy to trigger or high acid stuff like pizza or Italian food.  I would lay awake hurting propping myself up in bed to ease the reflux happening.

Pancreatitis pain

That is about when my first bout with pancreatitis happened. 

Oh my goodness. The pain from this is unlike anything, including childbirth, have I ever felt.  This pain landed me in the hospital for 5 days. 

5 days of no food or water.  IVs were all that I was given, along with doses of pain meds to ease the awful pain. 

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.  It is very painful and the only cure to get rid of it is to take nothing by mouth (food or water) till it subsides.  Let's just say it is a fast like no other.

Hep C and gastro issues

I then remembered having horrible gallbladder issues a few years back and had to have that removed.  All this I linked to my hep C.   

Hep C does cause gastrointestinal issues as it hinders the body's ability to produce bile.  As the liver is getting beat up by hep C, the worse the gastrointestinal issues become. 

That is why it is so important to get treated quickly.

It is very important to be seen by your liver doctor regularly to address these other stomach issues.  You may even be prescribed a high level of protection for your stomach and help aid in the digestion of foods.

In part 2, I will address the long-term effects of untreated hep C, stomach issues, and ways to aid in your body's fight.

Please stay on top of your liver health.  Get treatment for hep C as soon as possible. 

As you can see only the delay of curing will ensure better stomach health as well as healthier liver.