Helpful Steps for Hepatitis C Treatment Recovery

Editor's note: Treatment length time varies from person to person. For any questions about your treatment plan, please talk to your medical team.

As you complete hepatitis C treatment, you may have expectations for your recovery, and we often have 'false expectations of how quickly we should recover. Every patient's recovery experience can be different for various reasons, yet there are common factors about recovery.

I had three hepatitis C treatments during my journey before I received the cure. Each recovery experience was similar yet different, and these steps made a big difference in recovery.

What determines recovery time

• Each patient’s liver condition. Those with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis will recover at a different pace than those with mild liver damage. When liver function is compromised, liver function is slower; thus, taking longer for treatment medications and toxins to rid the body.
• If associated medical conditions exist, this can affect recovery speed.
• Other medications the patient takes may have side effects.
• Every patient’s treatment experience is different, and so is their recovery.

Helpful tips while in recovery

The liver is the powerhouse engine of the body, which performs many functions. Being proactive daily with healthy steps will help your liver as you recover.

• Drink at least 64 ounces of pure water or infused water with citrus daily. This keeps you hydrated while flushing toxins out of your body.
• Eat a nutritious liver healthy diet. Avoid processed foods. This helps nourish your body and provide the energy and nutrients your body needs as your liver regenerates healthy tissue.
• Juicing is an excellent way to get in extra nutrition. Use in addition to healthy meals.
• Taking Vitamin C and B-12 vitamins helps boost your immune system while helping restore energy. Both are water-soluble. Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements to ensure they are in safe amounts for you.
• Rest is needed to help your liver as it rebuilds and your body recovers. Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and take Rest breaks during the day as needed.
• Light to mild exercises, like walking, stretching, and light weights are helpful to boost your energy, strength, and stamina.
• Keep your focus on short realistic goals and weekly progress.
• Avoid alcohol of all types, even in recovery.

Treatment has a beginning and ending date. Though recovery begins when hepatitis C treatment ends, the recovery ending date varies.

Be patient in the process. You will get to the other side of recovery one step at a time.