11 days left

[Kruger]

Starting 10/17, I will have 11 days left of Hep C meds. The last nearly 3 months seemed like a year to me. My life has changed dramatically since day 1 and it has been such a good change that I'm almost grateful (I said almost dammit) for having Hep C.

Before the treatment, my life was pretty much ok. Now life is so much better. Well it will be after the meds are out of my system. Everything I do now is geared towards becoming more healthy. My diet has been significantly reduced for so long that I'm liking it. More fruits and veggies to compliment the real food is second nature now.

I look forward to enjoying life after this. Food will taste better that's for sure. My wife has been with me the whole time. She hasn't missed an appointment with me. She's been supportive to a fault. Our marriage has always been good but I believe we are as close as when we first met 40 years ago.

Yes, this disease has been great for me. I've come to realize that since birth, none of us get out alive. So optimism is a first for me now. Anyone that knows me will faint after hearing it.

So, my hope for all of you is that you relish this experience, as terrible as it seems.

This thing called life has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I hope for you.

Fight on warriors,

Jeff  aka Kruger

ps. more water has passed my lips in these 3 months than in my entire life previously. No exaggeration.

[Mike]

Hey Jeff,

Congrats. You're almost to the finish line and well on your way to slaying this dragon!

Best wishes, Mike

[MaryC]

Starting 10/17, I will have 11 days left of Hep C meds. The last nearly 3 months seemed like a year to me. My life has changed dramatically since day 1 and it has been such a good change that I'm almost grateful (I said almost dammit) for having Hep C.

Before the treatment, my life was pretty much ok. Now life is so much better. Well it will be after the meds are out of my system. Everything I do now is geared towards becoming more healthy. My diet has been significantly reduced for so long that I'm liking it. More fruits and veggies to compliment the real food is second nature now.

I look forward to enjoying life after this. Food will taste better that's for sure. My wife has been with me the whole time. She hasn't missed an appointment with me. She's been supportive to a fault. Our marriage has always been good but I believe we are as close as when we first met 40 years ago.

Yes, this disease has been great for me. I've come to realize that since birth, none of us get out alive. So optimism is a first for me now. Anyone that knows me will faint after hearing it.

So, my hope for all of you is that you relish this experience, as terrible as it seems.

This thing called life has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I hope for you.

Fight on warriors,

Jeff  aka Kruger

ps. more water has passed my lips in these 3 months than in my entire life previously. No exaggeration.

Jeff,
Congrats to you!  Your post is so inspirational.  I can relate on many levels. 

I, too in some weird sort of way, am somewhat grateful that Hep C came into my life.  Initially...I saw it as a curse, but now know it is a wake-up call.   I now know I must live my life to the fullest and enjoy every day as a blessing.  Though I had a healthy life style before my diagnosis, I am now even more focused more on living well, keeping a positive outlook and reducing stress where I can.  I am very lucky to have a supportive husband (like your wife), family and friends.  I've been 'coming out', so to speak, talking openly about my diagnosis hoping to reduce the stigma associated with it. 

I am 31 days into treatment and expect to be cured.  I am very grateful for my meds and feel very lucky.  I am saddened,  however, for those who remain untreated and are struggling for medication approvals.  My hope is that the stigma is reduced, the meds become more accessible (and affordable) for everyone who needs them. 

Keep up the positive attitude!
Mary

[Kruger]

Thanks Mike, much appreciated.

MaryC,

You hit the nail on the head. It really is a 'wake up call'.
I was so excited the first 2 weeks of treatment. The next 2 weeks was becoming routine and boring with thoughts of "is it ever gonna end".

Then my 4 week labs came in with 'Not detected'. That was a shot in the arm for me. The next few weeks though brought me right back to the never ending part. I think it was when I picked up my final 2 week packet that it finally sunk in.

So hang in there with visions of the finish line MaryC. It will be here much sooner than you think. What will remain though is the journey. That will last a lifetime.

Good luck,

Jeff

[BillT]

Well done Kruger.

[Bree]

Thank you Kruger for your post.  Thank you Mary for your comments.

I am 3 weeks post treatment today and I am really grateful.  My treatment was relatively benign from many others with serious symptoms, nonetheless, I struggled with a few things (mostly in my head).  My overall theme was one of happiness and gratitude.... and readiness.

During treatment and afterward I feel more upbeat, more optimistic and more hopeful than I have in many years.  Not to mention my energy level.

It's the "smile at strangers" feeling.  I started a post called "Making the Most of Post" because I want to keep the positive stuff going and live life as best I can.  All the best to everyone!  Bree

[Cal]

Kruger,
Good on you. You've come out the other side very positive and happy. We are all so lucky. Cal