First post, diagnosed 4 weeks ago

[SwissMan]

Hi all.  I was diagnosed with Hep C ca. 4 weeks ago.  Gave blood and it came back Hep C positive.  Second test also positive.

I am 53 years old male, live in Switzerland, and either contracted Hep C when I was 16 through blood transfusion (had pretty bad motorcycle accident) or when I was drunk and stupid 20 years ago and decided to get a small tattoo on my arm at a party (not very hygienic).

I went to see my family doctor today and he will refer me for further tests at the University Hospital in Zurich.  No idea when that will be.  I have very good insurance, basic insurance, and on top of that extra premium.

Doctor seemed very "matter of fact" about the whole thing.  He said my liver enzymes not that bad, that I might get treated right away, or perhaps we wait - depends on outcome from Uni Hospital tests.  He said there are new drugs on the market that work miracles and I should cut down on drinking (or stop altogether).

I have been worrying myself to death these last four weeks, but my doctor was so relaxed about the whole thing.

Also a bit worried if I have to take time of work.  What should I say?  Hep C has a lot of stigma around it, and doubt my co-workers will understand.

[Philadelphia]

Hi Swiss Man, the new "miracle drugs" are pretty amazing. Depending on the genotype of hepatitis C you have and the extent of your liver damage, you might only be treating for a few months.

The side effects of these new drugs such as Harvoni are pretty mild for the majority of people and many people work right through treatment. I'm a school principal and I worked part time all the way through six months treatment but my liver is pretty bad and I was quite sick. I'm now back at work full time and although I still deal with the day to day issues of having cirrhosis (I can't drink, am reasonably careful about what I eat, exercise every day) I am doing well.

I told people at work, and in fact I have been quite open with my diagnosis, doing radio and tv interviews to raise awareness of the problem and get the Australian government to fund treatments. That does not suit everyone though. I didn't openly live my diagnosis in public until recently. If you need time off work, you can always go for something vague and meaningless. But as I have said, many people work right through.

I hope you take the opportunity to get cured. You will never regret it.

Good luck!

[gnatcatcher]

Welcome, SwissMan. While any diagnosis is unnerving, now that there are easy, effective new drugs, Hep C isn't the "big deal" it used to be. That's why your doctor can be so relaxed about the whole thing.

If you happen to be the right genotype to use Harvoni, you might be one of the many people (myself included) who get EXTRA energy while on it, making the weeks of treatment effortless -- swallow one pill a day and go about your usual life in turbo mode. (Philadelphia had a less easy treatment than those of us on Harvoni alone, hence she worked only part-time.)

Gnatty

[Cheryl F]

Hi SwissMan - I too have recently been diagnosed with HEP C. I am a 53 year old female in the US. It was a really huge blow finding out.  I have had routine blood tests performed for a long time... but the most recent doctor went a step farther and discovered Hep C.  I started reading all I could about Hep C on the internet... but honestly this site has been the most help.  People in the forums and on the message boards are full of helpful information, compassion, and most of all understanding. I am currently waiting to see how and if insurance will cover treatment. Hang in there and stay strong and focused. Most of all, lean on the people that post on this site for support.  Blessings to you. Peace - Cheryl