2 weeks diagnosed

[onlyyoung]

I was only diagnosed 2 weeks ago and feel like my world has just crashed and burned. I'm 24, had problems with drugs and alcohol, shared needles with other users and always knew there was a possibility but that couldn't prepare me for the diagnosis. I'm  not coping well at all as I do not fully understand about hepatitis C. I am already a daily drinker and this makes me want to hit the bottle even more. I don't know who to turn to and only a few days ago had a psychotic episode and self harmed as I felt dirty having this disease and knowing I could have given this disease to my ex-gitlfriend whom I was in a 10 month relationship with, I have asked doctors and nothing makes sense. Its not going in. I have been told I should have an appointment with a specialist in next few weeks to discuss treatment but I have a mental block stopping me taking in any information I hear. It all seems like a foreign language. I was an IV user for 3 years and shared needles regularly through this time and don't know how long I could have had this. I do feel regular pain in my kidney, liver and pancreas as I have abused drink over the years and developed acute pancreatitis. I just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and don't know who to turn to. I feel suicidal and just on an endless self destruct mission. Needed to let it all out and try find hope in my head.

[Mike]

Hi Onlyyoung,

A Hep-C diagnosis can be a very scary thing to hear and can stir a lot of emotions. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness can arise and become overwhelming.

You need to take a step back, take a deep breath and know that this will work out.

Hep-C is a very slow progressing disease and it can be cured. It can take decades before symptoms develop and time is on your side.

When I was diagnosed in 2000, the treatments sucked, and I had about a 25% chance of clearing the virus. I remember being scared and feeling hopeless. I went through treatment in 2001 and failed.

I had to wait another 14 tears before the treatments advanced to the point that a cure was available, meaning that I  lived with the virus for about 35 years.

The treatments today are so effective that 95% are being cured! In the next 3 years, it will probably be a 100%

You have really hope now, that many of us on this board did not have when first diagnosed. A lot of us have had Hep-C for decades.

A few facts: 80% of people with Hep-C do not have any symptoms, liver damage or a progressive disease. They just have the virus. Of the remaining 20%, some have minor to moderate liver damage. An even smaller number have more significant problems.

The good news is that we can all be cured because of the advancements made in treatment over the past several years.

A couple of recommendations. First, don't be afraid to reach out for help. If you're thinking about hurting yourself, please tell someone, call a crisis helpline for guidance and/or contact a close family member or friend.

Second,  understand that Hep-C can be cured and is not going to take you out today, tomorrow or next year.

Third, try to stop drinking. It can accelerate the damage that can be caused by Hep-C. It can also impair your train of thought.

Fourth, make an appointment with the specialist and discuss treatment.

Fifth, learn as much as you can about Hep-C from reliable sources (like the folks on this forum). Most people who don't have Hep-C don't know anything about it, don't understand it and most likely can't give you good information or advice.

Fifth, think positive. You will get through this.

Sixth, repeat these steps as necessary!

I know being diagnosed with Hep-C is scary and can seem overwhelming. Keep your chin up and feel free to ask any questions you might have. Knowledge about Hep-C will really help you through this.

Best wishes, Mike

[BattleTheBeast]

Onlyyoung,

Please don't do anything to harm yourself. You have a whole lifetime ahead of you. As Mike mentioned there are so many recently approved medications that can and will cure most people with Hep C today. Perhaps you can get into a doctor soon to discuss your options and in the meantime it would be good if you could perhaps find a 12 step group to attend. Not saying you have any issues but they will help you on the road you need to travel now with no alcohol.  Alcohol is a depressant and will only make you feel much worse.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to focus on doing healthy things for you mind and body.  This road we are on isn't easy but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and if you reach out there are many people who will help you on your journey. Perhaps in a year from now you will be able to do the same for someone else.

Keep positive, learn all you can, focus on being healthy and know there is help available for you.

~Mel~