three months after diagnosis

[Roxanism]

Have had HCV for over 40 years.

It started with a trip to the ER thinking I had severe indigestion only to find out it was fluid retention in my abdomen. It has all moved very fast since then. I have been hospitalized 20 days in two hospitals, for complications with kidney and liver function and to be kept under observation,

I'm 66 yrs old, No drugs or alcohol for over 20 years, never abused either.  I maintain a sense of humor despite everything that's going on with my health these days, and have the great fortune of being able to remain positive most days.

  Of course those dealing with this virus and Cirrhosis as well,  know that those days come few and far between.
I continue to love the outdoors Yoga and the arts. For the time being though, I lack the energy to do much physical activity.  When I feel too depressed,  I lose all perspective  and become apathetic. But through it all I stay proactive, and open minded. One of the greatest gifts that have come out of this ordeal has been meeting a wonderful group of post and pre liver transplant persons in a wonderful support group.

I underwent a TIPS procedure which got rid of my ascites, and am still on a restricted diet which I follow seriously. I am on the transplant list but recently my MELD scores have decreased to 18, so I may have a long time to wait. Or not.
This condition is so unpredictable in that respect. But I remain flexible. I am currently trying to convince my Dr to increase my new anti dep. "Zoloft" to see if this state of constant sleepiness and indifference to day to day life improves. I find much valuable information and support o this forum.
Interests: Hepatitis C,  depressed, living with cirrhosis, Nonalcoholic Cirrhosis.

[hepcandme]

Welcome Back!
A little birdy told me that you were doing much better and I am So relieved to hear that. You were one sick puppy!

I think the fatigue comes with the territory both for Hep C and cirrhosis and not sure that an increase in your antidepressant would increase your energy level but others may have some ideas about that

I finished Sovaldi/Olysio treatment last Thursday and I wish I could tell you that miraculously I feel full of energy but, no.

It takes awhile to get all the meds out of your system

If you find a yoga that one can do with achy joints and muscles, please share! I do manage to get out and take the hound for a walk around the lake every day but the closest I get to yoga is thinking about it

All the best to you

[nan535]

My husband went through a similar experience when he found out he had Hep C for decades from a blood transfusion he got back in 1979. By the time he found out he had all the symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis except for
ascites which strangely enough he has never had.  

It's so strange to have to wish your MELD stays up in order to get your transplant. Never mind that that means you have to be sicker at the time of transplant.

We live in a NYC and we knew that there was a real risk of him dying from an infection before a liver would be available for him as there are so few livers available in this large urban area in comparison to the number of people waiting. So we relocated to NC and he got his transplant within 4 months of our arrival with a meld score of 24. He would have needed a Meld score 30+ in our hometown.

Thought I'd share our story with you in the event you too live in an area where you need a very high Meld score to get your transplant.

You can check out this site for the transplant center reports around the country. You can be listed at more than one transplant center.
http://www.srtr.org/csr/current/Centers/Default.aspx

Good luck to you.
Nan