16 year old recently diagnosed with hep c

[Danielle7]

Hi, my name is Danielle. I'm only 16 years old, 17 next friday (woot woot :D). I have been recently diagnosed with hep c and am scheduled for my biopsy. I am genotype 1A. I most likely caught this virus from IV drug use. I am a recovering roxicodone addict. I'm very scared.. I dont know whats ahead of me.. what to expect ? Whats going to happen ? Will I never recover and eventually kill myself by destroying my liver ? HELP ):

[coeric]

hi Danielle,
welcome to the forum.  there are many kind people here with wonderful advice.  i've been carrying this virus for a little over 30 years.  i always figured something (jealous husband, shark attack etc) would kill this body before the virus does it in.  but now the docs are saying i am experiencing compensated cirrhosis so it might be time to get after it.  
blessings
eric

[wrayc]

Danielle

....happy birthday but more importantly, sorry that you contracted HCV at ANY age, much less 17.

1. this disease progresses slowly for most, so there's plenty time to accumulate and assimilate the info you will need.

2. educate yourself about the disease process and different treatment options standard of care including peg/interferon with ribavarin as well as newer class treatments, such as telepravir etc that are promising upwards of 75% cure.

3. Maintaining your sobriety to ensure to further infections do not occur

4. Lifestyle management, such as alcohol abstinence or diet and exercise to mitigate the damage to the liver

Welcome and Good Luck

wrayc

[waterjoe]

Danielle,

I got hep C (and B) when I was 19 shooting dope. I didn't start my treatment until I was 58. I'm saying you have some time. Old school thinking was you'll die with hep C not from it. From what I've seen, that is probably true for most.

Slow down, relax. . . you're going to be just fine. I was 58 five years ago and am still a BA mountain biker. This is just a speed bump near the beginning of what will probably be a long healthy life. :)

[Anne1717]

It will be okay kiddo and I am sorry for your diagnosis.  You will recover but it very important to take care of yourself and adopt a healthy lifestyle.  If you are still using or drink, please make every effort to stay sober.  
Most likely at your age you have minimal, if any, liver issues.  The treatments today are very effective any have a high likelihood of a cure.   You are lucky to have found out so early that you have HCV since many have lived 30 - 40 years not knowing they have it.

Stay in touch here and as you get further information please post it and ask any questions you may have.

Keep your chin up - it will be okay.

Anne