How treatment for HCV would affect my ability to work and study?

[Angelikaz]

Hi,
Out of the blue, considering my life and not being out of  risk group, I found out I have antybodies of Hepatitis C positive, after reading quite a lot about it I have only 20% of clearing it naturally, so being realistic, I must have chronic Hep C.
I read about various treatments and possible tiredness and depression as side effect, but would like to know really more about experience with treatment.
Would that affect my ACCA study and full time work?
Thank you in advance for sharing thoughts and experience!
Angi x
Since I am Polish person living in Britain I do appologised in advance for my English ;p

[Angelikaz]

To all of you !!
It is very helpful and make me feel better and the fact is so many of you experienced and very positive !!
I am so optimistic normally but when comes to healt I would rather expect the worst... But will wait till tomorrow for final results,
So I do have some hope still and being a bit silly and drinking a glass of Malbec, as I know this is one of things "not to do" and being 35 yrs old in London made me drink socially regularly ...
Apart from it and smoking, I do excercises and eat healthily food but I will have to made still big adjustment!
I keep fingers and toes crossed for you all!!
And will update about results with probably 100 new questions
Love Ange

[orphanedhawk]

When determining when to treat hep C, the health of our livers is of utmost importance. Hep C tends to do it's damage very slowly.

Find out if you do indeed have the virus, and then, what damage, of how much damage has been done to your liver.

If you need to finish work or school, and could have some time set aside for doing treatment without added stress, I would advise you do so.

[flyinlynn]

Hi

As ldyllic posted you will need to have the HCV PCR test to make sure you have the virus. So far you know you have the antibody but you maybe be one or the fortunate 20 % who successfully were able to overcome the virus.

I have heard Sovaldi is now available in the UK so depending on your genotype of the virus (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b ect) your treatment could be as short as 12 weeks with very high rates of success. Some of the treatments maybe interferon free as well.

I have done the older treatments and worked full time for all but one I had to take a couple of weeks off during one as I became very anemic. But the old treatment I was on 48 weeks of interferon and ribavirin were difficult to endure at times.

Side effects are an individuals experience. Many had a harder time than me on the old treatments. But most are finding the new treatments much more tolerable.

My best suggestion as far as work and school is to try not to take on too much at least until you know how much stamina you have. Most common side is feeling really tired. Best self help is drink enough water and exercise at least take a walk. Improves your mood and really helps with symptoms.

But remember if you do have hep c treating it is you number one priority. With health you can accomplish your goals, without health your goals are lost as well.

Good luck and hoping you are negative for the virus
Lynn

[Idyllic]

From what I have seen treatment for Hepatitis C in the UK is very different in the US. I am not sure how meaningful a response to this would be.

Your research is accurate about the % of people who clear the virus. Because of that I encourage you to have the HCV PCR to see if you are actually infected with Hepatitis C. You have no idea how many people come on here convinced they have Hepatitis C and plan their lives accordingly. It is a lot of stress you might not need.

Start with the basics and the beginning.

PS: A short answer is you (as most of us) would find a way to treat the disease so you could get on with your life. For the most part Hepatitis C is curable so it would be worth juggling in the short term so you could treat and get on with your life. If that happens to be the case with you.