past alcohol use

[rearfang]

I have recently learned that I have hep c. It has likely been in my system for about 20 years. Throughout that time, I have been a moderate to heavy drinker (I have stopped upon learning of my status). I will not be seeing the specialist for over a month and am crazy with worry. Is it possible that my liver is not too badly damaged, or does my history of alcohol abuse all but guarantee significant damage?

[rearfang]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me. It makes the waiting just a little more tolerable knowing I have a chance of not having done too much damage with my lifestyle. I think there's this part of my mind that feels guilty and that I'll be punished for my past "sins". Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to respond to me. I feel less alone when I'm "with" all of you.
Lauren
P,S thought I sent this, but it didn't go through...hope I don't repeat myself.

[rearfang]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me. The waiting will be made a little bit easier by knowing there are others who have not sustained too much damage through drinking.I guess there's that part of my guilty conscience that feels like I'll be punished for my "sins". I appreciate the people who are willing to take time to respond to me. I don't feel like such a pariah just knowing there are others out there.

[miked]

I drank 2-5 glasses of red wine every day for 15 years.  At diagnosis one of my biggest fears was how bad did I hirt my liver on top of HCV?

My results came back with mild fibrosis and inflammation.  Go figure.

[Tallblonde]

I know how hard it is to wait for that first appointment.  I remember, in my own case, thinking that my life was over.  I assumed the absolute worst and was fully prepared for them to tell me I needed a liver transplant, or something.  The relief I felt when I learned that my case was very mild was like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders.

Chances are, you'll be relieved, too.  Generally speaking, you'd be experiencing symptoms of some sort (especially fatigue) if your liver was seriously damaged.

Try not to anticipate the worst (I know...easier said than done).  And keep in mind that the the odds are very slim that your child has HCV.  In fact, the likelihood that you DIDN'T transmit the disease to her in utero are 95% or greater.  I'd bet on odds like that!

Best wishes to you, Lauren.  As time goes on, you'll come to realize that this isn't as big a catastrophe as you now believe it to be.  Everything will be OKAY.  

Susan

[rearfang]

Thanks to all of you who have responded. I find that reading the posts and interacting with you all does help. The hard part now is the waiting, the not knowing. It has been much easier to not drink than I thought it would be, though I do miss my evening beers. To think I was going to try to quit smoking this week before I found this out. Unfortunately, that will go on hold for a little while. I only smoke a half a pack a day (I know that's still bad), but my nerves wouldn't take quitting right now. I'm glad to know that there's a chance I haven't f***d up my liver too badly, thanks for your input, layla. I won't even see the dr. until Feb 1st, and I don't know how long it will be after that when the biopsy is performed. I've been trying to go about my days, stay in a routine, enjoy my daughter. I hope as she gets older and learns what I've done to myself for some stupid thrills in my twenties that she'll be wise enough to stay away from drugs and alcohol. I hope you all had enjoyable holidays. I look forward to getting to know you all. It's ironic though, isn't it? What I really wish is that none of us had to know each other. Life teaches us in strange ways, doesn't it?
Lauren
PS I don't see where I can start a new thread, so I just keep jumping in on the old ones. Am I missing something?

[layla]

I had HCV for about 28 years and partied a lot for many years. Even as I aged and stopped I always drank wine with dinner. I had no liver damage. It's different for everyone and can't be predicted. I am sorry your going through that struggle with having your child tested. That was my biggest fear when I was diagnosed. Fortunately my family was not infected in all these years. I only say as you get more informed it will get easier to deal with. I cried for the first few month. I wish you the best. LL

[giddyup]

I  have a friend with a low viral load who's actually still drinking but his biopsy shows low liver damage.I drank often and have cirrosis.You just won't know until you have biopsy. Sorry about you diognosis and welcome to the forum.

[rearfang]

Thank you for responding so quickly. I have gotten alot of insights from this site and appreciate the honesty of the people who use it (though some of you seem to do a bit of bickering!). I am a 44 year old woman and I have a 3 year old daughter. I just learned about my situation when I tried recently to donate blood. You can imagine---no, I guess you all know-- the devastation and fear and worry I feel. I am trying to not be too panicked about my daughter, since it seems unlikely I have passed this on to her. I need to arrange to have her tested. I found out this only about a week ago, and have been having a very tough holiday season. It's amazing how quickly life can turn upside down. I guess my big fears are about my child, about the damage I've done to my liver and what will happen in terms of treatment (or the lack thereof). I have told only a few family and friends, and am still trying to sort it all out. I thank you all for your help and support.
lauren

[giddyup]

I  have a friend with a low viral load who's actually still drinking but his biopsy shows low liver damage.I drank often and have cirrosis.You just won't know until you have biopsy. Sorry about you diognosis and welcome to the forum.

[doll face]

I know this is easier said than done but try not to strss to much until you have the tests completed and back. A biopsy is only way you will know how much damage is done.In the mean time I would suggest that you find a gastrologist or better yet a hepatologist that you are comfortable with.
Learn as much as you can....(Lots of good info and advice here) and to be aware of things around the house that you might share with people that could cause blood to blood contact like your toothbrush and razors, fingernail clippers.
I am sorry that you have to go through all this especially with a child during the Holidays but there will always be saomeone here to support you or answere questions to the best of our ability.
By the way welcome to our "family"
Kim