Hepatitis C

My little sister had a liver transplant when she was 15 mos old. Afterward, she had to get blood transfusions and she contracted Hep C from one of them. This was in the 80s before they screened it properly.
She's had hep c for 20+ years and is doing fine. She has to take meds for it as well as anti-rejection meds for her liver but her liver is doing very well considering... She will likely need another transplant in the next 5-10 years, but she's healthy now. Eats and lives just like the rest of us but obviously has to avoid alcohol.

A dear friend of mine who was a drug user when she was younger had it. She went through interferon treatments and I helped her with nutrition. She has been disease free for almost 20 years.
If you want the nutrition info, let me know. There is a one approved natural interferon product that does not have the side effects of the drug.

My father died of Hep C related complications while waiting for a liver transplant few years ago. He lived almost 15 years after his original diagnosis. He was part of the minority that did not respond to interferon treatment. That said, results of the drugs now are much better than they were back then. With healthy living, clean diet and proper medical care it is possible to beat the virus.

A few words of wisdom... watch for depression during the treatments. Its a common side effect. Also, many people who caught the virus from lifestyle choices years ago struggle with feeling like they 'deserved' it. Lots of emotional support is needed from friends and family.

My father has Hep C, he's had it for at least fifteen years if not longer. It was no surprise to anyone either, including him due to the same reasons you listed. One of the first things he did was stop drinking any and all alcohol, as well as the drugs(obviously). He goes to meetings, similar to AA I guess? He sees his doctor at least twice a month and has his blood drawn each time to check for issues. Currently it isn't being detected, but of course that does not mean he no longer has it. He has tried to keep himself healthy physically and mentally as well as always following up with his doctor. I'm not sure what else can be done.

My sister has Hep C from surgery she had as a teenager. It apparently can lie dormant for a long time! She is going through the treatment right now! They have a new drug now that they do with the old treatment that increases the chances of getting rid of the virus. The Hep made her tired, but the treatment makes her even more so. So worth it though!

She had to cut out all alcohol (prob forever) because the Hep effects the liver. She also has to eat more healthy and just take better care of herself. She is not dating or in a relationship so that has not been a issue.

I have a family friend who has Hep C and just wanted to add that you should please be aware that Hep C is a MUCH stronger virus than HIV outside of the body and can live for an average of 16 hours (and up to 4 days) so be very careful in sharing any tools that could have blood on them (tweezers, toothbrushes etc). Not trying to scare you at all, I just had no idea until I started doing gobs and gobs of research myself. I figured it was a fragile virus like HIV but it really is not at all. Your family is in my thoughts!

Hi, my nephew had Hep C due to blood transfusions when he was a newborn. Around the age of 18 he underwent a year long therapy that left him a bit run down, but cured him of his hep C. I'm sorry, but I don't know what the name of the treatment was, but I think it wasn't something "new".