Self-Care Package: 10 Tips to Help You Manage Hep-C

Hepatitis C (Hep-C) is a viral infection that damages your liver. 

There were 2.4 million diagnosed cases of chronic (long-lasting) Hep-C in the U.S. in 2016. But most people don’t even know that they have the condition. It takes years of liver damage for you to notice any symptoms.

Luckily, once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctors should be able to treat and cure your Hep-C. Read on to learn 10 ways to manage your condition and aid your recovery.  

Hep-C can cause fatigue and exhaustion. You need to get plenty of rest once you’ve been diagnosed. 

Don’t overtax yourself. Allow yourself to sit down and take a break if you feel tired. Make sure that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. 

Drink lots of fluids to help your body function at its best and ensure that you can stick to your treatment plan. 

You should drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Other fluids can include tea, juice, milk, and frozen fruit-based popsicles.  

Your liver processes alcohol. You shouldn’t drink any of it once you’ve been diagnosed with Hep-C. You should also avoid any illegal drug use. 

Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble quitting drugs or alcohol. There are programs available to help you quit. 

Stick to a healthy diet. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods high in fiber. 

Many people find it helpful to discuss what they’re going through with other people who have the same diagnosis. You can look for local groups or find one that meets online.

You can also create a support group from your friends and family.

The best way to ensure your complete recovery is to stick to the treatment plan that your doctor has chosen. This means never skipping doses for any medications and using them at the right times in the right ways. 

Most experts recommend that you should get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B once you’ve been diagnosed with Hep-C. Some of the Hep-C medications can trigger old Hep-B infections.

Heavy doses of some supplements can damage your liver. You should avoid the following once you’ve been diagnosed with Hep-C:

• Vitamin A
• Kava
• Valerian

Other supplements and medicines can have negative side effects when combined with Hep-C medications. Always talk to your doctor before you start taking anything new. 

Your diagnosis and treatment plan are likely to add stress to your daily life. You’ll feel better if you can find healthy ways to manage your stress like:

• Long walks
• Meditation
• Journaling

You need to take time for yourself and leave room in your schedule for activities that you enjoy. This should give you something to look forward to and help take your mind off of your diagnosis. 

Remember that Hep-C is curable with modern medicines. You shouldn’t stop living your life just because you’ve gotten a Hep-C diagnosis.