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LC


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But U look healthy
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I always only found out I had HCV about a couple of years ago.  I thought my anemia was making me tired, which was probably a part of it, but so was the virus.  

Isiscat2011 wrote:
Looks can be deceiving, and I know that I always make an effort to look nice and put on a brave face, even when I don't feel well.  This can create confusion because I still expect people to get that I am experiencing health problems and have actual limitations with energy, etc.

I will tell the mouse to try to be nicer to Isis, and that she can't make her her own personal taxi service so that she can save her energy for amusing and comforting you! smile Shame on that selfish mouse.  no



-- Edited by LC on Thursday 6th of November 2014 07:18:08 PM

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Genotype 1a, VL 1,151,923.  51 years old.  Started treatment on AbbVie TOPAZ II clinical trial Oct 10, 2014!  Undetected at weeks 2 and 4! 
Angel67


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BJ, 5.30 is an early start, but I have learned from all the glorious women in my life that it takes several hours to" Put on their face" in the morning! Actually I have felt like sh*t for so many years  that it's become normal. Yes, aches and pains everywhere, migraines, sore eyes, joints grinding, gut's rolling....I really thought this would all stop when I gave up alcohol and other horrible drugs. Sixteen years I waited patiently, but I always felt ill. So I presented this to my doctor a couple of months back and that is when I discovered I had Hep C. Funnily enough I look really rather healthy too and several years younger than I am...I hope it stays that way if the virus ever leaves...or maybe I will look like death warmed up and about four hundred years old when (if) I ever get cured...we shall see!



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Michaele


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U go Girl............Michaele



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shadow10cats


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I can really relate to this! When, and I mean WHEN I am able to make it into work these days I'm dressed professionally; even if in jeans, my hair is done, matching jewelry & makeup.  The "facade" is all in place.  I look "healthy" to the casual observer.  Little do they know what it took to get to that point.  I have to get up around 5:30 in order to get out of the house by 8:30.  When I first get up I feel like crap; everything hurts, I'm nauseous & usually have a headache of some degree.  A hot cup of coffee (with marshmellows!), an ice pack for my head, some yoga stretches, my best friend curled up in my arms & a few minor chores to get the blood flowing & I'm ready for the shower. By the time I get back home; the nice clothes,  jewelry, makeup all come off & I'm into sweats or jammies.  On days I don't make it into work - I don't answer the door - trust me; not a pretty picture! I understand their mis-perception - If I was missing a limb they could see for themselves my "handicap".  But illnesses such as HepC are invisible handicaps & it is difficult for others to "see" you are really sick. I guess if they looked into my eyes or watched me closely they might see the signs.  I know many of my coworkers question my missing so much time at work; even now going on medical leave for a few months.  I hear the chatter - even those who know my story - the doubt is still there. Even when I try to explain it. You can only do so much but I have had comforting words too from those who have suffered a debilitating illness whether temporarily or permanent - "now I know what you are going thru"  So as I slap on the makeup, run to fix my hair and get dressed to get outta here - watch out world here I come !



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Diagnosed 10/04 / VL 12.7 M / Genotype 1b - Grade 2, Stage 1 / 2007 -Pegylated Interferon & Ribavirin - Stopped Due to Sides / 2011 - Telaprevir, Interferon & Ribavirin - Stopped Due to Sides / APR 2015 - COMPLETED HARVONI So Far Undetectable :) 
Michaele


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Hi Tig,  I wondered how I cracked my bridge work, must have been all the gritting of  my teeth.   Michaele



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Michaele


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Hi, Your dad was a very wise man .   The Little Red Hen  Michaele



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Isiscat2011


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Michaele wrote:

Hi , does anyone else get annoyed when people say  ," But you dont look sick."  There was a time when strangers would walk up to me and ask are u ok ; I was really sick before I was Dx back in early 2000s. Now after having gotten  to the F4 mark, my friends and family all say, but u dont look sick and expect me to keep being thier go to girl. And if I ask any of them to do anything for them selves, they act like I asked them for part of thier liver. Me and The Little Red Hen ......MIchaele

This is an important topic because it effects us all.  As noted, we humans are ALL selfish and self-absorbed to one degree or another, so we can't expect others to instinctively notice how we are feeling or drop everything and be of assistance to us.  What I have found is that when you are not 100% you have to be the one to set limits and boundaries.  You have to tell people you can no longer be their "go to girl" and that you hope you will be able to rely on them for now.  Some will rise to the occasion; others will not.  You will learn to separate the wheat from the chaff.  

Looks can be deceiving, and I know that I always make an effort to look nice and put on a brave face, even when I don't feel well.  This can create confusion because I still expect people to get that I am experiencing health problems and have actual limitations with energy, etc.  The truth is that unless you are dragging yourself around or lying in bed foaming at the mouth many people won't notice you are sick.  You have to explain it to those who need to know.

Anyone who has experienced a chronic illness understands that there are good days and bad; that sometimes you feel better or worse than other times. Those who haven't rarely will understand this unless you tell them.  If they still refuse to accept it then cut them loose, at least for the time being.  You have to take care of yourself.  As my father always said "Remember to save a piece of yourself for yourself."  You can't give it all away.  

That's my 2 cents, anyway.



-- Edited by Isiscat2011 on Wednesday 5th of November 2014 09:41:54 PM

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Diagnosed in 2011, Incivek triple in 2011, tx discontinued, Genotype 1a, CT, VL 7mill, cirrhosis dx in 2012, age 67, waiting for new DAAs.
Isiscat2011


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Yup, happens all the time.  "Selfishness is the greatest curse of mankind."  William Gladstone.

 

Albert Einstein said "I love humanity but I hate humans."   Linus said it too:

 

tumblr_ll55hkGBzO1qk4mrro1_500.png (496×349)

 

Jane Austin took a more magnanimous view:  "Selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure."       smile



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Diagnosed in 2011, Incivek triple in 2011, tx discontinued, Genotype 1a, CT, VL 7mill, cirrhosis dx in 2012, age 67, waiting for new DAAs.
Tig


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Wow! Been there, done that! I'm still having my own set of problems to deal with and like you there seems to be no shortage of people calling or dropping by to see if I feel like handling something yet! I'm amazed when they say, " You don't look that bad"! Really??? I have to be cautious because I'm tired of biting my lip and I don't have many teeth left to grind....

Tig



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Tig

68yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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Michaele


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Hi , does anyone else get annoyed when people say  ," But you dont look sick."  There was a time when strangers would walk up to me and ask are u ok ; I was really sick before I was Dx back in early 2000s. Now after having gotten  to the F4 mark, my friends and family all say, but u dont look sick and expect me to keep being thier go to girl. And if I ask any of them to do anything for them selves, they act like I asked them for part of thier liver. Me and The Little Red Hen ......MIchaele



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