Hep C Discussion Forum

wendyo · Guru

RE: Hello, My name is Mike, am new here.

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi again, Mike, many thanks for your kind words regarding the loss of my husband, I appreciate your concern and prayers.

As I said in my bio, we all have a story to tell, and most of us here have been through difficult times in one way or another, which is one of the things that binds us as a group. As well as the strong desire to turn our lives around, rid ourselves of the Hep C virus, and get our lives and health back on track. You`ll find plenty of mutual support and compassion in this group, as well as the understanding that a lot of us have made some bad choices in our lives. The past is the past and we are all human and make mistakes,but the main thing is to keep moving forward, day by day, doing the best we can for ourselves and our precious families and friends.

You`ve landed in the right place here, definitely! And with your good wife by your side and a beautiful new granddaughter in the family, as well as your growing passion for healthy eating and outdoor cooking, you have all the motivation you need to hold on to that positive outlook!

I`m pleased to hear that you`ve visited our capital city and enjoyed your time there. I live on the south coast of England in a quiet village, and I love the excitement of an occasional trip to London!

We`ll be looking forward to following your posts and progress, we`re here for you any time to support you on your journey.

Take care, and good luck.. smile

Linuxter · Guru

Hi again Mike,

As I may have noted already, I'm newly diagnosed and haven't started my Tx (treatment) yet so will be here as you make your way along the path to SVR ... in case you need it Here's a link to Abbreviations used on this site.

I too recently quit chew ... it's a particularly nasty habit. I had a serious infection in my cheek that scared the heck out of me (and I think the doctors also), my whole head started swelling and they got me into surgery STAT. That was nearly a year ago and I still have jaw problems (trismus) from the whole ordeal. Not saying to scare you, just to let you know that I know where you're coming from.

After that I was diagnosed with HCV and quit alcohol, just as you have ... as you pointed out, it's a relief to be done with them, I'm sure my significant other appreciates it also although I hope she quits smoking one day (that will have to be her choice though).

You've got a great attitude and excellent support, your wife's involvement is wonderful, I've got the same support, family and here, going and it has really helped! I'm glad to have the assurance of that support mechanism going forward and on to Tx.

When you get time you might want to add a few details to your signature line, one of our other Mikes was so kind as to make a nice tutorial on that if you're interested. Having the information there is helpful to others so they don't have to remember everyone's situation (some of us are not as good at remembering as we used to be ... brain fog and all, lol), also easier for you not having to answer the same questions over and over. Just a thought.

Take Care,

Linux

Mike · Veteran Member

Hello Cinnamon Girl,

Thanks for your intro, and your nice welcome to Hep C Discussion Forum. With this nice group of people, I know I am at the right forum. So many people have responded and given me good honest input, and today started a new beginning for me. My wife put together a journal that I can document diet, rest, exercise, and water consumption. I read and printed the SVSP Guides, A Publication of the Hepatitis C Support Project, and placed it in the front portion of my journal so it can be easily referred to. That is the one that Wmlj1960 sent the link. He also encouraged and gave me support which I am so very grateful. I will not have an issue with alcohol or tobacco any longer. I don't want it anymore, I don't need it, never did,, and I won't need it in the future. I just thought I did, but I was wrong, I don't, and would be much better off without it. It just took too many times of drunkenness, and my wife finally telling me she can't, and shouldn't, have to live like that anymore. And, she is correct, and I am ashamed of my stubbornness, behavior and failure to see it sooner. She accepts me, and loves me, she forgives me, and she is glad I am at this forum also.

I haven't yet read the link started by Matt Chris regarding foods that are friendly to the liver and those that are not, but I will research it this evening. And again thank you. I have been to London many years ago, really great time there. I am really excited about outdoor cooking, my passion. I am wanting to learn as much about cooking the foods that are good for me.

In you profile I saw you lost your husband due to liver failure. I am so sorry of your loss. I hope you don't mind, I am a Catholic, and will pray for his soul, and yourself.

Thank you,

Mike

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi Mike, just wanted to say hello and welcome!

As you`ve already seen, this is a very friendly group and I`m glad you found us. Like many others here, I understand the difficulty in giving up alcohol, and other substances, and I agree with all the good advice you`ve already been given. I think the fact that you know it`s such an important issue is a great starting point, and you obviously have so many good and positive things going on in your life to focus your attention on which is wonderful.

I noticed Mike (wmlj1960} gave you a link to our Hep C and Nutrition section, and I`d like to point out this thread in particular, started a while ago by Matt Chris, `Foods that your Liver loves & foods that your Liver hates`, it`s well worth having a scroll through for information and recipe ideas...

http://ipsite.org/3bso

Wishing you all the best of luck, feel free to ask any question, we`re here to help.. smile

Mike · Veteran Member

Hello Linux,

Nice to meet you, and your response to me was very encouraging. It has been only 24 hours since I stopped drinking, and chewing tobacco. And I feel a sense of relief because of that. I posted as a new member yesterday, and there are so many caring souls who have responded like you, and I am so grateful, and feel blessed to now be with this group. It is kind of strange, I am not worried too much about tomorrow, I just want to focus on my choices today. That is why I came to this forum, to learn from people like me, and what their experience has been living with HCV. When I think of all the times I used tobacco and alcohol during the time since my diagnosis, it is a blessing that I have not died already. But, I am still here, and humble, and happy to be in good mind, body, and spirit. I printed out the HCSP Guides, a publication of the Hepatitis C Support Project, and will be focusing on a daily activities, to include exercise, nutrition, mental exercise like remaining positive, and ensuring good sleep for 7-8 hours nightly. A gentleman named Tig56 responded and gave me the link, I find this very helpful information.

Yes, I am a little bit of an outdoor cooking enthusiast. All the items I really love to cook, aren't really that good for me. I learned this in the HCSP Guide. But, there are a lot of healthy foods to cook also. Like whole grain breads, pancakes, and whole grain rice, and grilled vegetables. I can substitute chicken and turkey, in the place of red meats, and the wife and I can use the griddle to prepare salmon and other white flaky fish like catfish, and trout. So, I am really motivated to make and find great recipes so I can share them with everyone in this forum who wants to try it. Talk to you later.

Take care,

Mike

Matt Chris · Guru

Hey Mike

Welcome to the forum from me as well. Your issues are well understood by many members that can really give you great insight on how to battle and win the fight against both HCV and dealing with its limitations. Most of us have been there, but with accurate knowledge along with applying it to yourself you can do it, and still enjoy yourself and family for many more years.

matt

Linuxter · Guru

Hi Mike,

Welcome aboard, we're glad you're here. You've found a great group here and I have no doubt that you'll like it here and feel comfortable as you get to know the fine folks here.

I've found that it really has helped to learn as much as I could about HCV, how it effects my system, how sneaky it can be as it hides relatively unnoticed. In my case I had HCV for over 40 years and didn't know until my PCP picked up on it during routine testing. Finding out about it was quite a shocker as is the case for many here. I drank a good deal prior to learning but as I learned more about HCV I, like you, realized that I really didn't have a choice but to quit if I wanted to stick around for many years to come. Being proactive and deciding to take back my body from this insidious dragon has occupied my time as I wait for approval of meds to fight this beast.

I found that deciding to make changes to my life style was much harder than actually making the changes ... after quitting alcohol I actually felt relieved that I had such a good reason to do so ... I know, sounds a little weird but it's the truth.

It appears as though you have really already made up your mind to be there for your family and channeling your energy via healthy cooking is a wonderful way to improve your health. You're already on your way to getting healthy, knowing what's important to you is a huge step you've already made, good job!

I look forward to getting to know more about you and your family, take care.

Be Well,

Linux

-- Edited by Linuxter on Tuesday 12th of January 2016 01:15:05 AM

wmlj1960 · Moderator

Hi Mike and welcome from me as well. I have a long history of alcoholism but I've been sober every since I made the decision 2+ years ago that I wanted to continue to live. Since then my liver health has improved dramatically and other ares of my life improved too as a bonus. My Hep C was in need of immediate treatment at that time but my doctor would not treat me until I stayed sober for 6 months to indicate that I was capable of what it takes to successfully beat this virus. Your doctor will likely also not treat you if you continue to drink. AA helped me and there are other support sources. I too suggest you find whatever works for you. I'll be glad to help in any way I can if needed.

I'm also into eating healthy and it really helps when living with a sick liver. Nothing can insure me feeling like crap tomorrow more than eating unhealthy junk food today. I missed the sodas, sweets, the salt shaker and fried everything at first but my taste has adjusted and my body thanks me. We would be interested in any healthy food ideas you have and we have a Hep C and Nutrition section with some good ideas also.

The latest DAA medications for treating Hep C are showing excellent results and are way easier to tolerate than past regimens. So if you want to beat Hep C then the solution is here for you. I hope you get everything worked out and are able to join us on this journey to a Hep C free life real soon. Keep us up to date on what's going on and if you need anything, just ask. smile

Bills · Guru

Hi Mike

Welcome to the Forum. I have been sober 7-1/2 years and for me it was give it my all or spiral down to liver failure. The fact that you have the courage to spoke out and admitted you drink too much and are in denial means your willing to stop. And that also means you can. My story on how I got here is very similar. I believe your chances are very high in succeeding. Guidance and suggestions will help a great deal from souls who already traveled that way all the people who still keep coming. You are not alone in Hep C and or alcohol abuse. Feel free to message me I'm not great at quick response I don't use anything but my computer to share here. But I will get back.

Hope to hear from you

BillS

Mike · Veteran Member

Thank you William

Mike · Veteran Member

HI Greg. Thanks for the welcome. I appreciate it.

Mike

Greg D · Senior Member

Hi Mike and welcome to this friendly place. Step one is obvious and has been touched on enough, then you can get down to ridding yourself of this filthy nasty dragon- hep c. You are considering this at a time when the meds for it are a lot more humane than back when you were diagnosed in 1998.

I will look forward to hearing from you in the future and about your journey Mike (if you care to share it), all the best!

Someone should start a thread on yummy, healthy recipes. I would start it, but I have none lol.

Greg

Mike · Veteran Member

Hi Tig, Thanks for replying back to me. Seriously, I think because of your reply, I have the courage to stop, and realize that I have no choice but to stop. And thanks for the link, I will check it out. I think I am going to like this forum, and obviously learn quite a bit too.
Thanks,
Mike

basser · Senior Member

hi miike welcome to the forum.there is a wealth of information to be had here.you are well aware of the risks of drinking and hep c.so i wont bore you with details.seems tou have alot going for you.and the success rate of the meds now is fantastic.perhaps you can see your doctor about getting help with your drinking.there is no judgment on this forum dont hesitate to ask questions.i wish you all the best. william

Tig · Admin

Hey Mike,

I'm glad you're here, welcome aboard! You have found a great group and the friendship among us also makes it a safe place to relax. So look around and if you have any specific questions or just want to talk, let us know. You can select a subject or section from our homepage and comment on anything or start a new thread in an appropriate area. We're here to help answer any question you may have.

My first suggestion Mike, is to quit the booze, right away. Absolutely nothing causes HCV to progress faster than alcohol. I'm not just saying that, it's as true a statement as I can make. The old phrase "pouring gas on a fire" applies here, believe it. Many of us were drinkers and some of us were able to make the choice to quit and did. Some of us needed additional support, from friends, family or AA to do it. Whatever it takes, try...

Here's a link to some information that will prove helpful. The HCV Advocate website is full of great information, check it out.

http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Healthy_Living_Guide.pdf

Good luck with your culinary endeavors! I think we all like good, healthy (sometimes not so healthy) foods. I'm looking forward to hearing about some of your favorites. I'm happy to have you with us. Tell us a little about yourself and add it to your signature if you like. It's a great time to treat, I hope it's something you're considering soon. Good luck!

Mike · Veteran Member

Hello. I was diagnosed positive with hep c in 1998. I have not taken any medication. I still struggle with consuming alcohol, and am intent on stopping. And I have a positive outlook, and love my family very much. I have a new granddaughter, she is ten months old. It is important for me to take care of myself as best I can, because I want to be around and to be a part of her life. And of course, I want to be here for my wife too. Sometimes I get depressed, and then I drink cause it puts me in a happier mood. But, I also know that I have been living in denial because I know how harmful alcohol is to me. If anyone has some good advice for me please feel to share.

Also, my hobby is outdoor cooking. My wife and I are retired, and enjoy grilling and smoking food. Mostly, I use the smoker to prepare large meats, like turkey, whole chicken, or large beef or pork roasts, or salmon and other fish. I researched buying a griddle top, and made a purchase, but the griddle has not arrived yet. It is a professional griddle, and will give me the opportunity to cook more foods in a different manner. This griddle actually sits in the place of the grills, which enables the griddle to maximize and distribute heat more efficiently. Plus, it will give me better vegetable cooking, like for example when I cook poblano chile peppers for chile rellenos. So far, we are learning what foods to cook, and those that are hard on my digestive processes. I find that using olive oil, and less salt, and refraining from preparing dishes that are high in saturated fats, is better for me. That can be difficult for me because I love cheese. Plus my wife likes my cooking especially when it is on the healthy side.

It is nice to introduce myself to you all.

Thanks,

Mike

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