Ontario Hepatitis Treatment

Fatigue

• Rule out other causes of fatigue, such as thyroid abnormalities, diabetes, anemia, depression, sleep disorders, dehydration, etc.
• Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states that the average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
• Drink sufficient water and other nutritional liquids (10 to 16 glasses per day) that do not contain sugar or caffeine.
• Use moderate exercise to reenergize. A ten-minute walk can work wonders, particularly a walk in a scenic area. Stretching, especially for those confined to a desk for hours, can be helpful.
• Consider an integrated movement program such as Pilates, Qigong, Tai Chi, or Yoga.
• Avoid excess stress. Use stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, massage, watching the sun rise and set.
• Keep your life simple. Establish priorities and cut back on responsibilities.
• Look for short cuts. All meals do not have to be made from scratch. A car can be cleaned at a car wash rather than by hand.
• It is not gauche to ask friends over for a potluck dinner and ask them to help with the dishes.

Muscle and Joint Aches

• Get a proper diagnosis for the cause of pain before beginning a self-help regimen.
• Ask your physician about the use of prescription and nonprescription medications to help with these symptoms. It is a
  common myth the HCV patients cannot take acetaminophen (Tylenol). In most cases, acetaminophen is considered to
  be safe if taken occasionally and within the recommended dose. Never mix acetaminophen and alcohol. If you take other
  prescription or over the counter medications, ask your doctor about the safety of taking these along with acetaminophen.
• Try gentle stretching exercises.
• Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Try warm or hot baths. Spoil yourself with a bubble bath. Massage and acupressure may be helpful. These techniques can be learned and applied by you or by a trained practitioner.

Headaches

• Discuss this complaint with your health care provider. Ask your physician about the use of prescription and nonprescription medications to help with these symptoms.

Dryness

• This includes dry skin, mouth, nose and eyes.
• Drink sufficient water.
• Hypoallergenic lotions applied immediately following bathing can reduce dry skin. Add a couple of drops of lightweight oil to the lotion for extra protection. (Neutrogena sells excellent body oil. Baby oil is another choice.)
• Do not forget to use sun protection.
• For occasional dry eyes, use over-the counter artificial tear drops. If regular use is necessary, use a preservative-free type.
• Saline nose sprays can help with dry nasal passages.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Complaints

• Intermittent pain in the liver area is common. Discuss any GI complaint with your health care provider.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Choose low-fat, nutritional foods when at all possible.
• Avoid acidic food.
• Consult a nutritionist for further advice.

Emotional Concern

Some people with chronic HCV infection complain of problems that affect their overall sense of well being and ability to function. These can include depression, irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and even some confusion. If any of these problems occur, discuss them with your doctor. It is important to rule out other causes for these complaints. Consider trying meditation, moderate exercise, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, or stress management techniques. Reserve your "best times" for activities that require the most concentration.

Do not neglect your recreational needs. Find ways to laugh. Humor has no side effects except perhaps a few laughs.

Cognitive Issues

• Patients with chronic HCV infection occasionally report mental or cognitive impairment. Among patients this is referred to as "brain fog". There are many factors that can impact our mental acuity, including stress, depression and fatigue. If you are experiencing "brain fog", try to analyze your situation. Are you experiencing stress? Are you getting sufficient sleep? Are you depressed?
  When it comes to health improvement, the brain is sometimes left out of the equation. However, the brain is an essential component of health and needs to be included in health maintenance. Here are suggestions for keeping the brain healthy:
• Reduce stress
• Regularly practice mental relaxation
• Maintain a physical activity program
• Identify your best thinking time and use this time when you need to be thinking your sharpest. This is usually when you feel rested or relaxed.
• Learn, learn, learn
• Read, read, read
• Challenge your brain with games, puzzles.
• Cultivate skills that use fine-motor-control skills

Social and Sexual Issues

The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C can have a negative impact on one's sexual relationships. The issue of transmitting HCV to another can create both real and emotional concerns. It is essential that everyone engaging in sexual activity (with or without a potentially transmissible disease) practice safer sex. Having said this, sexual transmission of HCV among monogamous sexual partners is very uncommon. Communicate your fears and concerns of transmission with your sexual partner. If you need additional information about this, contact your local public health department, Planned Parenthood, or health care provider.
Sometimes fatigue and fear can lead to self-absorption and seclusion. Make every attempt to avoid isolation. The value of support cannot be minimized, especially a hepatitis C support group. Patients can be experts of a very special kind. They are true authorities on how to live with this disease. Learning how to cope can make all the difference in the world. As the saying goes, "pain is inevitable; suffering is optional".