Loved one with Hep C

[Guest guest]

Hello, my name is Sam. I decided that I would join this group in

hopes of reading about experiences and sharing my own. My boyfriend

found out last year that he has Hep C. He contracted it through a

blood transfusion back in the 70's. He had gone through an open

heart surgeory that required blood donors. Apparently back then Hep

C was an unknown and if you recv'd blood from a donor you would

never know that there was that risk.

Last year he started the treatments during a bad time in his life.

He was going through a rough time and in the midst of a divorce.

Needless to say he did not make it through the treatments as his

mental stability was not good, to the point of almost commiting

suicide. He's since divorced and is finally in a good place in his

life. We met back in May and I have always tried to encourage him

to try again for the benefit of his health.

Last Saturday was his first treatment. We spent alot of time

talking about the side effects and what to expect. But I am still

very scared and worried about how this is going to go. I have been

reading alot about other peoples' experiences and I'm not sure if it

makes me more aware or more scared.

So far, it hasn't been quite as bad as I expected. Although I know

it will get worse. The next day he pretty much slept all day and

was complaining about how much he ached. I felt so bad for him.

Every night since, it's been a little bit better. But he can't

sleep at night and is always constantly hot (fever). I've noticed

that he's been scratching alot too. And he cannot eat anything.

The only thing that he's able to eat or wants to eat is Corn Pops or

very plain chicken.

Anyways, just hoping to maybe get a little more insight from you

all. And I'd like to share this experience as time goes on. I know

I haven't seen the worst but am hoping for nothing but the best.