Even if you haven’t taken treatment, or if you did and it didn’t clear the virus, you might still feel sick from the effects of hepatitis C.
Here are some of the side effects some people with Hep C have and some suggestions of things you can do to feel better. Also look at Dealing with Side Effects for tips on dealing with flu-like symptoms, nausea and dry skin.
Fatigue and trouble sleeping may cause lack of energy and make you feel very tired. Tips:
- Get plenty of rest. Have rests when you can throughout the day and try not to do too much in a day.
- Try to get regular sleep.
- Exercise. It will help you sleep better, keep your weight at the right level, improve your appetite, and make you feel better. Take a walk, use the stairs or do whatever you can to be active, even for just 10 minutes at a time.
Aches and pains in muscles and joints are common in some people living with Hep C. Tips:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about medications you can take to help with the pain. Be sure to take the medication as directed because excessive use of some pain medications (like Tylenol and Advil) can cause a lot of damage to your liver.
- Try mild exercise and stretching techniques.
Confusion (“brain fog”) sometimes occurs in people with Hep C. Tips:
- Keep your mind active by doing puzzles, reading or doing other activities that stimulate your mind.
- Take time to relax and rest your mind.
- Try to keep track of when confusion sets in and use that time to rest. When it lifts, spend some time doing activities that need focus and concentration.
Other tips:
- Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink and cigarettes you smoke to keep your liver healthier longer.
- Stay in touch with your healthcare team. They can help with different aspects of having Hep C.
- If the discomfort and pains you experience are severe, go to the emergency room without delay.
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