People can mistakenly think if they do not have risk factors then they do not have hepatitis C. Unfortunately, this is wrong. Many people without risk factors may never know how they got hepatitis C. The best proactive step you can take is to get tested and seek treatment and get cured.

The Danger of Not Knowing

A simple blood test is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C. Being proactive in avoiding what is harmful to your liver is vital to your liver health. The liver performs many vital functions for the body. You can not live without your liver. The liver can regenerate healthy liver tissue to a point, but once permanent scarring (cirrhosis) is done, liver function is compromised and can not be fully restored.

You can not fix what you do not know. Get tested and be proactive with seeking treatment.

The Danger of Delaying Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, it is important to seek the care of a liver specialist like a hepatologist, gastroenterologist, or infectious disease doctor. These doctors specialize in the testing and treatment of hepatitis C and liver disease.

Hepatitis C can lead to permanent scarring (cirrhosis), making the person at high risk for liver cancer, and liver transplant. The longer a person has hepatitis C there is a danger of developing associated conditions such as fatty liver disease, liver cancer, heart disease, diabetes, joint and muscle pain, as well as other conditions.

Seeking treatment as soon a possible can save your liver from unrepairable damage. Most certainly it can affect the quality of your life, even save it.

The Importance of Treatment

Early treatment with receiving the cure can lessen your risk of developing liver cancer and complications.

The majority of people who receive early treatment can take better care of themselves, while their liver is repairing even from mild damage and live a long normal life.

Treatment for hepatitis C with improved direct antiviral treatment can be done in as little as 8 to 12 weeks with few side effects. This is a short time compared to the rest of your life.

In Summary

Don’t assume you don’t have hepatitis C. Get tested and know for sure. Don’t delay treatment. The only way to get beyond hepatitis C is to get treated and get cured.

Have you been diagnosed with hepatitis C or have done treatment?

Share your comments below.

This entry was originally published on Life Beyond Hepatitis C on January 13, 2021 and is reprinted with permission.