Back to: Hepatitis C, an introduction
Life following treatment and cure, you or the wai ora (person seeking care) will have the comfort of knowing that the risk of developing potentially life-threatening illness or conditions in the future related to HCV are significantly reduced if not removed. For some the knowledge that the risk of accidental infection of your loved ones, family and others is also removed.
For many who have had chronic HCV infection, cure should allow the start of feeling stronger and more energetic as the hepatitis virus that may have caused chronic fatigue is cured and eliminated from the body. If the liver had suffered mild to moderate damage (fibrosis) this damage may regenerate and heal in as little as 3 to 6 months.
This does come with caveats, or conditions.
These caveats or conditions include, however are not limited to, some of the following
- Mitigation of and elimination of at-risk behaviors such as; –
- sharing of drug taking equipment (and you could say taking illicit substances)
- ensuring tattoos are from reputable hygienic providers
- ensuring piercings are from reputable hygienic providers
- avoidance (where possible) of questionable or unhygienic medical practice. This may include ensuring when travelling to under-developed areas adequate accident and medical evacuation and insurance plans are in place
- Although not guaranteed, taking safe sex precautions with any at risk sexual activities, such as multiple partners, chem-sex, anal sex
If you or your wai ora have any doubts, seek advice or simply get another test. Bearing in mind that once exposed to HCV antibodies will be present so an RNA PCR type test will be required. Having had this type of test previously will have given the awareness of what is involved and hopefully reduced stigmatism’s associated with getting the test(s).
In brief, getting tested to cure will most likely be a life changing experience in some regards, those changes may simply be not having to experience the potentially life threatening impacts of chronic untreated HCV infection.
Important note; – where there is evidence of, or suspicion of, liver or other damage as a result of chronic HCV infection, regular check-ups by an appropriate medical professional are highly recommended. This may also indicate the need for considering lifestyle changes to further reduce the risk of ongoing or future complications and issues. These changes may include reducing or removing at risk activities, diet and exercise changes or improvements, and other recommendations from your or your wai ora’s health professional.
