What to Expect After Treatment

Once your friend completes therapy, help him or her realize how hepatitis C has changed both your lives. At the same time, help your friend avoid two common mental traps: feeling as though he or she might as well put off making plans for the future, because it's so uncertain; or that nothing he or she can do will make a difference, because life will never be the same. Remind your friend that successful therapy means there should be less to worry about.

Reassurance Goes a Long Way. Reassure your friend that she or he is doing everything medically possible to fight the disease. As your friend keeps following through with therapy, praise his or her ability to be responsible and to stay in charge.

Focus can be Key. Concentrate on now, not on the future. Focusing on the present, on what's actually happening right now, is more important than worrying about what might or might not happen later. Encourage your friend to keep making decisions, plans, and new friends.

Remind your friend to work on building a more positive attitude and to adopt a new perspective on life -- one where small pleasures can bring great joy, and where problems should roll off his or her back.

To get started, please choose one of the following:   I have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, but haven't started treatment yet I am on treatment for hepatitis C     * Note: If you or someone you know may be at risk for hepatitis C, please visit www.peg-intron.com See Instructions   Select one of the choices above and click "Next"

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