Your Support Safety Net

During treatment for chronic hepatitis C, you may need support from your friends and family. These people can offer encouragement when you need it most, and help you with daily chores when you're not up to it. Ask for their support before you begin treatment, then let them help.

How do I support myself?

Keeping emotionally and physically fit throughout treatment will go a long way toward helping you regain your health and get on with your life. You may want to watch other patients explain their experience with supporting themselves during treatment. And, make sure to do your best to:

• Get plenty of rest
• Eat healthy meals and snacks
• Exercise regularly
• Drink very little caffeine, no alcohol, and at least 10 glasses of water a day
• Avoid stressful situations
• Spend time with positive-minded people
• Ask for help whenever you need it

How can my family help to support me?

Realizing you have the love and support of your parents, siblings, spouse, and children will provide a real emotional boost. When you are not at your best, allow your family to:

• Lend a sympathetic ear and emotional support
• Help you with daily chores: preparing meals, house and yard work, child care
• Keep watch for healthy eating habits, alcohol avoidance, medication as scheduled

How can my friends help to support me?

It can be difficult to ask for and accept help from friends and neighbors. However, at times it will be necessary in order to regain your strength and get on with your life. Accept their help graciously. Ask for their help if you need it.

There will be times you do not feel well enough to socialize with friends. At other times, you will want your friends nearby for emotional support. Ask your friends to:

• Understand your decision to socialize less frequently when you are not well.
• Stay in touch by phone or for short visits. They can boost your energy and your spirits.
• Support your decision for treatment and the consequences that result.
• Support your need to avoid alcohol in order to prevent further liver damage.
• Provide a supportive ear and a helping hand when you need it.

How can other medical professionals help to support me?

Before every doctor appointment, be prepared with a list of questions. Tell your doctor about any unusual physical or emotional side effects you've been having. It may help to keep a daily journal of your side effects and questions, in case you have trouble remembering them at your next doctor visit.

In addition, there are other medical professionals ready to help. By enrolling in The Be In Charge® Program, information and support is just a phone call away.

How can other hepatitis C patients help to support me?

Sometimes the best support comes from people who share your diagnosis. Support groups and other self-help groups can be a great way to ease the loneliness that can occur during treatment. Sharing thoughts and feelings with people who know exactly how you feel can provide a real boost. They can relate to you in a way that family, friends, and coworkers cannot. And they can keep you up-to-date on helpful information about the disease. The Nurse Counselors at Be In Charge can help you find a support group in your area or on the Internet.

Be In Charge provides vital support when you need it most. Get more information about Be In Charge. You may also want to watch other patients describe their success with treatment