Other Helpful Information

• How do I establish family and social support?
• Can I become pregnant if I have hepatitis C?
• What can I do it I don't have health insurance or if I am not working?
• How do I make sure my health care providers are working together?
• How do I cope with my feelings?

How do I establish family and social support? 

Hearing for the first time that you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C can be a very difficult and frightening experience, not only for yourself, but also for others who play an important role in your life. It may be helpful for you to discuss your diagnosis with those who are close to you. Should you decide to talk to your family or other people close to you about your diagnosis with hepatitis C, it may not be easy. But once they know, they may be able to provide you with the help and support you need to manage your illness in the best way possible. You may want to:

• Explain what hepatitis C is and how it is spread.
  
• Talk about ways you can help protect them and how they can protect themselves from getting hepatitis C.
  
• Share information with your children that is appropriate for their age. Give them only the information they need.
  
• Have a friend or family member go with you to your medical appointments.
  

Can I become pregnant if I have hepatitis C?

Women who have hepatitis C do not need to avoid pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hepatitis C can be passed on to an infant during the birthing process. This happens in about 5 to 6% of cases. The passing of the virus to the infant is more likely to happen in women who are co-infected with HIV.

You or your partner should not become pregnant while being treated for hepatitis C with ribavirin. Ribavirin can cause severe birth defects (similar to thalidomide). If you or your partner are considering antiviral treatment, and either of you is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, be sure to talk to your health care provider immediately.

What can I do if I don't have health insurance or if I am not working? 

Check out the Commonwealth Connector web site. It is the state's Health Connector and then can help find the right health plan for you. http://www.mahealthconnector.org You may also be eligible for free clinical trials of new medications. Ask your health care provider for additional information.

How do I make sure my health care providers are working together?

Being diagnosed with hepatitis C can be a frightening and confusing experience—especially when it comes to getting the best health care. Part of taking control of your illness includes getting the best care available to you. If you have not already done so, it may be helpful for you to develop a health care team to help manage your illness. A team of trusted health care professionals can help you meet your physical and mental health care needs by working together to manage your care. Depending on your specific needs, your health care team may include any number of the following professionals:

• Primary care physician
  
• Hepatologist or infectious disease specialist
  
• Psychiatrist
  
• Registered Dietitian
  
• Case Manager
  
• Social Worker/Counselor/Therapist
  
• Complementary or alternative care provider
  

How do I cope with my feelings?

Being diagnosed with an illness like hepatitis C can be an overwhelming experience. You may feel scared, sad, angry, tired, or even empty inside. You may lose interest in things that are important to you. These feelings are quite common, and can fade with time, treatment, and support from others. When these feelings do not go away, become stronger, or keep you from doing your daily activities, you may be experiencing signs of a more serious condition called depression. Try talking about your sad and angry feelings to your family members and friends. And let your health care provider know about these feelings so that you get the help you may need.