[purpletat]

How fast does hepetidus c ruin your liver? How long do you usually live?

[macksmom]

Here is a good site for information.
What I need to know about Hepatitis C

[amandalee]

Hi Purpletat,
I work for the Canadian Liver Foundation and I hope I can answer your question... or at least give you some insight.

Hepatitis C is contracted by blood to blood contact only. That includes tattoos, piercings, blood transfusions (only from the early 80's and prior), using someone's toothbrush, shaver, needles, and even sex - ONLY if there is blood involved (anal).

Some people have had the HCV virus for up to 20 to 30 years without even knowing about it! By the time that they realize or have been diagnosed with it there has already been significant damage to the liver. There is treatment for hepatitis C, however, there is no cure. This treatment will only put it into remission and provide you with many more years of life.

Your question on how long you will live is a difficult question to answer. Not only does it depend on the person, but also their life habits. For example, are you a drinker? What is your diet like? If you see a specialist (gastroenterologist), they will be able to give you a better idea on what measures you need to take to receive treatment for HCV.

As I have said, many, many patients live a very long life with hepatitis C and not have a huge problem with getting on. Sometimes you may find yourself very fatigued and unable to do a whole lot in a day. You may experience some brain fog, or confusion. It is a nasty disease and it is something that you must be very careful with and not to infect others.