The First Meeting and Coping with Side Effects

Last week was the first support group for Hep Hop. Although we had no attendees, it is still a success! It was a success because it's a new beginning for advocacy and support in the tri-state area and especially the city of Evansville. It was a success because I was prepared and all the electronics worked! It was also a success because we can only improve from here- there is lots of room for growth. Oh the power of positive thinking!

I hope at the next meeting someone will have the opportunity to come meet with me and talk openly about their status and ways our community can help this population. I am here to be an advocate and educator. There are two power points I have for the group. The first one is Hepatitis 101. This PowerPoint breaks down the differences between Hep A, B, C, and touches on D and E. It also discusses ways to prevent and treat each type. The other power point I have is more in depth to the side effects of treatment, symptoms and how to manage both of them. This power point is aimed towards individuals who already have a positive diagnosis and would like advice on managing care.

I have had the opportunity to access many resources through my agency on hepatitis educational material. The tips I provide are not my own ideas but reiterated through educational material.

Tips on Managing Hepatitis C

•Bad taste in mouth:

–Try sugar-free lemon drops or lemon wedges

–Eat small amount of yogurt ½ hour before meals

–Eat dark chocolate or drink lemonade or cranberry juice

–Eat food cold or room temperature

–Brush teeth frequently

–

Use plastic utensils if experiencing metallic taste

 

•Cough:

–Increase non-caffeinated fluid intake

–Use a humidifier

–Use hard candy or cough drops

 

•Diarrhea:

–Eat more low-fiber foods: BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)

–Avoid spicy or acidic foods and dairy products

–Drink plenty of water

•Dry mouth or mouth ulcers

–Brush teeth frequently

–

Drink plenty of water

 

•Dry skin/rash:

–Avoid long hot showers

–Use moisturizing soap and lotion, also use unscented laundry detergents

–Avoid fabric softeners

–

Rub or press on the itchy areas rather than scratch

– Fatigue:

–Try low impact exercise such as walking or aerobics, if approved by a medical provider

–Get plenty of rest

–Lessen work schedule if possible

Other information can be found on the Center for Disease Control webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm