TOPIC:

The evidence that HCV causes demonstrable changes in patient's brain aka "Brain Fog" is quite old:

www.natap.org/2012/HCV/012712_02.htm

www.natap.org/2013/HCV/081413_01.htm

The pleasing thing is that it gets better with DAA treatment:

hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/hcv-neurop...obrain-fogrdquo.html

Yes, it is in all your mind, and it is caused by real (reversible) pathological changes.

Thank god for that!

I'm with you there Debs - feels like you've lost x amount of IQ points, doesn't it!

"—nothing would be more frightening to me than losing the ability to think clearly, retain information and/or have difficulty with trying to work on multiple tasks (to name a few) that affect your everyday life........"

This!!

......but thanks to you Doc and the rest of the FixHepC team, this is one of the most striking changes I am noticing after six weeks treatment. Still a long way to go but I no longer fear losing my ability to function independently.

Thanks again
G

I had no idea just how much HCV affected my train of thought and demeanour in general until I started treatment. Within a week of treatment I have found clarity of thought and I am much less irritable. I had no comprehension of just how much HCV was destroying me until I have begun to get better.

Definately Zhuk! Everyone seems to report starting to think more clearly whilst on treatment. It will be happening to you soon!

This issue and the attached article may need some 'placing in context', at least in my point of view.

I can relate to many feelings of fogginess and depression.

I was treated for many years for depression after a bad time with my previous field of work (child protection) many years ago in the mid late 1990's. I happened to work in an area that is challenging and people being off on 'stress leave' was common. HCV or work - who is to know?

But since being infected, I have completed a second undergraduate degree, a Post Grad Certificate and Diploma, and in 2015 my Masters. I admit I found the later years hard going, but was it hard material, working at the time and eventually being crook with a HCC, age or simply HCV??

I remember HCV featuring in renewing my Pilot Licence medical years back (as well as the depression) and fair enough; there were a few incidents in the USA of people flying into buildings (well before 9/11). I guess I get a bit cautious with Hep C and the risk people may make assumptions about me, but well and good if these assumptions don't affect me in anyway.

I think the main symptom of Hep C, in spite of claims it is the "unseen killer", is the obvious fatigue we feel. For me, I am more sure then ever this is the case now I am being treated. Again, thanks for those with the foresight and actions to get us treated.


Yours

J.

Yes, it is in all your mind, and it is caused by real (reversible) pathological changes.

Hey Dr F - Thank-you
You know, I always wonder why people belittle things by saying 'It's all in your mind"....I mean, your mind controls your body surely? and 'due to pathological changes' , as you say, changes causes physical symptoms - It all makes total sense to me !

Thank God I had very patient bosses! I work for four Lawyers and have worked within the legal profession for over 43 years. At times I would just sit at my computer and know what I had to do but just couldn't get the old brain to fire up to show me how to do it

Debs wrote: Definately Zhuk! Everyone seems to report starting to think more clearly whilst on treatment. It will be happening to you soon!

Fingers crossed yes Debs...its the feeling of being under a constant cloud, like you want to shake your head to disperse it, but can't. As well as forgetting/not comprehending embarassing simple things/concepts sometimes. There have been moments before I knew that hep caused this issue when I wondered if I was on the cards for early-onset Alzheimers (my dad suffered from it) Thank god I know differently on that score now.

Hi Zhuk, I totally relate to what you are saying. I was thinking maybe I had dementia or something! And my short term memory is terrible at times. Glad too see from your patient story that you are feeling you are thinking a bit clearer already! This is the bit I'm looking forward to. And not having the fatigue. You are winning that battle!

me too Debs! For me, it's names of things, things I have always known - they sit on the tip of my tongue forever and just won't come to me. Could be something as simple, such as an item, but worst, is names of people and places, obvious ones too. Drives me nuts. Often, I read back on what I have typed - It's just really odd mistakes, I have never been a good typist, but whole words that sound similar by ear, get typed wrong...Can't all be the auto-correct !

Thanks Debs You and LG will be there soon too.

Couldn't agree more on forgetting the most obvious names for things...I remember holding a fork once and COULD NOT remember what the hell it was called lol Knew what it was for (good sign!) but no idea it was called "fork", even after a lot of thought. Bit disturbing

And calling people by the wrong names, even after you've know them for years.../mega facepalm lol

love it - mgalbrai - great 'choon'