Best Friends Start Here on your road to wellness. Simply Click on the title of any topic you need. If you have Hepatitis C, Cirrhosis, Cancer, or Liver Disease – Make yourself at home and let me know if you need anything.
Topics: Patient Stories, Liver Health and Cirrhosis, Hepatitis C, Diet and Nutrition, Mental and Emotional Health and HE, Liver Cancer, Liver Transplant
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Start Here
Do I have Hepatic Encephalopathy?
What is Medical Doomscrolling?
My Wishes: Prognosis Declaration for End of Life
Best Friends Guide to Hepatitis C
Diagnosis of Hep C – What Next?
When You Don’t Look Sick With Hepatitis C
A Love Letter from Your Future
How Long with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis If I Should Die
NEW: Stories from Best Friends
Stephen: From Alcohol and Drugs to Marathon. Stephen: 29 Year old with Fatty Liver Failure
Riane: I was Told That Hep Progressed Slowly Sarah: From Hollywood to Heroin to Health
Patients Going to AASLD Liver Meeting
PBC Injury to the Liver Terry Monclova Milton
Liver Health and Cirrhosis
How to Lower Liver Labs ALT AST My Liver Biopsy Story
Organ Failure: Brain Fog Lose Your Mind Do You Have Hepatic Encephalopathy?
How Your Liver Works Don’t Give Up on Yourself with Cirrhosis
Medications for Liver Disease Get Better with End Stage Cirrhosis
Emergency Room Diagnosis Taking Care of Your Kidneys
Hepatic Encephalopathy Causes Symptoms Treatment. Healing Your Fatty Liver
Eating Before Liver Tests. Protein is Good for Your Liver? Plant vs Animal Protein
Hepatic Encephalopathy Bruising with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis
Your Liver is a Hard Working Organ. Hepatic Encephalopathy Support Groups (HE)
4 Stages of Cirrhosis – Break it down Stages and Grades of Varices
Can I Color My Hair with Cirrhosis? Esophageal Varices Banding What to Expect
Vomiting Blood with Hep C or Cirrhosis. Drinking with Hep C or Cirrhosis
Teeth and Gum Problems with Hep C Dental Health
Going to Dentist Drugs that are Safe for Liver Pain
Can Resmetirom Cure Nash Mash Fatty Liver?
Mental and Emotional Health
Meditation Crash Landing with Cirrhosis All Shook Up with Trauma and Stress
Depression and Suicide Thoughts Which Antidepressants are Safe?
Anxiety and Hepatitis C PSTD and Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis
Depression and Hepatitis C or Cirrhosis Emotions and Crying with Hepatitis C
Get Real with Expectations You Can Change Your Life Habits
The Ins and Outs of Life Managing Stress with Meditation
Diet and Nutrition
The Mediterranean Diet for Liver Health Protein Shakes for a Healthy Liver
Best Juicing for Liver Fast Food Drive Through Best Choices
Is Too Much Protein Bad for your Liver with Cirrhosis and Hepatitis
Coffee Benefits for Your Liver with Cirrhosis and Hepatitis C
Benefits of Coconut Oil For Liver, Skin, and Diet
Sample of Daily Menu What Foods are Good for Hepatitis C
What Foods to Avoid for Liver Health Low Sodium Food Shopping List
Safe Vitamins and Supplements Protein is Vital for Liver Health
What to do with Lab Test Results Blood and Platelet Transfusion
B 12 Benefits Liver and Beats Fatigue Milk Thistle Safety for Good Liver Health
Pears Prepare You for Good Health Green Tea Multiple Health Benefits
When You Can’t Sleep with Hepatitis C Crazy Night Time Leg Cramps
10 Reasons to Avoid Sugar Eat Foods that Heal Our Liver
Protein Shakes for a Healthy Liver Fermented Cabbage for Varices and Liver Health
Your Personal Life
3 Tips for Better Sleep When Your Adult Kids Disrespect You
Social Security Disability with Cirrhosis Should I Tell My Boss that I have Hepatitis C
Working on Hepatitis C Treatment. Bring Back That Loving Feeling
One Man’s Story of Working Dating and Hepatitis C
Sex and Hepatitis C If I Should Die from Hepatitis C or Cirrhosis
A Mother with Hepatitis C Helping Someone with Hepatitis C
Feeling Judged for Hepatitis C A Little Help from My Friends
My Family Doesn’t Understand Dreaming of a Future with Hepatitis C
Cirrhosis is Not The End Running toward Retreat
Hepatitis C Treatment
Falling Apart with Hepatitis C
How Long with Hepatitis C Treatment Drinking Water With Hepatitis C Treatment
Hepatitis C Treatment Risk 10 Ways You Cannot Get Hepatitis C
10 Things I Hate about Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C Treatment Dose Timing Food
Hepatitis C Treatment Hope Hepatitis C Treatment Hair Loss
Ribavirin Rage with Hepatitis C Treatment. Low Hemoglobin Anemia
Hepatitis C Skin Rash SOS Nausea and Tummy Troubles
Eye and Vision Problems Starting Hepatitis C Treatment
Thrush and Dental Problems Facts for Dry Mouth with Liver Problems
Transplant
Time to Get Listed for a Liver Transplant. Survivor’s Guilt with Transplant.
Who is on the Transplant Team Writing a Thank You Letter to Donor Family
My Organ Donors Birthday Wait Time for a Liver Transplant
World Transplant Games After Liver Transplant My Organ Donor
What to Expect after a Transplant Post Transplant Nervous Breakdown
Writing a Thank You Letter to Organ Donor Going Back to Bed After Liver Transplant
I Don’t Want a Liver Transplant Updates During My Transplant
Post Transplant Protein and Healing Pre and Post Transplant
Hepatocellular Liver Cancer
Courage and Confidence with Liver Cancer 25 Best Things to do for Liver Cancer
Healing HCC Liver Cancer Retreat Tace Procedure for Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer after Hepatitis C Treatment Ethanol Alcohol Ablation for Liver Cancer
Hangover With Cirrhosis after Ablation Guide to Hepatocellular Cancer
More Fun Stuff
Oil Pulling for Liver Detox and Health Famous People with Hepatitis C
Live a Little or Go Dancing with the Stars Best Phone Apps for Hep C and Cirrhosis
Stubborn as a Mule Hepatitis and Tattoos
Transmission of HCV Comic Relief
Today is Your Day to Beat HCV Shania New Years Eve Phone Call to You
Exercise
Too Weak to Walk with Frailty Sarcopenia
Benefits of Yoga Walking is the Best Exercise for Liver Disease
Can I Walk or Run with HCV or Cirrhosis Top 5 Benefits to Exercising with Hepatitis C
Easy 10 Minute Yoga Stretch Exercise workouts with HCV Treatment
Exercise with Cirrhosis. Hand Yoga for Muscle Cramps and Joint Pain
What Next?
A New Year Spin Around the Sun Stress Busters for Hepatitis C
Depression and Suicide Thoughts Balancing Hepatitis and Health
Arm a Plan for Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis Compulsively Thinking Health and Peace
The Benefits of Solitude Care and Feeding of Your Spirit Mind Body
A Lesson Plan for Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis Unforgiveness can Block Your RecoveryFive Reasons to Smile
Liver Transplant
I Don’t Want a Liver Transplant
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22 thoughts on “Best Friends Start Here”
I love your website. Can you help me find your recipes?
Hi Dawn,
Recipes are on the drop down menu from the home page. Also, you can check out the facebook page for ihelpc.com or Ihelpc Karen and there is one called Living With Cirrhosis. Some of the groups are private, but if you request, you can get in. This keeps it safe where we can discuss our personal lives and health problems with NO spam.
Keep in touch!
Karen:) xoxo
I have been searching online for a site like this and am so grateful to have come across it! I will try to make a long story short…. Contracted Hep C over 40 years ago, diagnosed about 20 years ago, and since then, I have been regularly monitored through blood work – numbers go up and down, with no apparent cause. Have had a couple of biopsies and ultra-sounds over the years. About 12 years ago, I tried the medication that was out, but it made me really sick and had a low success rate anyway. I didn’t drink at all for about 15 years, and then got over-confident because my blood work was good and had an occasional glass of wine. Kicking myself over that now…. Last spring, I heard about the new medication out (Harvoni) and talked to my liver specialist about it. He said I would be a great candidate. However, while doing routine tests for insurance purposes, a cancerous tumor on my liver was revealed. I was floored – and so was the doctor. I have felt well all along, look healthy, etc. I had the microwave ablation procedure to remove the tumor. It was successful in doing that, but I was in the small minority who has a negative reaction. (My gallbladder had been disturbed in the process.) I was in excruciating pain, relieved by pain meds, but they create their own set of problems. I am doing much better now and am on a mission (with God’s help) to not make any more tumors. I also want to go on the Hep C medication to clear the virus. The problem is, because my liver has very early stage cirrhosis (which is why the tumor was produced) all of the doctors are telling me I need a transplant. Right now, I don’t feel that’s the path God has me on, but I am open to wherever He leads. I believe that, with the virus cleared and with a healthy lifestyle – obviously no drinking, eating well, taking appropriate herbs/supplements – and perhaps essential oils – I can keep the cirrhosis at bay and stay tumor-free. If I can do that, the doctor says the transplant won’t be necessary. SO – all that being said – is there anyone out there whose story is similar to mine, who tried the non-transplant route, who has suggestions to support my liver, whatever??? I would love to hear from someone who has used medicine and alternative therapy to beat this thing. Thanks for any replies! ❤️
Hey there, while we are all very different with our own set of problems. I wanted to say that I was diagnosed with very early cirrhosis and I treated. When I had my biopsy done it was said this way “collagen wisps are noted that suggest possible transitioning to cirrhosis”
Not being a doctor I don’t know why they would tell you not to treat but to get a transplant first. I know of people who have had cirrhosis and treated. I am not a doctor so don’t know your particulars. I also think that doctors have gotten really cautious about people with cirrhosis.
After I treated with Incivek, Interferon and Ribavirin, I read that they were saying this was not appropriate for those with cirrhosis. I got in very early before this thought was out there. Since you feel so strongly about not doing the transplant; if I were you I might look for a second opinion. But…if you are under the care of hepatologist at a liver transplant hospital I would trust what he is saying. He knows more than I do. I am just sharing what happened to me. Medhelp has a very good online support group for people with cirrhosis of the liver. You could ask there and get a lot of very caring people answering
Thanks, Dee. I appreciate your response and your thoughts. Although I will certainly continue to get input from my doctor, I think that many in the medical field are quick to jump to the medication/surgery route, both because that’s what they are taught in medical school and also to “cover their butts.” I am quickly finding out that we need to advocate for ourselves — and to research all of our options before blindly following medical advice. Fortunately, I have a strong faith foundation and believe that God will lead me to the right answers. I know those answers can be found in many places, so I am keeping open ears and an open heart and mind. I will check out that site you mentioned. Thanks again!
Hi there, you are so right. They get very little nutritional training in school so don’t really know much about that. They themselves are still learning. Like the people that I know of who have been able to improve the health of their livers by changing their diets. They first had to get rid of what ever was attacking their liver, hepatitis, drinking even poor eating habits in the case of fatty liver disease. I have seen peoples liver regenerate, now this is just anecdotal information not any studies. I believe, as long as you are not in mid late stage cirrhosis that the liver can improve. Again, not a doctor but things have really been changing in the medical field. I recently learned that a lot of medications out there are made with supplements that we could buy over the counter. I had no idea that magnesium is one of the first things they use in the ER when someone can’t breath. Just an example. Thanks for writing, I appreciate so much!
Hi Karen!
First I would like to say your site is amazing!
I am going to turn 26 on the 22nd and I am fairly new to all of this. I’ve had autoimmune hepatitis since I was 14 years old. Did very well for over 10 years. I also was diagnosed last summer with a split spinal cord and scoliosis, all causing leg and arm weakness and numbness, I went a good 6 months of being unable to walk. For now my ability has returned. All testing for that led me to the discovery of low platelets, and the decision for a splenectomy. During they saw I progressed to cirrhosis and have portal hypertension. I still have my spleen. This was all found out November of 2014. I’m fairly stable for now, I’ve had banding done twice for esophageal varices. And am going for my third endo tomorrow. I am forgetful and lose concentration a lot. However I am being told I may be able to survive on medication alone and no transplant. That sounds great but scares me too seeing I’m so young and I know how quickly things can change. I am still hoping at a chance of a future and a family. My doctor is saying it is possible, but I worry. I was told to apply for disability for cirrhosis as well as my spine issues but I was denied twice and now am waiting for a hearing. It is all so frustrating everything that comes along with the illness. Finding your page gives me so much information. Even though I feel I know a lot there is always something to learn and I feel very comforted and not alone when I read you posts. I find hope and understanding. Thank you for all you do for this community and I wish you the best!
Brianna recently posted…Its Been A While
Hello there! Thanks so much for writing in. Gosh you sure have been through a lot in your young life. Has the doctor talked to you about diet? Many with cirrhosis are encouraged to stop eating red mead, fried foods, processed lunch meat. Try to watch your salt consumption. There are other ideas that can be found on the internet. Also there are some idea in the upper right hand corner under liver loving diets, it is a drop down box. I have found that many times doctors don’t focus on nutrition. Water is very important to help the liver work. You can also look at heart healthy diets, those are good for the liver as well. Lots of vegetable and fruits are recommended. Thank you for sharing your story, I know it will help others, take care, Dee
Thanks! Yes I’ve been looking into all the diet info on here. My doctor hasn’t suggested much other then very low sodium intake. But I am looking into what else can be done to help myself. Love coming across this blog!
Brianna recently posted…Its Been A While
Brianna,
Just logging on and saw your post. I’m working on a diet plan just for people like us. I loved your pics. Thanks so much for dropping by. Diet has been the most central key, along w medication. If you are using a beta blocker for portal hypertension along with a low sodium diet, it can help so much. Are you using anything for hepatic encephalopathy?
You’re a beautiful girl and I love you blog. I would love it if you wrote something for me. I’m thinking of you as I put together diet plans. We’ve got to make it fun!
Good luck w disability and also with your diet. Food alone will not help with platelets. Your spleen is hoarding them. I have a blog on that somewhere here. Honey, 5 years ago, I had zero chance of being alive today. Miracles happen. Keep working toward your dreams. People like us know that every day is a gift. You’ve got a lot to live for!!
Keep in touch please oh please,
xo Karen:)
Thank you so much Karen! I actually just made a new blog! I can’t seem to get it all organized where I feel good with it all, I think I got it this time haha.
I am currently not taking anything for HE. When I told my dr about it in March he didn’t seem concerned yet. It isn’t too terrible but I do see a difference. What would you like me to write for you? I would love to do whatever I can to help!
Brianna recently posted…GO GO GO GO
I’m going to go read it now! I just read on fb where a young woman was 10 years post transplant. She has a little girl! Miracles can happen. Think about what you might want to write about and just tell your story of how you live with liver disease! Email me soon!
xoxo Karen:)
That is amazing! Ok, I will try to get something together and email you this weekend. 🙂
Brianna
Brianna recently posted…Endoscopy, Blood Work, MELD Score
Sounds wonderful! I am looking forward to recieving.
Hi Karen,
My 84 yr old mother was diagnosed with cirrhosis 1 1/2 years ago. She likely has fatty liver disease but the docs are not sure of the cause. She has only one kidney and it has been in failure for the past 10 years and was doing well until the liver diagnosis. She was on low dose diuretics for about a year after the cirrhosis diagnosis but they were discontinued when her kidney function started to deteriorate further. She now has weekly paracentsis because she is not taking diuretics. She talks about taking supplements for her liver (alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, Vitamin B complex) but her liver doc told her there is no evidence to support these supplements and to save her money. She asked her nephrologist if she could take these supplements and was told no studies have been done on their kidney safety. So…she is left between a rock and a hard place. I just found your website today.
She is not a liver transplant candidate and likely not even a TIPS candidate because her kidney simply couldn’t take an anaesthetic stress. Any suggestions? I realize you are not a doctor, but value your opinion. Your website is incredible!!
You’re a good daughter. My daughter helped me a lot too. I only have 1 kidney also. I was born that way. That’s one of the reasons to try and use low sodium diet to keep on the lowest dose possible of diuretics. My liver doctor discouraged supplements and vitamins. I have had to get my nutrition through my diet. It’s hard for us because we become malnourished while trying to eat a liver loving diet. That is that rock and a hard place…
Please read my blog about vitamins. Liver disease is the same, no matter how you get it. I am not a dr and don’t give medical advice. I can only tell you what my doctors recommended and encourage you to find a doctor who will work with ou on diet and medication.
She can live a good quality of life with a healthy low sodium diet. I hope she is comfortable. You’re an angel to care for her so. Thank you.. xo Karen:)
Hello Karen,
My name is Kimiko Williams and I ordered your book on May 29th but it has yet to arrive. Can you help me to know when and how to track the location and when it may arrive to me?
Hi! I sent an email to you at your yahoo address on the 29th. I will go ahead and copy and paste it here too!
You’ve taken your first step by purchasing The Liver Loving Diet. May you be inspired to live your life to the fullest and shine like a Super Star!
The diet and info about long term, chronic, or acute liver disease is very much the same – no matter the cause. I would love feedback or questions in any form. Your stories touch my heart and inspire me!
This journey saved my life. My dream is to shine a light into your life. It is wrapped it up with a whole lot of love and hope that it will change your future!
You can download the file in your web browser like Safari. You can also save an an ebook, iBook, Kindle, or Word doc. It can be stored on any device such as desktop, iPad, tablet, or iphone, or android.
If you have any problems, please email me directly at ihelpc.com @gmail.com and I can make sure that you get your copy of the book with no problems. Any other questions or concerns? Just email me and I’ve got you covered. xo
Love and Gratitude,
Karen
My one year old granddaughter has cirrhosis of liver I need to know how it affects your skin how to take care of baby I can’t tell you what’s wrong she is currently and taking care of being taken care of by the Phoenix Children’s Hospital but her doctor is so busy and so much stuff goes on at home that I have to find out to take care of my baby better can you help me
I’m so sorry to hear about your grand baby. I was in Phoenix and Mesa area when your original comment came. Please keep me posted about how she is doing.
My granddaughter did not have liver problems, but I DO know that skin is an issue. Another website for skin is atopic dermatitis.net and I will include a link here for you. Here are all of my stories about my granddaughters skin there. Please know that I’m sending love to your family. xo Karen https://atopicdermatitis.net/author/karen.hoyt/
Great Post! This Post is very useful & informative. I got too much information from this post about nutrition products. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post.
You are welcome. I have written about everything from my own story of liver failure. How to eat healthy with the Liver Loving Diet, and also about swelling, ascites, bleeding, and bruising with liver failure.
The section on your personal life is about how to get family support and manage your feelings of sadness or grief with liver failure. Can you heal from end stage liver disease? Yes you can. I’m not sure which country you are in. Have you seen the doctor for information?
xo Karen