Welcome to ihelpc
This Blog is dedicated to helping those who have Hepatitis C or Cirrhosis. I'm not a doctor, but I'll be your Best Friend.

Spring Forward with Liver Disease
As daylight saving time begins, we welcome longer hours of sunlight—a perfect opportunity to be outside, move, enjoy life, and be active. However, for those

Being Doing and Relating: New Years Goals
As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect time to set intentions and map out goals that guide our journey toward growth, happiness,

7 Ways to Reset and Recharge Before the Year Ends
7 Ways to Reset and Recharge Before the Year Ends
Mindful Merrymaking: Stress-Free and Healthy Christmas Tips
The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between shopping for gifts, attending social events, and preparing endless meals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My dear friend Katie has great ideas and is helping you think ahead and plan for Mindful Merrymaking: Stress-Free and Healthy Christmas Tips.

MELD Score: Liver Cancer and Other Exception Points
If you are looking for your MELD Score: Liver Cancer and other exception points, you’ve come to the right place. I ended up getting the extra points for liver cancer. If you have a situation where there are Extra Circumstances, you may get bonus points, or exception points too. In my case, they found a tumor that was Hepatocellular Carcinoma or HCC. It was 2014 and the rules allowed me to bump up 22 points. The rules for exception points changed soon after that to 28

Healing Hip Pain and Sciatica after Transplant
I didn’t even know what to title this blog. Here I am nearly 10 years after my HCC diagnosis, still alive, but dealing with hip and lower back pain that prevents me from ever cycling or running again. Listen, I am NOT complaining. Just being alive is a gift, and it’s one that I deeply cherish. I’m forever thankful to my donor and his family. That does not change the fact that I still need healing hip pain and sciatica after transplant. This blog will break it

What are Normal Liver Lab Values?
What are Normal Liver Lab Values? So many times, you get your lab values delivered in your hospital portal and have no idea how to understand it. By all means, talk to your provider about any concerns. Then, read on for just the facts about labs. Remember that every person, and every liver is different. Liver labs refer to a group of blood tests that evaluate the function and health of the liver. If you are wondering what are normal liver lab values read on. As

Fight, Flight or Freeze Response to Addiction Triggers
Fight, flight or freeze response to addition triggers is our basic response to stress. We will all go toward one of those when we get triggered. Think of trigger as representing danger. We were given these as part of our physical biology to protect us. If we have a threat, our body secrets chemicals to help us respond appropriately. We can also get caught in a cycle of needing a chemical to help us escape from a trauma situation like illness, pain, or a dysfunctional relationship.

Liver Biopsy or Fibrosure and Fibroscan
The Fibrosure and Firbroscan can detect liver damage. i had the needle biopsy and many doctors still consider it the gold standard. Read more to see the pros and cons of all and go to your doctor with an idea of what your choices are.
Eat Foods that Heal Our Liver
Sometimes we become afraid of food with liver disease. We need to make sure that we eat foods that heal our liver. We hear a lot

How Do I Stay Joyful? I’m Heavily Meditated
Being joyful does not mean the absence of struggles or hardships. I’ve had my share of physical, mental, financial, and relationship struggles. Even in childhood, my parents struggled with alcoholism and mental stress. I learned to find joy through my spiritual practices, and they still work for me – no matter what comes my way.
Sometimes I have used the word meditation as a synonym for prayer. They are actually different, but complimentary. I enter into prayer as a way of relating with my Creator. One benefit of being in that relationship is that I can create space in my mind, body, and spirit to enter a still and quiet place. I aim to stay heavily meditated all the time.

What Does MASH Liver Disease Stand For?
What does NASH liver disease stand for? It is a type of liver disease where fat cells infiltrate the liver. It causes inflammation. Picture a red, angry, liver that cannot function well. The liver performs so many things for your body. When it gets inflammation 24/7 with no break, it eventually leads to severe liver disease. Learn about diagnosis, tests, treatment, diet foods