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.

Latest Posts
Spring Forward with Liver Disease
Alcoholism liver disease cirrhosis
Karen Hoyt

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

Read More »
Old Posts

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.

Read More »
Karen Hoyt meld score

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

Read More »
healing hip and sciatica after transplant Karen Hoyt

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

Read More »
what are normal liver lab values cirrhosis

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

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »
Popular Posts

The Benefits of Yoga

The Benefits of Yoga  I started October with gobs of hope. My high apple pie in the sky attitude seemed to match Sedona, Arizona’s big

Read More »

In Limbo with Liver Disease

Waiting is painful, especially when you don’t know what’s happening next. You feel stuck in No Man’s Land. It leads to a mental funk, spiraling

Read More »
Sustainable Stocking Stuffers: Thoughtful Gifts for a Greener Christmas karen hoyt

Sustainable Stocking Stuffers: Thoughtful Gifts for a Greener Christmas

The holiday season is a splendid period filled with joy and festivities, yet it has also been overshadowed by excessive consumerism and materialism. While the tradition of exchanging gifts remains beloved during this time, it’s worth noting that it can contribute to heightened waste and environmental harm, particularly in the form of discarded plastic and wrapping materials post-holiday.

Nonetheless, by infusing a touch of creativity and mindfulness into the festivities, it is entirely possible to honor the true essence of Christmas while also prioritizing environmental consciousness! Check out this article that explores the concept of sustainable stocking stuffers, offering you a range of thoughtful and eco-friendly gift ideas to make your holiday season greener and more meaningful.

Read More »
Make a Donation

Donate Now

[wp_paypal_payment_box email="ihelpc.com@gmail.com" options="Donate $:10.00|Payment for Donate $:20.00|Payment for Donate $:30.00" other_amount=true currency="USD" new_window="1"]
Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get notified about new articles