Whom should you tell?
When deciding whom you should tell, consider the following questions:
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Will talking to this person help me feel better?
Putting this question first isn't being selfish — it's simply a matter of placing the emphasis on your treatment. The people who care about you want you to be healthy above anything else. Everyone is working for the same result.
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Will I need this person's role in my family or circle of friends to change?
Hepatitis C and its treatment often cause changes in relationships. Roles or rules may need to shift — and you may have to ask for what you want or need. Try to keep the emphasis on specific actions ("I need you to go to the store for me" or "Can you stay awhile?") rather than vague requests ("You have to be more helpful").
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How does this person's approach to getting better compare with mine?
Some people stay in bed when they have a bad cold; others refuse to cancel their 6 AM aerobics class just because they tore a couple of knee ligaments. Which of the people in your life match up well with your needs? Do you want someone who will push you to do more? Someone to help you slow down? Or do you need someone to simply understand and talk with you?
What should you say?
When telling someone that you have hepatitis C, or that you have begun treatment, you need to give them three things:
- The facts
- Time to think and adjust
- The opportunity for honesty
First, be sure to find a mutually convenient time to talk, when you can both be relaxed and not rushed. Don't be afraid to use notes for your discussion — to help you remember all the things you might want to say.
The facts
The people in your life may want more information to help them understand what you are telling them. Review the facts about hepatitis C and about your treatment. You may want to print out or copy some of this information and have it with you during your discussion.
Facts about hepatitis C:
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Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver
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It is spread by blood-to-blood contact (not through the air or by hugging or kissing)
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It can lead to a chronic condition, which can be treated successfully, but not in everyone
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Symptoms are not always apparent (eg, fatigue and joint pain)
Facts about your treatment:
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Treatment for hepatitis C is necessary to prevent long-term liver damage
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Treatment usually includes a series of weekly injections, often with oral medication as well
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Treatment usually lasts for a set period of time (usually 24 or 48 weeks), depending upon the strain or genotype of the virus you have
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You will need to have frequent lab tests to track your progress
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During treatment, more symptoms may appear, most commonly flu-like symptoms
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Hepatitis C and its treatment may cause mood changes that require treatment
Time to think and adjust
When you tell people who care about you that you have a chronic illness or are about to undergo treatment that may be challenging, they might react in a variety of ways. Don't overanalyze their initial reactions. There may be a lot of emotion tied up in their response — they are trying to process significant information and think about your feelings as well as their own. Give your loved ones time to think, and perhaps read about hepatitis C and its treatment.
The opportunity for honesty
If you want to continue the discussion with your loved one, let him or her know the door is open. Another conversation may provide useful dialogue — an opportunity to ask and answer questions and to talk about what parts of your relationship may change. Often you can't handle all of these issues in your first conversation.
In addition, download and share the Family and Friends Checklist for specific tips on what they can do to help you.