Day 135, Insurance Woes & Glandular Swelling

It's been a pretty tense past few days here. As you may recall, last month I had a small issue with getting my medication approved for month five of Sovladi + Ribavirin. At the last minute with only 5 days remaining of medication, the pre-authorization form was approved and month five was on it's way. This month, even more headache coming from Florida Medicaid in approval of my final month of liver treatment. A request from the insurance demanding I have lab work was noted before I could be approved for the final shipment. Being up to date on all my doctor's visits and lab work, my physician's office faxed over all the information they asked for, as I just had lab work as recent as two weeks ago. Now, the past 3 days, we've been stuck in limbo, awaiting approval, and I'm down to my final 4 days of treatment with my last pill taken on Monday. It's crunch time.

I contacted Gilead's highly spoken about Sovaldi assistance program (1-855-769-7284), "Support Path," and disclosed to them my case and within 15 minutes of gathering some patient information, they informed me their team will be contacting my insurance company, doctor's office for scripts and my pharmacy. The gentleman I spoke with at Gilead Support Path was very nice, and seemed like he had been down this road many times with other patients, so he was well versed in the matter. He told me first priority is to see what they can do to get the claim on urgent status to get the medication shipped so I don't miss a day of treatment. If no terms can be negotiated, than we said his team will request scripts for both Sovaldi and Ribavirin and handle it themselves. It's moments like this, I've come too far to turn back, and I have to do everything in my power as a patient, survivor and victim of Hepatitis C to fight and push forward.

Literally, while I was typing this blog, I just received a call from my pharmacy that my claim did get approved, but with a catch. They're only going to approve my treatment on Sovaldi 7 days at a time over the next 4 weeks. So instead of getting the Sovaldi bottle with 28 tablets, I'll get getting 7 tablets distributed every week until my therapy ends on July 7th. It sounds sketchy, and it's not exactly how I planned my last month to go, but it is what it is. At least I get to complete the final month of treatment, and can fulfill all 24 weeks of therapy. I hope by blogging my journey, this can truly help someone on their own path, and give them insight from my experiences, ups, downs, setbacks and victories. It's not perfect, but I'll take it. Ultimately, does anything go as planned anymore?

On a side note, a major side effect in the latter weeks of treatment has been these sinus related issues induced by the medication Ribavirin, not my environment. My ears feeling clogged, yellow and green mucus secretions from my nose, feeling congested and the worst tender/swollen glands in my neck. The glands tenderness is very painful, as today I'm having the 4th round of gland issues while on treatment. It hurts to eat, swallow, drink or even clear my throat. Even something as simple as blowing my nose hurts. The only thing I can do to combat that is ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Typically 400mg a couple times a day tends to do the trick, but at most it reduces the pain by maybe 30-40%. At night, some cough syrup like Robitussin, which helps me go to sleep and fights pain with acetaminophen works very well. Not much I can do with this Ribavirin induced "Sinus Funk." Like I've said before, while on treatment, one has to take meds to combat the side effects of other meds. If anyone out there reading is on Ribavirin or has taken it before, I'm curious to know if you've experienced any sinus related issues, swollen glands and congestion. Also, maybe what you've done to combat these side effects from your own experience. I'd really like to know as I'm counting down the days to end of treatment, I'm almost certain I'll have another wave or two or this sinus and gland tenderness issue.

The Modern Shaman - A Blue Man Reflection

It's 2000, we just survived #Y2K and I just turned 20 years old attending a small local community college in South Eastern Kentucky. Scouring the universe over to find who I was in this vast world, where I fit in and my place. I began many months of soul searching, reaching and with very little luck. I found a few musical genres that motivated me to be creative in the music of Greek composer Vangelis, though I strayed from the modern radio hits of the early 2000's. Living in Appalachia, deep in the Kentucky wilderness and in a small rural town with a population less than 2,500, my mind and heart was envisioning myself beyond the realm of my 4-walled room with my parents at the time. The room became a creative playground for composing music, designing graphics and late night Yahoo Voice Chats with some now long forgotten friends and usernames. But the room was just as much of a prison as it was a creative playground for discovery of the world beyond the 4-walls in Kentucky.

Being born a hemophiliac, by age two I contracted HIV and Hepatitis C viruses through contaminated blood products that were supposed to treat my hemophilia. I spent my life in sheltered privacy, secrecy in rural Kentucky in fear of my family being rejected by society and blacklisted from the community. Much like the headlines of the late 80's and early 90's, Ryan White became the poster child for the AIDS epidemic, and sadly died before he reached his 20's. Even though I didn't face the adversities Ryan faced, my fate was still uncertain and was living in the fear of my own mortality. Somehow, by God's Grace, I was spared and lived through the Hemophilia Holocaust that claimed the lives of over 12,000 Hemophiliacs in the United States. I spent a great deal of my later teens and early twenties searching for my own purpose, my own path and where I fit in to the grand scale of things. Why was I still alive? Why was I spared and lived past age 18, even though the doctor's at the time predicted my death before then? Thus so unraveled the mystery that was my life.

It was around late 1999 that I caught a glimpse of something on Late Night Television that would literally alter the next 14 years of my life. Being a fan of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," I caught glimpse of something that I could not quite explain, yet was intrigued with childlike innocence. What appeared to be clowns or mimes completely covered in blue paint with black apparel were advertised on the local news segment with Jay announcing the nightly show ahead. Kind of like teasers to tune in after the late night news. I didn't catch their name at first, but stayed awake that night to see what these guys would do as a musical act on Jay's show. I was immediately amazed, mesmerized and captivated at the trio of men who were making these melodic tones, and the tribal essence of the show carried my mind away. Blue Man Group was their name, and immediately after the show was over, I logged online to search who these guys were. I found their web site, but no video content or footage to keep my inspired brain going. I must have stayed awake until 4AM that night searching the web for more clips of these blue guys, but sadly, nothing. This was an era long before YouTube had risen to the scene, so video content was not only more rare to find online, it was impossible to find more clips of Blue Man Group particularly. A few months later in Summer 2000, I registered the username 'rotcav' on the official blueman.com message boards [BMMB] and dove into their their fan world conversations.

In the weeks to come, I watched more live performances of Blue Man Group on the Tonight Show including a Christmas performance of their piece titled "Rods and Cones." The music, the energy, the mystique, the tribal percussion and nuance blew me away into another dimension of creativity. I was so inspired that on February 14th, 2001 I registered the domain name www.bluemanlibrary.com to start archiving these recordings on VHS I was collecting from February 2001's 43rd Annual Grammy Awards all the way up to random performances on other late night talk shows, daytime television and beyond. Their message board community became the centralized hub for all things Blue Man Group related, and that's where we found out when their next television performance was going to be. Remember, we had no YouTube and no archival footage yet to revisit these moments other than our own personal VHS home recordings from television.

In 2001, The [BML] or Blue Man Library became the official fan base for Blue Man Group. It was called "Library" for a reason, housing freely downloadable video content at a time before streaming video networks like YouTube, Vimeo and UStream were even accessible online. The web site not only become fan central for downloadable content, but a message board and live chat room were available which allowed fans a more live and "in the moment" way of connecting and sharing their own experiences with Blue Man Group. It was the highlight of my day logging online every morning and seeing what's new in the world of blue, updating the BML and interacting with the fans. In many ways, the fans became an extended family, allowing me to reach further beyond the 4-walls of my bedroom, and eventually to major cities across the United States. With planned late night chat room sessions, fans expressively talked about their passions, and opened up to new friends and new avenues. At a time before the Blue Man fan could watch streaming video online, there was BML.

In July 2001, I had planned my first gathering of fans in Chicago for what would in later years be called a "fan meet." Fans from the online community would meet in a Blue Man venue city, (at the time NYC, Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas), and do meet ups. It was around this time that a blue man actor with the nickname "Boomer" reached out to me from Chicago and congratulated me on my success at the BML. It was the first time I had heard from someone from the "inside" of the company, and I felt so honored. For over a year and a half, I had been sitting at home watching television and dreaming of seeing my first show. Now, for the first time in my life, I got to do just that and make a memory that would last me a lifetime of joy. Small town Kentucky boy had finally branched out, traveled on a plane for the first time, and went to a major metropolitan city. It became an awakening experience, and something I knew later in life would bring me great joy.

What was it about these blue guys that captivated me so well? Was it the fact they never spoke? Was it the incredible musicianship they carried, or was it the tribal instinct and their almost shaman like quality that allowed us as spectators to be swept away for 2 hours in their world? I think it was a little of everything honestly, and the fan base fueled my drive even more to plan more events, charities, contests, giveaways, fan meets and eventually snowball events into my life that would change me forever. One of the greatest gifts Blue Man Group gave me was the escapism from my complex and difficult life living with Hemophilia, Hepatitis C and HIV. Coming from a world of spending half of my life in hospitals and surrounded by fear and uncertainty, they gave me that outlet of allowing me to escape my life, and became the shaman in my life to usher in creativity, artistic mindsets, vivid imaginative thinking and an era of my life that I still feel was my most creative period. For that, I'll be eternally grateful.

7 years later, over 60 blue man shows under my belt, over 120 Switchback Podcasts later, having visited over a dozen cities on my many travels to see Blue Man Group, events were about to unfold that would be life changing. By 2008, I had formed a friendship with a fan from the online community from Atlanta, GA. Mike Ippolito connected with me through my radio program on WMMT-FM every week known locally as Crossroads. He and I had talked back and forth for over a year and a half online and one day he visited me in Kentucky and joined me on the radio show. I never realized that visit would change my path forever and that God was using Mike to help make a change in one man's life that needed it. Mike's father had recently passed, and he found solace in my radio show each week and called me regularly on the show to request some 80's songs. Mike and I grown as very close friends through the time of his family's loss, and hence why the visit to Kentucky to see me, and get away from his own struggles at the time. Before Mike left Kentucky, he handed me an envelope and a framed artwork with a poem. As I read the poem, it was all I could do to keep it together. It was very touching and very sincere. After Mike had left Kentucky and was making his way back to Atlanta, I opened the envelope and in it was a free ticket to see Blue Man Group Orlando, the newest and latest venue at the time here in the US. I was bewildered, dumbstruck and at a loss for words but storming with emotion. I called Mike on his cell phone, and explained he didn't have to do that, but his reply, "Please, it's my gift to you, for being the gift to me through your friendship." Yet again I was at a loss for words. Weeks later, I began planning a July 2008 Orlando Summer fan meet and using Mike's ticket. Planning was well under way, and yet again, Joe was traveling to a new city, the theme park capital of the world.

They say that love often comes unexpected, a surprise and when you least expect it. This is true for me on so many accounts, I can't begin to delve into it's madness of logic. It was at this fan meet, through BML, from Mike's friendship, by his tickets and my planning of this Orlando Fan Meet, I met Alexandra Irick. Not only was it love at first sight, but it was one of those moments in life that knocks you flat on your face and rocks you to your very core. Even though we fell madly in love that weekend in Orlando, fear of when we could see each other again echoed in the back of both our minds. Alexandra lived in Cape Coral, Florida and I still lived with my parents back in Kentucky. We did manage to plan other blue man fan meets together, and after only one month of dating, I placed a promise ring on her finger at the August, 2008 Chicago Fan Meet just one month after Orlando. 2 months later, our love grew even more and it was time for me as a man to make a stand and propose to Alexandra as my wife. We were engaged on October 23rd, 2008. I did what everyone in my life thought impossible, I became engaged to the soul mate of my life. By 2009, we both relocated to Orlando together and began planning our wedding on 10-10-10.

My friend Mike became the best man at my own wedding and his two wonderful children were a part of it as well. Fate, destiny and God's plan is a force to be reckoned with sometimes, and looking back through the past 14 years, would I have a wife, be living in paradise and thriving had not I made the BML or fell in love with Blue Man Group in 1999? It's almost like the movie "The Butterfly Effect," what would have happened if I didn't pursue Blue Man Group like I had? Life long friendships, a wife, a home outside Orlando, an amazing home church, and a life I only could dream about back in Kentucky would have never been revealed. It's funny sometimes how life wields you avenues, intersections and open doors. You either walk through them, or am left wondering "what if" for the rest of your life. Some would look at the events of my life and call it luck, predestination or just chance. Being a strong man of faith, I know beyond any doubt these events have been masterminded by God from the very beginning. I needed to connect with people outside of Kentucky, so he gave me BML. I needed to be adventurous and travel the nation, so he gave me means to do that. I needed a way to forget my complicated medical lifestyle, and for a short time focus on pure bliss and wonder, so he gave me Blue Man Group and all the many friends that come along with them. What was said to be impossible was made possible by God's own Handiwork. I did marry, I did start my own life away from my prison of the 4-walled bedroom and now in my mid-30's am given the opportunity to thrive in Central Florida. I'm not a success story, I'm God's Testimony that He molded within me many years ago.

Today, I rarely see a Blue Man Group show. Somewhere between technology and the tribal shamanistic vibe of the older show that I fell in love with, the essence and wonder of the show today is lost in translation with over-digitized animations and material that is lackluster in comparison to yesteryear. Little room is left for the performance aspect, and the music doesn't meets the standard Blue Man Group set for themselves with the release of their first album, "AUDIO." With age, my love for Blue Man has faded year by year, and I'm not sure why that is. I still am captivated by a sense of wonder, amazement and mysteriousness, just not by the caliber of the show the company produces today. I vowed never to organize another fan gathering due to differences and preferences set by other fans of the once thriving online community. I don't need drama, I just need peace. Will I ever attend another Blue Man related event? Who knows, I never will say never. It's so sad to see the grass roots company I fell in love with over a decade ago, fade away among the limelight of corporate jargon and hierarchical structure. Perhaps that is truly a sign to move on, away from my beloved journey shamans to new paths, new friends and new adventures with my amazing wife. One thing will never change, the friendships I've made through being a fan will last me the rest of my life.

Perhaps, in just one fleeting moment, members of Blue Man Group read this blog and feel convicted by my story, remember this one thing from your once largest fan, biggest supporter and  friend, go back to the start. See the world again from the eyes of a blue man and capture that childlike nature that inspired so many of us. We don't need things like Gi-Pads, pre-recorded animations and background tracks, we need the passion that once resonated from the performers on stage. Scale down the tech glitz, and grass feed your creative side with the eyes of the innocent once again. I am not being negative to the company, it's founders or creative minds that make the show what it is today, I'm just saying, something vital has been lost in the show and characters on stage. I used to be part of their creative process known as "The Insiders." Sure I got to meet the three original founding members of Blue Man Group Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman, but I wonder if they or the ones that work under them now truly care anymore? Creativity is a blessing, and I love moving things in forward motion, but lately their material is setting them even further in a reverse motion. Sure, Alexandra and I became "Insiders," but we always had red tape, hurdles and loopholes in everything we did internally. In many ways I wish I denied the offer to be an Insider, and moved on with my life to save me the embarrassment. I felt frowned upon because we truly were never accepted by the company we worked for. We were still fans in their eyes, and a fan is someone who buys tickets to keep their shows going. The left hand never knew what the right hand was doing. I am deeply grateful for the Insiders project and all the many travels I got to do in the two years with Blue Man Productions. But now we're outsiders left wondering what's happening on the inside? Anymore, I prefer to not be associated with the BMG fan community, just because of the of the stigma that comes with being known at the box office as a "super fan." Maybe I need to remove the goggles from my own eyes, and see the evolution of Blue Man for today's newer fans? At any rate, thanks for the ride, 14 years, a wife, a lifetime of friends, world of memories, miles of travel and being the torch that broke the chains for this ole Kentucky boy.

Blue Man Group's 20th Year on Off-Broadway in New York City fan meet celebration.

Day 128, Feeling Better / Doctor's Visit

I can't begin to thank you all so much for you prayers over the past couple of days. I'm feeling much better after my bout with another treatment related sinus induced, yet pharmaceutical enhanced side effect driven illness; [Dang that's a mouth full]. The swelling of my glands is now gone, and even though I'm still left with a nagging cough and some lingering yellow junk secreting from my head's membranes, I'm doing terrific. I feel the best today I've felt all week since I started coming down sick again on Monday, and I know it's a God thing and He's healing me once again. I'm almost certain though I haven't seen the last of things #RibaFunk, as I still have one more month left of Sovaldi and Ribavirin, with a total of 39 days remaining. We all know though, in the end, it will so be worth a few months of headache to thrive with a life free from something damaging my liver. After over 30 years, my dragon will be slain, and I've made this Dragon Slayer Shield logo to commemorate those who are close to, or have completed Hepatitis C therapy. God Bless our slayers, pill takers and valiant warriors around the world.

Today I had a doctor's visit on my 5 month check up into treatment. Wonderful news, good vibes and great results all the way around today. All my vitals and lab work came back astounding, all in normal ranges, especially my liver and immune functions. Talk about being blessed beyond measure! Even though this treatment regimen has given me ups and downs, #RibaFunk, #RibaRage etc... the end is almost within grasp, and the finish line is ever so close now. For those of you outside the Hepatitis C community, RibaRage is a slang term for the harsh side effects induced by taking Ribavirin, one of the companion drugs to Sovaldi to act as a 1-2 punch to the virus. Check out my previous post from two days for more details and links on Ribavirin side effects. Upon the end of my visit this afternoon, I was given a 2 month post-treatment appointment slip and lab work to be done at the end of treatment. Wow... My doctor informed me that HCV RNA viral loads will be check at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post treatment for 100% confirmation. But I'm sure with a relapse rate of 2%, the odds are in my favor being a Genotype 3a.

So here I am, finishing up bottle 5, and my final shipment will be in hand next Thursday. I never knew what 2014 would bring for me in terms of health, treatment and overcoming, but wow has it been a wild ride, but in a good way. God has delivered on time, and gave me a treatment that I can tolerate, and in the end be cured once and for all from Hepatitis C. The future is wide open. No more lingering thoughts of liver transplants, cirrhosis or end stage liver disease. I can't begin to tell you how joyful that makes me feel, and blessed!!!

Before I go, I just wanted to share this video with you from contemporary Christian music artist Kari Jobe, and her newest release called "Let The Heaven's Open Up." This song got me through a lot yesterday as I played it over and over on loop. Amazing how uplifting your spirit can become when you draw closer to Him.

Day 126, Old Friend Back Again

Yesterday morning I awoke to an all too familiar sensation in my neck, throat and head. It's the same symptoms I've had twice before and I feel the recurrence of these episodes aren't allergy related at all. They are side effects from taking Ribavirin and Sovaldi. So I got the idea to revisit the long list of side effects of just Ribavirin alone, and when compared to my symptoms versus what the drug can cause, the conclusion was obvious. I Googled "Ribavirin Side Effects" and the first result was from MayoClinic.com. Within the list of over 100 side effects posted, here's the ones that stood out most: body aches, congestion, cough or hoarseness, dryness of the throat, fever or chills, general feeling of discomfort or illness, headache, irritability, brain fog, poor concentration, rapidly changing moods, quick to react or overreact emotionally, restlessness, lack of sleep, runny nose, sore throat, swollen glands under the neck, sores on the lips or in the mouth, trouble with concentrating, trouble with swallowing, dry skin, heartburn, lethargy and stuffy nose. Pretty incredible when looking back retrospectively on my symptoms versus the drug's side effects.

Thankfully, this Thursday at 2:15PM, I have a follow-up appointment with my treatment doctor, and I plan to go over all of these occurrences with her. I know it's going to be one of those cases that I'll have to tough through it regardless, and there will be no relief until therapy has ended. I've had to visit the Emergency Room three times since April 16th from my mini-vacation to Atlanta, GA. What I presumed was a mere allergy related matter, and now with the refresh of looking at Ribavirin's side effects, I'm second guessing this entire sinus infection prognosis and leaning more towards the medication. I went to Walgreen's yesterday and picked up some Emergen-C with Immune Boost to help get me through the next couple of days. I'm going to do everything in my power to not visit the ER again, and just tough through it as I approach the final 41 days of treatment as of today. 

I'll be sure to keep all my friends, fellow dragon slayers and church family up to speed on my progress as we rapidly approach the countdown to the final 30 days. Please continue to pray for me as we can now finally see the home stretch of this 6 month journey to get cured of Hepatitis C once and for all! Before I go, I wanted to share a scripture from the book of Romans with you that has helped me get through the past week. The reminder of God's unconditional love sometimes is all the motivation I need to keep Striving to Keep Thriving. Please 

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Day 120, 12 Tips For Liver Health

We all do things in life that comes with consequences; unhealthy eating, smoking, drinking or living a toxic lifestyle of drug addiction/abuse. There are factors and things we can do to prolong our lives while we're in the pool of thousands awaiting their treatment regimens on the new medications coming out for Hepatitis C. I need to state for the record before we dive in, I come from a Christian home, and so drinking, smoking and drugs were not an enticement for me. The only time in my life I ever drank any sort of alcohol was at my own wedding during the main champagne toast. Though I lived a sheltered life, it helped me in the long run be healthier in my adult life.

1. Get Educated - I can't express enough how vitally important it is to get educated on your disease and what you can do in your own life to inhibit liver damage. Knowledge is power, and if you live your life with a sense of pride and that you think you know it all, you're heading down a road of disaster. If you or someone you know is living with Hepatitis C, it's crucial you understand your limits, boundaries and do your best to change elements of your lifestyle to help accommodate your disease and in the long run, prolonging your life. You need to know what the terms viral load, genotype and rapid responder mean. Dig in and start reading! Start your education by clicking here.
2. Put The Drink Down - It was once explained to me by a University of Kentucky Gastroenterologist Dr. Steven Shedlofsky that drinking alcohol with Hepatitis C is like pouring gasoline on open firery coals. The disease progresses much more rapidly and damage including fibrosis and scarring advance at higher rates than those who put down the bottle and prefer a sweet tea or iced water. Here is a great article about alcohol consumption while living with Hepatitis C and/or HIV. 
3. Every Breath You Take - There was a time in my life when smoking sort of enticed me, but after trying my first cigarette and that horrid after taste in my mouth, I never caved to the addiction of smoking. Smoking rapidly increases chances of disease progression and eventually makes one a high risk for liver cancer [hepatocellular carcinoma]. Men with Hepatitis C who smoke have a more than 136-fold increased risk of liver cancer. Read more about smoking and Hepatitis C.
4. You Are What You Eat - Given today's increasing knowledge of harmful chemicals in processed foods like additives, GMO's and artificial sweetners can/will cause more harm to our bodies. Eating home cooked meals in balanced portions and straying from the fast food mecha can bring new vigor to your life. Everything you put in your mouth is processed, broken down and digested through your liver. Proper exercise and a monitored diet will control our calorie intake and help you avoid other unwanted medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. We owe it to ourselves and HCV survivors to change our unhealthy habits to ones better suited for really what our bodies need. HepMag fellow blogger Connie M. Welch has written an astounding article on liver disease and healthy eating. You can find that article here.
5. Seek Treatment, Don't Wait - If you've been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and your condition hasn't progressed and your dragon remains dormant, that is typically the best time to attack. I've seen many friends live their lives only to have their HCV rapidly progress in later years, resulting in liver cancer, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease [ESLD]. Just because your virus is at bay of the past few  years, you've been leading a symptom free life doesn't mean you can't treat. I cringe when I hear patients often prolonging liver treatment because they're okay... With new drugs rapidly coming on the market and available by the FDA, you owe it to yourself to fight for the cure, slay your dragon and move on with the next chapter of your life. Seek treatment today, here is a list of doctors in your area to help you fight back and reclaim your life.
6. Get Adequate Rest and Replenishment - Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night for the body to be fully rejuvenated for the day ahead. Many of us have crazy sleep cycles, our jobs and life get in the way and there are truly not enough hours in the day. But I can't express how important it is to get adequate rest at night. Be sure to not consume any caffeine after 6PM, and no alcohol! You shouldn't be using tobacco products first and foremost, and it's noted that tobacco use will actually keep your motor functions awake during prolonged periods of the night. Things like light, noise, hot rooms, uncomfortable bed or pillow will make your night even more cumbersome. Things like sleep masks for the eyes and ear plugs will reduce light and noise for a calm night of test. Click Here to learn more about Healthy Habits While Living with Chronic Liver Disease.
7. Drink Water, Lots of Water - This one is so easily overlooked, avoided and ignored, but essentially one of most important choices you'll make for your body. Whether you're on treatment, preparing or waiting, you still need to be drinking plenty of water daily. 64-72oz of water a day is a good threshold for water consumption. This can easily be divided up into 8-9 cups of water a day from breakfast until night. Your liver and kidneys work overtime while living with Hepatitis C to eliminate your body of toxins. Drinking water not only hydrates your body's cells, but helps promote kidney function to release toxins in the bloodstream and keep you from feeling sluggish. I recommend the Waterlogged App for assisting you with your water drinking habits, best part is it's free. For more information on water consumption, follow this link.
8. Herbal Liver Supplements - If you're waiting for liver treatment and in the process of scheduling a doctor, I highly recommend seeking some sort of herbal supplement to assist your liver function. Natural supplements like milk thistle, lipoic acid, selenium among others offer great health benefits if you're not currently on liver treatment. For a list of the Top 5 Herbal Supplements Recommend for Liver Health, follow this link.
9. Faith & Spirituality - For many, coping with the effects of chronic liver disease can be stressful. It can take a large toll on the mind and drain us of our vitality if we allow it to. Whatever faith or spirituality you believe in, often times having that hope of something greater can carry us through the darkest of times. I know it has for me, and I encourage anyone with Hepatitis C, HIV or Hemophilia to seek faith. It looks very different for very many people, but the benefits can give you peace of mind, calm your anxiety and reduce your stress levels so you can live a thriving life. For me, being a Christian provides me that level of comfort, peace and calm that no one else can offer. Sound mind for many is often times the best medicine.
10. Develop Memory Skills - It's noted that people living with Hepatitis suffer with memory skills, brain fog and or short-term memory loss. Don't panic if you become forgetful or stuck on a thought longer than a few minutes. To keep your brain active and healthy, it's good to develop techniques to help you stay sharp. Whether it's working a crossword puzzle, brainteasers, develop a hobby, play board games, learn a new language, play a challenging video game, or memorizing your most beloved quotes, any of these activities will increase your motor skills, improve your reflex time and allow you to decipher real world situations. There are many treatable conditions that cause cognitive impairment, so before we jump to conclusions, start with the basics. 
11. We Were Designed To Be Connected - Living life in solidarity for some may seem like the the only way out, but having a group or circle of friends to go to in time of need is the best blessing. We're not meant to lead lonely lifestyles, we're designed to be connected with each other, share life, live life, rejoice in our triumphs and grieve in our trials. Establishing a small group of friends while living with Hepatitis C can provide a world of conversation, an outlet of frustration and the avenue for venting. It's not easy for some being open about their diseases, but if you're bold enough, the benefits truly outweigh the risk of being alone with your disease. Join a message forum, find friends in your local area you can connect and share life together in a support group. Much joy and relief comes from those who share the load. Get connected today!
12. Think POZ - When all else fails, laughter, being with friends and family, and immersing yourself in a healthier state of mind will change the way you look at the world. I was once told by a friend from Kentucky, "True happiness is 20% the body, 80% the mind."  Embrace every circumstance for what it is, and move on. Don't dwell in the past, don't linger on the would be, could be or should be's of life. Focus your mind on those things that bring you joy, whether it's soaking up sun on a beach, going fishing on weekends, a girls/guys night out or just going out to see a movie with a bunch of friends, any of these can distract your mind to help you develop more socailly. Hobbies, outdoor activities and changing your state of mind to refuse the negative and embrace the positive will make the road of living with Hepatitis C a little less rocky. Remember, you are not your disease!!! So stop acting like you're a victim and act like the warrior you are meant to be; a dragon slayer.