Sorry for what you must be going through Scruffy. I think I can relate. Try NOT to do guilt, it can eat you alive geting caught in that loop. It took me a long period of post traumatic "practice" things to get beyond the demise of my Mother. I knew I did what I could, but never felt it was enough - but some things are just impossible to achieve, even if we wish to make it so. There was a lot of me, talking inside my own head, punishing myself for things that were not reality. My Brother and I did the best we could, what we were capable of, and that is all you or anyone can expect of you. Know that SHE wants you to be OK too - that is part and parcel of being, for both of you. C.

Hi Scruffy,

I really feel for you, it`s not an easy thing to do even when you know you have no other choice.  I had to place my mum in a nursing home a few years back when her dementia had progressed to the point where she needed a lot more care than the family could possibly give.  She was already very confused although at that point she still knew who I was and had a good sense of her own identity.  My brother and I agonised over the decision and whether it was the right time.  We had a few settling in difficulties at first but I was able to visit her as often as I could so I still felt very involved with her life.  Fairly soon she settled down and she still maintained some good quality of life until she passed away at age 89, despite the increasing symptoms and confusion of dementia and Alzheimer`s. 

Please don`t think for one moment that you`re in any way a bad son!  You`re doing the most caring thing by making sure your mum is safe, and that she`s able to have the round the clock care and attention she needs from carers and professional staff who are trained to look after people with dementia. 

You`ve done the right thing, no doubt about it! 

Hi Scruffy,

That’s a tough decision to make, but it was a good one. You should be proud of the care you provided her over the years. Let there be no question, you are a good Son!

My Mom suffered with Alzheimer’s for many years and she slid faster and faster into the abyss that is severe dementia. It bothered my Mom so much in the beginning. That was one of the hardest things to deal with, knowing it’s only going to get worse. She recognized it for a few years and it broke our hearts, because we could only try to make it easier and of course, safer. You provided her that safe environment, made her life as good as you were able and now you made the correct decision to assure her the best of care.

You walked the walk, Brother and you polished your halo. You have our respect and support. Life will be different for both of you going forward, that’s how all of this works. Just know they will be positive differences! Life will be good, I know it...

Quick update. I'm good but I had to put Mom in a nursing home yesterday. Doctor said it was time to "place"her. In retrospect I kinda feel bad that I wanted for her to not even know who I was in order to make taking her easier on myself. The dementia has her totally confused at this point. I should have got poa a year ago and forced her in  grit and barred the "what a lousy son' thing. I think her transition would have been easier on her. At least I got to sleep last night as she had no more night and day and would get into everything including trying to get out the door. Nurses said she is doing well and helping them do there rounds.

Lovely report Scruffy. Bonus that you got the extras! (U/S and MRI and an extra PCR testing, all good - the more you get the more you know). It's great that all is well. You deserve nothing but the best after all your hard work.

I think dilated bile ducts can be a fairly common finding, and totally inconsequential. Did you ever have any history of GB problems at all? No sludge, stones, no rip-roaring bili's? I can't recall your hx. Good though he looks carefully, your doc sounds thorough. .

Interesting the research they are doing, we (cured) ARE a valuable commodity, our blood should be well sought after for research - i am "formally" signed up for the next 5 years for "extra" genetics bloodletting, all in the name of science and amassing further research. Blood pooled, in all the right directions I figure. Who knows what ALL they really end up doing with my blood - I had to sign on the dotted dotted line in 3 places, and the signature is good for something like 10 (minimum) years and more likely 50 years or in perpetuity! They have my super-duper blood "account" to do with what they will, signed, sealed and delivered - i do know they are using it (at least some of it) in a particular slant of a study, to do with LOXL2 (sorta enzyme related to fibrosis).

Do let us know how all else is fairing for you and your Mom.  C.

Good news, Scruffy! Getting the all clear is always a happy bit of news. I will never grow tired of seeing those low LFT’s and an undetected viral load. Congrats old friend!

How are things post Irma for you and your Mom? Good luck and tell your Mom hi for me. I hope life is treating you well. Thanks for the update!

Hi Scruffy, very good to know that all`s well, congrats! 

I`d be interested to know the outcome of this study.  I think for the majority of people the likelihood of the the virus becoming active again post SVR is extremely low, although there`s always the possibility of a person becoming reinfected if they`re exposed to blood to blood contact with an infected source.

Anyway, it`s always very reassuring to hear that you`re still undetected!  Especially after the hard fight you went through to win your SVR!!   

-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Thursday 12th of October 2017 02:50:52 PM

Hi Scruffy. Sounds like a very good report. That must have been disturbing to start out the Dr visit talking relapse   :(    You got to SVR the hard way.    Glad your liver looks good on the U/S and the MRI.  RC

Congratulations Scruffy! Ecpxcellent news.

Always wonder about that...once clear, what are the chances of it returning.

Best! ....Iris

 I went for my yearly bloods and ultrasound. The ultra sound came back with a dilated common bile duct. ( think I remember it always being like that) My hepc Doctor wanted a mri. All came back normal. I had all the blood work but before I went back he added another viral load test even though the one I had came back undetected. The blood had to go to Cal. to be tested. I think they are doing some sort of research on the hepc becoming active again after srv. My visit started with a conversation about how some cases can become active again. Doctor said I was lucky my chances of it becoming active were .03%  I have a notion the extra blood test was for research. Anyway all is well.