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.
Winter Solstice: A Quiet Moment of Light, Loss, and Gratitude
The ending of a year and the dawn of a new one holds so many symbols. It requires a day of its own. Today, on the longest night, I’m holding all of it—light, shadow, joy, ache, gratitude, and hope. Winter whispers that none of it has to be sorted or solved. It only needs to be felt.
The Heartbeat of TRIO: Finding Support Close to Home
Every organ transplant recipient and caregiver understands the journey: it is a marathon, not a sprint, and while the medical teams are brilliant, the emotional and logistical toll can feel isolating. I was actually making plans to purchase a rental property and run a non-profit for patients post-transplant when Lorrinda called me. She had a different vision. In fact, Lorrinda had already connected with TRIO National and was dedicated to starting a local peer support chapter—she sold me on the idea!
This critical need for local, consistent peer support is what led to the founding of the Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) Oklahoma Chapter. Learn more here about TRIO.
Dr. Thomas Starzl: Father of Transplantation and TRIO
Dr. Thomas Starzl: Father of Transplantation and TRIO – I learned of this while preparing a presentation for The AASLD Liver Meeting. Lorrinda Gray Davis, who is the founder of Oklahoma’s TRIO Chapter just told me this week. We started our chapter with me as her first VEEP because we saw the need. I had literally no real support post transplant. During COVID, she went to work and the rest is history. Now she is president of TRIO International. But I’m getting ahead of myself. This story is about Dr. Starzl and what I imagine to be one of the greatest collision of ideas in medical history. What a man. What a great heart he has.
Tai Chi Movements Anyone Can Learn
Tai Chi Movements Anyone Can Learn is my favorite daily routine. It helped me build my core and restore my body after battling cancer. These movements are gentle even if you have spinal problems or hip injuries. I know this from personal experience. You can find the videos on my youtube channel by looking up Karen Hoyt. Please let me know if you have any questions. I’ve done a lot of private sessions online with clients who have found pain relief, increased strength, and gained muscle mass. It’s great for balance.
It All Starts with a Patient: My Journey with Global Liver Institute
Years ago, I was writing my heart out on ihelpc.com, sharing my experiences with liver disease, hoping to bring light and information to others walking a similar path. My website was growing, and so was my mission. I began partnering with hepatitis awareness organizations, contributing to health outlets, and stepping into advisory roles. I knew the power of a patient’s voice—but I had no idea how big that voice could become until I met Donna Cryer. One day, I opened an email from Donna. She had
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome or HE?
Is it Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or HE is a good question if you or a loved one are dealing with confusion, symptoms, and need support for brain fog
What Tests are Good for HE?
If you’re reading this, you or someone you love might be facing something called hepatic encephalopathy. You might be wondering what tests are good for HE. First, I want to say: you’re not alone. I’ve been there. It can be scary and confusing, but knowing what’s happening in your body can help you feel less afraid. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned—patient to patient. I wish I had known some of the common tests, but to be honest, I was so afraid of getting
Your Plate, Your Power: Dr. Lai’s 80/30/10 Rule for a Liver Loving Life
Your Plate, Your Power: Dr. Lai’s 80/30/10 Rule for a Liver Loving Life This blog is a summary of a nutritional webinar held by Global Liver Institute GLI, for liver cancer, and actually any type of liver disease where you need healthy protein to reduce brain fog, liver pain, and fatigue. I’ve been through it all, and will keep saying that you can live longer and stronger when you eat to live. Dr. Lai is the best when it comes to this subject.
Hepatic Encephalopathy HE Patient and Caregiver Survey
Hepatic Encephalopathy HE Patient and Caregiver Survey You’re going to love telling YOU truth in this hepatic encephalopathy (HE) patient and caregiver survey that I’ve created just for you. Let’s start with this: You know that I’ve written so much about the hot mess of brain fog, and HE. It gobbled up my whole life and brain for years. It is the MOST CRUEL aspect of liver disease to me. Everything else, including hepatitis, liver cancer, all the things we deal with – we just keep
Ammonia on the Brain with Cirrhosis
When I was first diagnosed with liver disease, I didn’t understand why my doctor kept talking about something called “ammonia levels.” Honestly, I was thinking about pine cleaners and how the kitchen smelled when mom did the spring cleaning! But after going through some scary symptoms due to my Hepatic Encephalopathy or HE, I got some answers because with severe HE, I realized how important it is to understand this part of my health. So I hope it helps you too if you or a loved
Turning Down Sweets: Rude or Smart
Turning Down Sweets: Rude or Smart Liver disease from Nash, fatty, autoimmune, PBC, cirrhosis or Hepatitis C can put us in some sticky situations. I
Childhood Obesity and Liver Disease
When the new pediatric guidelines came out this year, it was shocking to many. Given that it had been 15 years since an update, everyone knew a lot had changed. It wasn’t long before many pediatricians, dietitians, and child psychologists started speaking out. The trouble is that many don’t agree with the American Academy of Pediatric’s new guidelines. I’ll go over some of what is being said regarding childhood obesity and liver disease. Are weight loss pills and bariatric surgery right for your teen?
Cirrhosis is Not The End
Cirrhosis is Not The End – When I first got diagnosed with liver disease, it seemed like The End was scrolling across the last page
