Talking About Hep C

Recently I've had two opportunities to share my experience in treatment with others who have Hepatitis C, or are considering being tested for it.

At a focus group for Family Health Centers, people had many questions about treatment. I felt really good about being able to respond, and to offer encouragement.

My first experience as a volunteer on a team from American Liver Foundation was at San Diego Rescue Mission's detox center. Again, I described my own experience, responded to questions, and encouraged people to find out their status. I advocate getting treatment early. If I had gotten earlier treatment, I would not now have liver damage.

Kristin Luton, the Programs Manager at the local branch of American Liver Foundation, gave an excellent illustrated talk on the liver in general and on the hepatitis viruses in particular. I look forward to sharing many liver health education sessions in future.

Happy New Year!

Thanks, pixie and Elizabeth for your comments. Thanks to everyone who responded to my good news by phone or email.

During 2009, I will clear the virus. In 2010, I will resume some of the activities for which I am too tired now.

It's Working!

It's working! The treatment is working. The viral load is the number of Hep C viruses in a given sample of blood. It's way, way down.

While this is not a guarantee of cure, it is very good news indeed.

It's Friday Again

Friday again; tonight I give myself another shot of PegIntron. En garde, virus! You don't hold all the cards anymore.

Tired, tired, tired of being tired - but it's all for a good cause.

Preparing to be a Battlefield

Preparing to be a battlefield for PEG-Intron and Ribivarin vs. the Hepatitis C virus, I tried to remember what was helpful or comforting when I've had a bad case of influenza.

I'll need lots of liquids.

Cracked ice and flat ginger ale are recommended.

Part of the time I may be too weak and/or miserable to go to the kitchen. I bought a sturdy bed tray with legs that can stay near me to give access to fluids, ice, tissues, medicine, a phone, the TV remote, a small radio with ear plugs, a small cooler for water, diluted juice, and ginger ale (I like Jamaica Ginger Beer; it has enough ginger to settle my stomach). I'll get some supplies before treatment starts, and ask for help when I run out of them.

If I'm strong enough to be hungry, I should be strong enough to get up and get myself something to eat. Simple foods in small amounts.

If I'm lucky, I may only be that weak or feverish one or two days a week.

Someone described the treatment as being hit by a Mack truck. I feel the Mack truck is hitting the virus. The worse I feel, the harder my immune system is fighting, right?

Countdown to Treatment

On September 16th I plan to start treatment with PEG-Intron (Interferon)and ribivarin at Kaiser Permanente. I'm scared and elated. People have reacted to these chemicals with flu-like symptoms, anywhere from mild to severe. Many endure this on the weekends, then go to work on Monday. The treatments last 48 weeks, with a weekly shot of interferon and daily tablet of ribivarin. Blood tests every two weeks will show whether the amount of virus is being reduced. If there isn't much effect by three months, the treatment will be stopped. Of those who complete the 48 weeks of treatment, 50% can be expected to be clear of virus and stay clear at least six months.

Several people have told me they took the same treatment and have been clear of the Hep C virus, one for four years, another for eight years. They've encouraged me to try.

It may not work, but I'll take the 50-50 odds gladly.