Meetup

Several people who know each other through the online resource, Hep C Nomads, will meet in San Diego on Saturday, May 29th, at noon in Balboa Park, The Prado, outside the Reuben Fleet Science Museum. There's a beautiful plaza there, with a fountain. The small coffee shop in the museum has outdoor tables and chairs. Two participants are traveling from other states, and some from other California cities. This will be the first of what I hope will be annual events of support and advocacy.

This is an open social event. Patients, families, wellwishers, and professionals are welcome.

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.

Preparing to Speak

I'm writing up a narrative of my experience with Hep C, as a basis for speaking about HepC and the need for diagnosis and treatment. I'll meet with a rep of American Liver Foundation this week. Three people would go as a team to community centers, rehab programs, prisons.

Healthier

Still gathering info and having discussions about starting a support group for people with Hepatitis C.

Happy New Year!

I've just spent hours on HepC Nomads, and on links and blogs referred to there. Suddenly my community is expanding even more. Literate blogs, passionate discussions, information, kindness and compassion all days.

My resolutions or plans:

1. Lose weight, eat healthily, and exercise
I'm looking into Shrinkathon, a 12 week program in which people raise money for a charity - say, a dollar for each pound lost.
The Fibromyalgia Cookbook - looks interesting - I can at least reduce the amount of sugar, dairy and gluten I eat, even though I'm pessimistic about getting them out of my life.
Tai Chi classes start in mid-January. Now I can travel to them and meet a schedule, as my recovery has brought more consistent energy.
Resume STEPS program, recording daily steps shown on my pedometer.

2. Help start a local support group for people with HCV.
This will be my way to live up to The Charter for Compassion. (see CharterforCompassion.org)

3. Sign up for the volunteer speakers' program of American Liver Foundation to give presentations on Hepatitis C and its treatment options.

Welcome, Year of Possibilities!

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Rarely Posting

I rarely post on this blog anymore. I don't think anyone reads it, and I enjoy the interaction on a forum or social site. I post on Hep C Nomads, and Facebook, and use email more than I used to.

I may still post if I want to ruminate - clarify my thoughts by writing to myself.

I'm enjoying a renaissance. My life is so much better now that I feel better. I stayed with the ribivarin and interferon treatment as long as I could stand it, not as long as prescribed. Still, I have no detectable Hep C virus now. I'll test again in December, and then the following December.

It's possible that the treatment knocked out more than one virus, as it stimulates the immune system to recognize a virus as an invader and kill it.

My attitude now is grateful and positive.