Be Happy
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Watercolor by Renee Locks, from Brush Dance
Monday, October 29, 2012
SO BUSY I FORGET
My last post was at the end of 2011. I read all my posts tonight, because I got into an online conversation with Daryl Luster, who just started his own Hep C blog.
It was a bit sad to see some of my earlier plans that did not work out. The Speaker program for American Liver Foundation fizzled. I gave up the struggle to pull together a peer support group. The people I met online were geographically scattered. It seemed each medical entity formed a local support group for its own clients and perhaps for their families. Programs funded for recovering addicts or folks with dual diagnoses drew on their own specific categories.
I'm so busy now. My volunteer work takes more time, energy, and creativity. I took art classes for two years, just now try to draw and paint on my own. I'm involved in church and larger community, mutual support with friends, family ties. My new apartment is pleasant, has a balcony with some plants. Sometimes I sit out there to have coffee. I am still impatient when my energy fails. Walking, mild exercise, art...
Each six-month followup has found me virus free, no worsening of the liver damage.
I respect the gift of health.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Good News
Two and a half years after the end of treatment, lab tests show no Hep C virus, sonar shows no worsening of my liver. Good to go!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Hepatitis Awareness Month
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The years Hepatitis C took from my life were years I might have been active, outdoors, earning, traveling, and engaged in social justice. I am grateful for the treatment which restored many possibilities.
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Ask your senators and representatives to attend the May 12th HHS briefing on combating the viral hepatitis epidemic in the United States.
The years Hepatitis C took from my life were years I might have been active, outdoors, earning, traveling, and engaged in social justice. I am grateful for the treatment which restored many possibilities.
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Ask your senators and representatives to attend the May 12th HHS briefing on combating the viral hepatitis epidemic in the United States.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Walking in May
I'm excited and hopeful about taking part in the 1.5K Liver Life Walk on May 14th in the San Diego Zoo. It raises money for the American Liver Foundation for research and lobbying for prevention and treatment of liver diseases. My experience with Hepatitis C motivates me.
Walking around the neighborhood park prepares me for the official Walk. I also walk for errands most of the time, hailing a bus only when very tired or heavy laden.
Maybe next year I can try the 5K Walk.
These New Balance and Timberland shoes are made for walking!
Walking around the neighborhood park prepares me for the official Walk. I also walk for errands most of the time, hailing a bus only when very tired or heavy laden.
Maybe next year I can try the 5K Walk.
These New Balance and Timberland shoes are made for walking!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Building Up
I'm trying to build up to the American Liver Foundation fundraising walk May 14th.
Within the past ten days, I've walked the length of Ocean Beach Pier, the San Diego Zoo Hoof and Horn path from the front entrance as far as the Polar Bears, and twice up and down two steep hills between my place and a local library branch. Good going, for me.
Within the past ten days, I've walked the length of Ocean Beach Pier, the San Diego Zoo Hoof and Horn path from the front entrance as far as the Polar Bears, and twice up and down two steep hills between my place and a local library branch. Good going, for me.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reaching for a Goal
After years of wishing I were strong enough to take part in a walk to raise awareness about Hep C and liver disease, I believe I can do it. I signed up for the American Liver Foundation's Liver Life Walk, May 14th in San Diego. There will be walks all over the USA this Spring.
This one is short, as walks go, and has the added effect of entertaining the bonobos and orangutangs as we walk through the San Diego Zoo.
I walk in gratitude for my own recovery, and indignation that prevention, treatment and research still lack funding. Some others walk as memorials, for people they have lost when the vital functions of the liver have stopped.
Balloons and tears ahead.
This one is short, as walks go, and has the added effect of entertaining the bonobos and orangutangs as we walk through the San Diego Zoo.
I walk in gratitude for my own recovery, and indignation that prevention, treatment and research still lack funding. Some others walk as memorials, for people they have lost when the vital functions of the liver have stopped.
Balloons and tears ahead.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Meetup in San Diego
On Saturday several members of the online forum, Hep C Nomads, gathered in Balboa Park, near the fountain and the science museum. For the first time, we met face to face. We seemed already to be old friends. Two were still taking the ribivarin/interferon treatment, so travelling to the meetup was really tiring. We talked and talked, sitting under a patio umbrella. The wife of one of the patients joined in with gusto.
It's been a privilege, which I hope will be repeated more and more often in the future, locally and regionally. The only support groups I have found were all part of hospital or other programs, and were intended for their own patients or clients. Concerned people simply have to start their own, and use the phone or email.
It's been a privilege, which I hope will be repeated more and more often in the future, locally and regionally. The only support groups I have found were all part of hospital or other programs, and were intended for their own patients or clients. Concerned people simply have to start their own, and use the phone or email.
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