Late last year I received news from a close family friend that he is “…
officially cured of Hepatitis C.”
What incredible, fabulous news!
Chris discovered that he had Hep C nearly 13 years ago and recently underwent 18 months of treatment on Pegulated Interferon and Ribavirin treatment. His viral count has been zero (undetectable) for more than six months, which is the benchmark you must reach in order to be “cured.”
I’m thrilled for Chris and his family. His wife is one of my dearest friends and their family, including two busy teenaged children involved in sports, was stressed to the core during his grueling treatment. Like most other patients taking these drugs, Chris was severely fatigued, experienced weekly bouts of flu-like symptoms and suffered from symptoms of depression. In spite of all the challenges, he stuck with the treatment and, thank God, it paid off.
Since my transplant I’ve learned that they key to overcoming Hep C is to go undergo treatment before your liver becomes too damaged. I know first-hand how difficult treatment is; I first tried the treatment in 2000, as a single mom raising two children running my own business; I only lasted three weeks. It proved to be too debilitating (I felt sick the entire time and couldn’t work much; not working wasn’t an option), so I quit.
Just six years later, Hep C had damaged my liver beyond repair and a liver transplant was my only answer; without it, I would die. Five months after transplant, the virus had already damaged my new liver (I had stage 2 – 3 fibrosis) and a couple of months later I resumed the Interferon/Ribavirin treatment. Sadly, the drugs weren't effective; however, a biopsy last summer showed that the fibrosis had dropped to stage 1, but the improvement can't be directly attributed to treatment.
If you’re debating whether or not to try treatment for Hep C, DON’T WAIT! Get every bit of support you can and
start Hep C treatment as soon as you can. This disease doesn’t just shorten your life – it diminishes your quality of life.
Take it from me: The alternative to Hep C treatment – a liver transplant – is nothing you want to have to undergo.
liver transplant. What a wonderful occasion! There have been plenty of times when I wondered if I'd make it this far, so celebrating the day is a blessing.
Chris discovered that he had Hep C nearly 13 years ago and recently underwent 18 months of treatment on Pegulated Interferon and Ribavirin treatment. His viral count has been zero (undetectable) for more than six months, which is the benchmark you must reach in order to be “cured.”
Voting is a privilege, a right and a responsibility. I've always voted and this year more than ever, I appreciate having the chance to do so. You see, without my liver transplant I wouldn't be alive today. So being able to vote is more than my civic duty, it's a delight - it's just one of the many ways I get to celebrate life. And voting is important!
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