The Author
Debbie and Gary live in Labrador West. After reading the article entitled "Fighting a Stigma" in The Aurora, the local weekly newspaper, on April 16, 2001, she became more determined to get the word out about HCV. As an initial attempt to educate about HCV, this site was started in late April and published the first of May, 2001.
The author is uncertain how exposure to HCV happened. Possibly when working in a hospital when younger. Possibly during extensive dental work prior to gloves being worn. Possibly by borrowing a razor when visiting friends. Possibly from one episode of high risk behavior when younger. Possibly by getting an ear nicked until it bled during a hair cut. Possibly from changing bandages on a now deceased parent who had a transfusion during surgery. Possibly from a lab technician not wearing protective gloves. Possibly from exchange of blood when she was abused by her first husband. Possibly in the United States Army when receiving vaccines. Possibly from the military hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, which has a higher than normal percent of HCV positive patients. The issue is not how the author received this disease; the biggest issue is keeping you from getting it.
Although the author started having extra-hepatic manifestations of liver disease in the mid-1990s, Hepatitis C was not diagnosed until 1999 because her liver function tests were and are normal or slightly elevated. Until we started reading on the Internet in 2001, we were unaware this disease was serious. Debbie has Genotype 1b which has the least response rate to current medications, a low viral load and the biopsy showed severe liver fibrosis and very early cirrhosis (Grade 3/4 Stage 3/4). She's been able to reduce many of the symptoms by a carefully controlled diet. She is working through the emotional aspects of the disease through HCV Anonymous.
Debbie is willing to e-mail replies to questions about where to find more information. The author is also very concerned about the lack of education on blood-borne pathogens and Hepatitis C in particular; she is available to talk to groups about the disease and how to protect themselves. She would like to start a HCV support group in this area for people suffering with the disease.
»» »» Top «« ««
