Donna-Healthy Me

WOW...hepatitis C you say???
You???
How's that possible???
Well, I got hepatitis C from a transfusion in 1977.
30 years ago???
And you're just finding out now???
Yes, I'm just finding out now, and here's the short version of how this came about.
In 1999 I asked my Doctor to test me for Hep C.
My friend Joyce, who had a transfusion around the same time as I did,(in the 70's) had just been diagnosed with Hep C. I had some weird lesions on my legs that resembled hers, she told me to be tested, and I agreed after realizing I had some of her symptoms too.
I was given a blood test, but never received the results.
They sat in my file unread.
One thing I cannot stress enough is...if you ever have any kind of test done, be sure you get the results from your doctor.
There was a lot going on in my life at that time, and I didn't look for the results, to me NO NEWS was good news.
I was used to my Doctor calling me with the results, but not anymore, now I want to be sure I get the results.
I am in control of my body, and I take charge of my health.
Well, that's water under the bridge anyway...just a word of warning to anyone out there...if I save 1 person who read this and asked about a test that possibly would be buried in a file, it will be worth the minute it took me to type this sentence.
So how did they finally decide to test me for Hepatitis C???
My albumin level was high, and I was given a liver sonogram which showed a fatty liver. I was tested for hep C and was diagnosed positive.
It wasn't until then, that the blood test I was given in September of 1999 was read.
Or should I say finally read!
And beware that according to the NYS laws, I cannot sue the Dr. because the test was done in 1999-almost 9 years ago!
Even though 9 years ago, my liver was healthy and 9 years of no treatment has left me one step below cirrhosis of the liver. And keep in mind I never drank liquor, for some reason it was like a poison to my body, and I could never handle even 1 drink!
I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in July of 2007
Genotype 1b
I had a liver biopsy February and the results for that are Stage 3/4 liver disease, portal grade 3/4, lobular inflammation grade 2/4
I'm still new at this, so my hep C jargon isn't up to speed yet, but I'm sure with time I will be able to throw out those technical terms as well as the next one...
Imagine, 30 years living with this dis-ease and not knowing about it?
Well it does happen and unfortunately more then we would like to imagine.
I have many symptoms, some are mentioned between these lines, but I would rather focus on getting healthy and getting a cure.
Free Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com
I am starting my year long journey Tuesday March 27th...(year long is really 48 weeks)
That's when I will take my first dose of Peg Intron, Rebetol and a study drug. I'm not sure if I can mention the study drug, so I will leave it out for now. If I can name it, I will do so, after my visit with the researchers on Tuesday.
My goal for this year is: I will be cured of this dis-ease by April 2008
I will bring into my life all the people that are needed to help me bring awareness to this dis-ease...
I will attract people that are caring, healing, in need of help, and willing to help.
Everyone I meet, can do something...even if it's a banner on Myspace sending people here to join our group.
I am grateful for Myspace and all it's members, for this is where I start my Journey, but it certainly is not where it will end...
Look for my book the Summer of 2008.
In fact look for 2 books, one with "My motivating quotes" and the other "30 Years Then A Cure-Hepatitis C- My Secret Journey"
Thanks for taking the time to listen, now take a stand and join our group!