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Wow! What a great post! I am almost finished with Harvoni after getting Hep C in 1981. My viral load should be undetectable by now, as it was 15 a few weeks ago. I was in a thrift shop yesterday, and actually started looking at pieces of material, which is something I haven't done in 34 years!! What a flashback that was! I started thinking that I may get my creativity back!! The possibilities are endless!! Best to all on their journey to get better...
Thanks Dallas, I count you as one of the most helpful people around in this battle of good and evil. You are unfailingly supportive, knowledgeable and happy to share your experiences with me and others. Although we've never met (I don't think!) I am very lucky to "know" you. Thanks for everything you do.
Wonderful blog. Thanks! Hep C giveth and it taketh away. It took away my health via a cirrhotic liver and two HCV-driven cancers (HCC and NHL), it took away people who I thought were my friends, it took away POSSIBILITY via the fear of stigma and the reality of depression. It took away my dreams because I didn't think I'd ever live to realise them, so why bother. It was day-at-a-time, as you rightly say. What did it give me? Apart from a drive to understand the virus and how to lessen the impact, not a lot... I've been SVR for some weeks now, thanks to AbbVie compassionate access, and I feel so much better. The depression I didn't really know I had is lifting, suddenly there are possibilities and I no longer feel defined by a disease. The dreams stir again. Maybe, just maybe... I love your blogs, Gracie. Yours too, Lucinda. xx
I've had Hep C since 1983 but wasn't diagnosed until 1997. My first problem was immune deficiency that eventually led to GCSF injections twice weekly. I acquired a fungus from the soil (cocci) due to my compromised immune status. The fungus settled in my lung and I had lung surgery two years ago. I have been very fortunate to had some of the best doctors in the world. Due to the fact that I am a Patient Advocate, I'm extremely pro-active when dealing with my health (and other's health). In 1999 I was placed on the liver transplant list but, after my second round of interferon and ribaviron, my liver improved but the virus returned after treatment. When I learned about the release of Harvoni, I immediately made an appointment and was approved for the drug in less than a week. After only 10 days of treatment, the virus was undetectable. This drug is not, by far, easy for me to take but I feel very lucky to have it and only pay a $6.00 monthly co-pay.
You DO realise you've just given away one of the next blog posts I've been considering, don't you! :) It's going to be not only what remains but what we've gained.
Grace, thank you for being a comrade in this journey, for using one of my favorite Mary Oliver quotes, and for inviting me to think about not just what remains, but what hepatitis C gave me. Cleared virus or not, hepatitis C gave me a chance to live in health and peace. I am eternally grateful for all that hep C brought me, and continues to bring me, despite the fact that I've been cured more than a year and a half.
Grace Campbell
Sarah, comments like yours make my heart glad. :) Not the bit where you said it was a great post, the bit where you said you can now hopefully start looking to the future! I hope everyone gets to experience that revelation.
May 3, 2015