I received Interferon injections 3x week for 6 months. This knocked my viral count down from millions to thousands; but did not go into remission. 1 year later did a cocktail of interferon with Ribavirin added. This knocked my viral count down even more but still not in remission. Side effects included deterioration of eyesight, and my red blood cells burst to the point of having to stop treatment after 6 months. I also suffered from nausea (herbal smoke helped with this). I had general flu like symptoms four hours after injection. Ibuprofen helped with aches and pains. My hair began thinning to some small degree. Even with all of this, I'm looking forward to trying new remedies.

I went for life insurance and got turned down because my liver enzymes were elevated. I went to a liver specialist and since I already had thyroid cancer they told me I needed to go to a liver transplant specialist in Philadelphia three days before Christmas in 2008. It was the hardest Christmas my family had to go through. But we made it. I am on treatments seven days a week for 96 weeks but cannot handle the pills they make me so sick that I keep losing weight. My virus is negative (so it is working) but I still have another 44 more weeks left until 2011. Just stay strong because you will have good days and bad days. I really feel like you only get what you what you can handle, but sometimes it feels more than I can handle.

I was diagnosed with hepatitis C 10 years ago 1999. My medications were successful and cleared the virus from my system. I have had yearly testing and have been clear up until now. I had virology taken to donate my stem cells to my sister who I am a match for. Unfortunately the virology came back positive for hepatitis C. I am devastated and can't believe it could return after all these years (10), and now I cannot be a donor because of this. I have an appointment next week with my family doctor to see what the next step is. I hope I am a candidate for the new interferon. I am not sure if you can have the treatment again.

I've had HCV for probably 35 years. I was fine until around age 41 (I'm 60 now) and began having severe migraines, fatigue, and a sinus infection that wouldn't leave. I finally asked my doc to test for 'everything possible' and she found the virus.

I am a health care worker (an RN with three degrees) and received a needle stick injury twice...Once whilst working in the male prison and another from an infected male patient (in early 1980s). Also found out at same time (was a silly naive 24 year old in love) that my partner (male) was having anal sex and IV sharing with a number of transsexual men (a label they gave themselves). I was very listless and found it hard to care for my son .It was and also unbeknown to me my partner was HIV positive and has since passed on. I am HIV negative. I found out in 1985 I had contracted Hep B. In 1990 was tested for and came up positive for Hep C. Had Liver Biopsy and told "you must be one of the lucky 10%. You have rid yourself of the virus.”

I got tested in November of 2009 and am positive. My doctor failed to inform me until I went in for a physical in March, 6 days before rotator cuff surgery (I'm typing w/one hand now.) I am currently fatigued; I have no appetite, I have chills and diarrhea. I lost 17 lbs in the last 2 months. I have quit drinking. ALL VIET NAM VETS SHOULD BE TESTED!

I was diagnosed 7 years ago as a result of belly pain. My family physician wasn't sure what was going on with me, I suggested a hepatitis c test. My ex-husband had tested positive years prior. Sure enough that's what it was. I immediately went to a specialist. After a while, I had to take a leave from work about 5 months. The treatment was difficult. My hair thinned, I was weak and alone most of the time, but I kept telling myself that a year goes by fast, I could do this. Of course, in the back of my mind I thought when it was all said and done, my viral load would be undetectable. Not so, my viral load was good, but when I stopped taking the meds, my viral load went up. It's not as critical as it was in the beginning though. I was so devastated when I got those results. But I had it checked every few month for awhile, then I just wanted to pretend it all didn't happen. As a result, my conditioned has worsened. My next step, if I can't get it under control is a liver transplant.