I was diagnosed year ago after insisting I was not "depressed." I just could not get my 33-year old butt out of bed in the mornings even after 12-15 hours of sleep. I was in fantastic shape back then! I did the interferon, did not know to drink more water than I could ever stand and I learned about treatment side effects from a friend who was a research chemist I did great for maybe 7 years, then the virus came back. I did the combo treatment and now I am blessed with chronic diarrhea (IBS), depression/bi-polar, migraines, and now have Diabetes and high blood pressure. The government still doesn't believe me to be disabled. The good news is I have been okay since then other than occasionally pooping my pants. My hep C has been unavoidable for 7 years now though so I am remaining optimistic. Published: September 10 ::

I was diagnosed with hepatitis C, stage II, genotype 1 in 5/06 at age 52 after feeling lousy for a couple of months. Never in my wildest dreams did the idea of having Hepatitis C come up in my mind. The doctors estimated that I had the virus for 20 years. I began the peginterferon-ribavin therapy, which lasted 48 weeks. It was a grueling treatment. I never had felt so exhausted 24/7. Some days I had to tell myself to put one foot in front of the other so I could walk. I chose to take my shots Thursday nights, took every Friday off work, and slept for two days. I would come home from work and fall sleep sitting up on the sofa. My family, doctor, and co-workers were wonderful and I would not have been able to complete the treatment if it was not for them. There were times when I almost quit. The first six weeks of treatment were hell, and I asked my doctor if I could have a note to take a couple of weeks off work to take care of me. His comment was "if you can't handle this, then maybe we should discontinue treatment." I convinced him to give me the note, and found another doctor in his practice. The new doctor called me when I had questions, was supportive, and was the complete opposite of the first doctor. Finding the right doctor is essential in getting through this treatment. I have achieved sustained virological response within three months from when I started treatment. Almost three years later, I am still virus free. I consider myself cured. Published: September 10 ::

I found out I had HCV when I had regular pre-surgery testing for a bladder tuck. My liver enzymes were slightly elevated. I don't know how long I had it due to the fact I was a lab technician for over 20 years and had few exposures. Regular treatment does not work and my symptoms are acute and debilitating. Published: November 03 ::

I am a veteran and I am being treated for hep C in Oregon. I have had a biopsy, and up until now, I’ve been offered interferons. From what I understand, it’s effective but produces flu-like symptoms for something like 6 months. Also, I have heard of a newer drug that might not be so disabling, and I would really like to know more. I’m not far from the fourth stage of hep C and all of my enzymes are in good shape. Published: October 12 ::

I was given what I thought was my death sentence when I was 17 years old. I went to the doctor my PCP referred me to and she stated it was acute. They told me I would probably not feel the disease until much later in life around 50s if I ate no preservatives, drank no booze, no caffeine, and ate all organic and natural foods. They begged me not to go on the then brand new treatment as it would make me feel more sick than needed. I held strong and demanded to do this while I was young and more able. I did the shots and took the meds for a while. The day of and after my injection I felt like I had the FLU and just all together horrible. I started to lose my hair. Phenergan was a must and the work I did at the time (server/catering/bar tending) was too hard and employers didn't care nor understand. I decided to go off the treatment as I had to work and loved my beautiful blond hair :) that was 7 years ago and my liver count is perfect. I have no symptoms and now eat and drink as I please. This treatment does work. It will make you sick, but you will be healthy in the long run. Don't let Hep beat you......we all can Kung Fu Fight It! Published: October 07 ::