I worked in the construction industry for l5 years. I enjoy reading, working on older cars, hiking, fishing, target shooting and tinkering. I had been very healthy through most of my life; only suffering from recurring back pain from an injury I sustained when I was l6. I did enjoy my beer over the years, but never drank excessive. I also had used some types of drugs in my younger days; (mostly pot, and pain killers) I never shared dirty needles and was cautious about STD's.

Approximately 4 or 5 years ago I started having some liver problems, mostly just slightly elevated enzymes. As time went by my health began to decline. I eventually got too sick to work any more and applied for disability. Anyone who has gone through this process knows how slow and frustrating it is dealing with the government. My first attempt was denied, stating I wasn't sick enough. As I still had no real diagnosis and only a blood chemistry as evidence, this was not unexpected. I knew I needed more tests ran, including a Hepatitis C test. I was unemployed and had no health insurance. I was not able to afford a regular doctor's care. My parents, whom were both retired, gratiously helped me financially during this time, despite being on a limited income. I had further tests, including a Hepatitis C test, for which I tested positive. The tests also revealed a seriously deteriorating condidtion; due the the virus's effects.

Last summer, July,04, I was admitted to the hospital after visiting the E.R. with a serious case of cellulitus in my leg. They not only treated me for the infection, they alsos ran a lot of blood tests which documented the seriousness of my liver problems. When my social security case was re-examined, they thankfully made a determination in my favor which enabled me to begin to seek treatment as well as obtained a small income to survive on. I encourage anyone who has become too sick to work to document as much medical information as possisble when seeking disabillity. Also don't get discouraged, as this is a long, slow process, which may take 1 1/2 to 2 years to resolve.

When I started seeking help from the medical establishment, I began to find out how little doctors could do for this condition. During this time I also readd bout natural substances which some studies suggested may be of benefit. I began taking a standardized milk thistle, as well as other supplements and vitamins. I eventually read about Natural Wellness, and read Ralph's story. His sincerity and intelligent approach to this disease touched me and I began using maximum milk thistle. Later, I also began taking Liv.52. I have noticed that I have more good days in which I feel almost normal, since taking these supplements, a well as a few others that Ralph has on his "A" list. Other than a prescribed diuretic for the swelling in my feet and ankles, this has been my only treatment.

Several months back, I began trying to find a doctor or doctors to seek treatment, or at least help with keeping my health from deteriorating further. Unfortunately, the doctor I saw was not qualified for patients with my condition. She offered no treatment except a diurectic and other than telling me how awful I appeared, offered no help. Most people who see me don't even know I'm sick. She referred me to a Liver Specialist and sent me for Lab work to forward to him. I was told I could call for an appointment to see him at my convenience . About 2 1/2 weeks later, I received a call from the original doctor I had previously seen. as I had not yet made an appointment with the Liver Specialist. She informed me that the specialist had reviewed my lab work, and there was nothing that could be one to improve my prognosis. She stated that I was the wrong Geno Type, type 1, and that I wouldn't qualify for a transplant.

After hanging up the phone, I became quite upset, and felt devastated. I became depressed and angry because this call was quite unexpected. Her compassison left a lot to be desired. I eventually calle the administrator ofo the clinic, and complained. The administrator agreed this was inappropriate; was apologetic and assured me that this doctor had been dealt with.

Fortunately, I learned of a high respected and qualified specialist that I have begun seeing. I am in the process of having further testinng done to see what options and course of treatment I should take. I also learned that the test I had previously taken showed I was Geno Type 3 not 1 as I had been told. I will soon know the resuslts of aa C.T. Scan. The Endoscopy results were better than expected.

Since knowing that I have Hepatitis C, I have been surprised by how many people are also infected. For some reason, this illness gets very little publicity compared to Aids. From what I've read, there are many more people exposed to Hep.C than Aids. We all need to do our part to change this. Like many of us, I am constantly watching the latest news concerning new treatments. The current mainstream treatment helps too little of the infected patients, and is much too toxic for many sufferers.

I am thankful for people like Ralph, as well as others who are dedicated to making things better and healthier for people like myself, who are suffering from this debilitating disease. The main advice I can give to others is to read all you can on topics related to Hep.C and liver problems. Also try to remain as optimistic as possible. You'll haave good and bad days, and whatever you do, don't give up hope