I am a survivor! I have Hep C and presently am at stage 3, genotype 1A. Not much fun when you consider that the disease only has 5 stages.

I discovered that I had this disease in the fall of 2001. I had just gotten remarried the year before and life was how I always thought it should be.

But, I kept getting all sorts of strange illnesses and knew that something was wrong. The doctors kept telling me that nothing was seriously wrong and that I must have the flu or an infection and so on. You know your body! When something isn't right, you just know it.

I finally found a caring and wonderful family Dr. who actually listened to me. He took many tests including one for Hepatitis C. It was positive.

At first, I felt like I had been given a death sentence. Denial at first, then anger and then the self pity and finally, acceptance. Once you have accepted the disease, it no longer controls you. You control it.

I was sent to a specialist and had many more tests including a bioposy. At that point, I was between stages 1 and 2. I was lucky and was eligible for a trial therapy where they paid for my medication. I still had to pay my bills for the doctors and hospital but the interferon and Ribivan were covered by them. I chose to go on Interferon combination therapy. I went in with the right mind set of knowing that I would conquer this and felt certain that the treatment would work. I did everything I was supposed to do. I no longer had any alcohol of any kind, including mouthwash. I took my herbs, supplements and vitamins and was pro-active in my treatment. I researched, studied, joined support groups, talked to others and so on.

The first interferon shot was the scariest. I had never given myself an injection before and knowing that I would be injecting "poison" into my body made it that much harder. I stood at the mirror for at least 20 minutes before I actually had the nerve to inject myself. Then I anxiously waited to see if I would have any of the numerous side effects that had been mentioned.

I felt ok the first night but by the next morning, I had a raging headache and couldn't stand loud noises. By the 2nd and 3rd days, I was nauseated most of the time. I felt like I had the flu. Aches and muscle pains and just feeling lousy. My doctor gave me medicine for the headaches and nausea and they helped.

I spent the full 48 weeks on therapy and was so glad when it was finally over. I had been totally virus free while on treatment. I wanted to sing and dance and just celebrate.

Six weeks later, the roof caved in. Unfortunately, the treatment didn't work for me and my viral load shot right back up to where it had been prior to treatment. I was so angry. Why didn't it work for me? I did everything that I was supposed to do and then some.

I feel like I had every single side effect and then some while on treatment. I stayed sick, tired and very depressed. I missed the "old me" so much and wanted my old life back. Knowing that this would never happen, I finally accepted the new me. I am alive and God has given me the strength to continue.

Genotype 1A is the hardest to treat and also the most common form of Hep C. Going through treatment again was not an option since it would not work for me. No new drugs or therapy were around and I felt like my specialist just shoved me aside since there is nothing else that can be done at the present time. I was told to wait until a new treatment was out. What kind of option is that?

I went back to my trusted family doctor and have his full support. I now have a biposy once a year and continue to take my supplements and try to eat right. Milk Thistle is probably one of the best supplements that you can. I also get as much rest as possible.

My story isn't just a Hep C survivor story. During the hardest part of my treatment when I was very ill; I was at the hospital having yet another test and came home to find that my "new" husband was gone, along with all of the money and our car. I went out on medical leave about 3 months before the end of treatment and had absolutely no income. I had $7 in my pocket and that was it. He couldn't handle me being "sick" anymore so he left like a coward. I had a teenage son, no income and was sick. I had to go to social services for the 1st time in my life and beg for help. Somehow, we made it through and was able to go back to work after treatment.

During the time on treatment, one of my dearest friends passed away and that was a horrible blow since depression was pretty intense already. My best friend got married and I was too sick to get up and dance at her wedding. The full 48 weeks was brutal and I felt like I was in hell but I made it through it. I kept a calendar on the wall and with each injection I knew that the end of treatment was closer.

As of last month, I am not able to work a full 40 hour week. I am exhausted constantly and have little energy. I find myself making careless errors, which it so unusual for me. I am not as alert as I used to be and that is probably from being tired all of the time. It takes all that I have to get up in the morning and go to work.

My doctor has told me that it's time to try for full disability and I gave my notice at work and am trying now to get disability. Our govenment at this time does not recognize this disease to be a fully disabling condition from what the state has told me. I do have another appointment in 2 weeks with a case worker and will continue to try. If just one of the decision makers would have this disease then their rulings would probably me much more lenient.

This isn't the path that I chose for my life. However, it is the only path that I have right now and I will make the best of it.

Even though therapy didn't work for me, I know that I tried and gave it my best shot.
I am not ashamed of my disease and have met so many others with it. I openly discuss it. The first thing that people usually ask is how did I get the disease. I don't know how I got it for certain. It really doesn't matter how someone "got" the disease and you can't beat yourself up trying to figure out how or when. It won't make the disease go away nor help it so don't waste precious energy in trying to find the answer. As far as the questions that people ask, it's up to you to tell them how much or how little you want. It's truly nobody's business but your own and your own decision to make.

My family and friends have been nothing but supportive (except for my husband who walked out). My parents took it hard at first but they know how stubborn I am and know that I will not give up with trying to beat this disease. They were more angry than I was when we found out that the treatment didn't work.

It's sad to know that thousands are walking around with it and don't even know that they have it. I tell anybody and everybody to please have a simple blood test to find out when they have their next physical. It amazes me to hear so many people say that they wouldn't want to know.
I belong to many support groups and feel that I have helped others along the way. I give my phone number out to people just starting off with therapy since they will need a strong support network. I use inspirational quotes to keep me motivated and going and share them with others when asked. I try and educate as many people as I can on this horrible disease.

I also encourage "healthy" people to become organ donors. Their gift of life could help save so many others.

I give much credit to my wonderful son, Matthew, who has stuck by me through everything. He is the reason that I am able to continue.

At the present time, my options are limited. I can wait until a new treatment is out that will work for me or I can continue as I am now and hopefully can get on a transplant list. From what I understand, you must be in stage 4 before even being considered for getting on a transplant list. My disease has been growing about a stage a year so hopefully by this time next year, I will be on the list.

For all other survivors, the best advise that I can give you is to never give up. Stay strong and live strong. A friend gave me one of Lance Armstrong's bracelets that states, "Live Strong" and I wear it proudly. I am not a cancer survivor but a Hep C survivor and it gives me extra encouragement by seeing those words every day. I also got a lot of encouragement and strength by reading Lance Armstrong's book, "It's Not About the Bike". I was able to relate to many things in that book and felt totally inspired after reading it. If you haven't done so already, I strongly suggest that you read it.

If you believe in God as I do, then you will find much strength by turning your life over to HIM. I no longer walk behind HIM, but walk hand in hand. It does make a big difference.

This is not a disease that I would wish upon anyone but if you have this disease or know someone that does, remember to be strong and never give up.

I wish you all much success and health! Remember, you are not alone.