My name is Cheryl. I am a 36 year old RN with 2 children. I am a recovering heroin addict with now 15 months clean. I was exposed to HCV after sharing a needle with my partner who at the time had relasped after several years clean. I was unaware of his status with HCV and he assured me it was safe.

If I had known at the time I would of never taken the risk or requested to use the equipment first. I was exposed in Dec. Of 2000 and diagnosed in Dec. of 2003. During that time, between exposure and diagnosis, I suffered from fatigue and wt. loss. I had gone through recovery in 2001, so I took my symptoms as being just from stress.

My diagnosis was a shock and although I felt some optimism due to new treatment, the depression began to settle in and Ibegan to feel as if I would never live a normal life again. In April of 2003, I relapsed and spent several months again on heroin until I could no longer endure my addiction. I entered into rehab and went on Methadone.

I began treatment for HCV in June of 2004 after my liver enzymes began to rise as well as my Viral Load which was extremely high. I was feeling fatigue and depression from the effects of the HCV and was committed to going through the Interferon/Ribavirin treatment. I started the Pegasys/Copegus treatment in 6/2004 and completed in Nov. 2004.

The side-effects at times were difficult; wt. loss, fatigue, depression, insomnia, but I was not going to stop. I made a commitment to myself to beat this and no matter how bad the side-effects were, I wanted to give myself the opportunity for a longer life.

I am now testing as "undetectable," and I am starting to feel better. Although my hair continues to fall out and some days I feel the fatigue that seems to come from out of nowwhere, I am so glad I stuck it out.

I know there is no cure for HCV, but I can change the way I live my life and how I choose to take care of myself.
I continue to work as a volunteer in Harm Reduction centers and feel my own personal experience and knowledge can help others to reduce their risks.

HCV is a devastating disease that effects not only the patient, but the family and friends of those who are affected by it.
Treatment is an option that takes dedication and commitment and with those two components can have successful results.

I will continue to share my story and help others to not only reduce their risks through education, but to help by showing compassion and understanding to those who have HCV.

It can be more difficult for someone in active addiction and the medical community is not always as understanding as we would like, but for those of us who have been through treatment and addiction, we can lend the support to those in need.

I continue to test negative for HCV and will continue to work on my recovery. My thoughts are with all who are dealing with HCV. Thank You for allowing me to share my story.