This is

My
Story

I began experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and forgetfulness. These are not uncommon symptoms for a woman approaching 50. Although no longer top performers, my ovaries were producing sufficiently. My symptoms were intermittent, I dismissed them. I magically lost 20 pounds. Although aware of a lack of appetite most often this is cause for celebration, not a medical complaint. As I slid effortlessly into my new size 5 low cut Levis, I realized even simple mental tasks seemed to require more effort.

 

Diagnosis: Uterine fibroids, I had a hysterectomy. Finally, welcome relief but my symptoms returned and persisted. Many months and medical tests later I was presented with a correct diagnosis: Hepatitis C. "What ever is it", I shrieked in disbelief. "Hepatitis is like salmonella, right? Did I leave the butter out too long?"

 
In fact, Hepatitis C is an incurable virus. Yes, another one. I did my share of AIDS work in the 80s, caring for and burying friends. I got regular AIDS tests, always negative, I persevered. This can't be happening to me, I survived one killer virus only to get another? With similar stigma and transmission methods, Hepatitis C now affects 5.5 million Americans, 1 in 50, more than 4 times that of the HIV virus. In contrast about one in 1,000 Americans has MS.

If I had to have an incurable virus, this would be the one to have, right? With numbers already so high surely drug companies are racing for a cure? Indeed they are, but the process will take years. There is treatment available now, but it can produce severe side effects and is only effective in a small percentage of cases. Due to my particular strain of the virus and high viral load I was not likely to benefit from the treatment. I went for it anyway.

I reached out for support and embraced the unexpected agony of fear and rejection. My life partner abandoned me, my Rolodex culled itself. Most folks simply disappeared. Invitations and my hope dwindled. A neighbor refused to allow her daughter the opportunity to dog sit for me. I quit sharing my repellent secret. I sank into depression and despair, I became very ill.
Also COO of a struggling dot com company, I imagined ravenous vultures multitasking in delight. A two-fer sharpened their salivating beaks. Both my business and my life now clung by a thread. A small steadfast group stood by me. Thank you Siri & Janet for traveling half way around the world to hold my hand through my 2nd CAT scan. Thank you Dreamboat, Deb, Pat, Mickey, Cheryl and Fiona for seeing me through 3 bouts of double pneumonia in as many months. Your courage, strength, and unwavering commitment saw me through very dark hours. My enormous gratitude can not be expressed in words.

My diatribe aside, ignorance can only be cured with education. Here's my short course: Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus, it requires blood to blood contact for transmission. The most common forms of Hep C transmission are IV drug use (only once counts), sniffing cocaine with shared straws or bills (rumor has it our President is in this category), blood transfusions, tattooing, piercing, even sharing razors or toothbrushes can potentially transmit Hepatitis C. If you are single or not monogamous you should already be practicing safe sex. If not, here's another good reason to start. If you think you're at risk, be responsible, get tested. If you have it, don't give it. If you don't have it, don't get it.

I am of the opinion that the next and the next killer viruses will be blood borne. Become smart about blood. Think about where and how blood can be transmitted. If someone cuts themselves in your home, offer a bandage, don't bandage a wound for another no matter how small. Gals, wrap your sanitary products thoroughly before disposing of them. Kids, think long and hard before getting tattooed or pierced. If you use drugs, don't share paraphernalia.

When I was diagnosed with Hep C I thought my world was ending, I didn't sleep for 2 weeks. When I relapsed after Interferon treatment, I knew the Grim Reaper had my number. It turned out I was wrong, but in the process I lost faith & hope. When the earth quakes one tends to look up. I did, I sought alternatives.

I became intimately familiar with my disease. Taking vitamins & herbs proved to be effective, but also complex & expensive. There had to be a better way. I researched and experimented with making my own vitamins and herbal supplements in varying combinations and doses. I changed my diet, I exercise regularly, I drink lots of water. I felt better!

I developed a cheap and simple way to manage my Hep C while I wait for the cure. With lifestyle changes and my combination of vitamins & herbs I have more energy, less depression, and most importantly a new hopeful outlook on life. Folks with Hep C began to call on me to share my experience and efforts. My process was in demand, of benefit to others.
I was encouraged to package my unique formula of vitamins & herbs and offer them as a product to help the Hep C community. Eureka, Hep Helper was born. Hep Helper, Inc. is employee owned and operated by folks with Hep C. We sell a daily regimen of vitamins & herbal supplements designed specifically for management of Hep C, but our business is inspiration. We're a dot com retailer with a prayer.

Hep C has taught me a great deal about grace and humility, about kindness and courage, about faith and commitment. I can't say I'm grateful for a close brush with death, but I believe I'm a better person for it. Expectations of myself and others are more diligent, honest and loving. Fear limits me less often. Hep C can be a horrifying lonely island of desolation. You are not obligated to share your diagnosis with anyone. You are not required to become an instant Hep C educator or caretaker of others. You are required to educate and take care of yourself.

You are not alone. In retrospect, I would have been more private, more selective in sharing my Hep C diagnosis. Honor yourself, your privacy, your dignity, and especially honor your health. I believe there will one day be a cure for Hep C, our job is to get there from here.

My dark terrorist vultures were chased off this spring by brilliant, majestic Mountain Bluebirds. My fears and doubts replaced with promise and a new abundance. Hep Helper is flourishing and so am I. I feel good and am told I look great! To you folks with Hep C, love your livers, don't give up. To you folks who know someone with Hep C, love your livers, don't give up on us. We need you! Every day can't be your best, but each day offers promise. Never give up!
To love, to light, to life, to health!

Warmest Regards,