Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Welcome…..sorry, I don’t see your name. I finished 24 weeks of treatment in February and had some problems along the way, but mostly due to pre-existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis that flared up. Otherwise, I managed quite well & live alone although I was not working. I think I would have been able to work, but would have been tired. It’s not an issue that should keep you from starting treatment as this is something that will, no doubt, cause you to become a lot more than tired down the road. I have insurance and my meds cost me a TOTAL of $20 a month with my co-pays. Since you’re a teacher, you should have good insurance and these meds are the same as any other with your normal co-pays. The Pegasys is considered brand, but the Ribavirin is filled as a generic with the lower co-pay in most cases. Why would you be worried about your insurance company? Call them and talk to them! I have a nurse hotline available as well to speak to a nurse confidentially. My doctor’s office actually took care of the approval for the meds with my insurance and then arranged for a local pharmacy to deliver the pre-filled Pegasys syringes and Riba each month right to my door. The shots are not a big deal. You will be nervous at first, but it will become second nature and doesn’t hurt a bit. I agree on doing the shots on Friday night – that’s what I did. That will give you 2 days to get up to speed for work on Monday. Plus you are probably off for the summer & considering you’re not starting until June, you’ll have 2 to 3 months done before you have to go back to work!! Don’t be frightened. There are so many of us here either going through this or finished who can help you along the way. I’m not saying it will be a breeze, but it might and it will be the best investment you can make in your life. You’re so young and have so much ahead of you. I first got hep over 30 years ago and waited all this time to make the commitment to take care of it. I waited until it was making me ill and that was a mistake. I’d give anything to go back to your age and do it then. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08 Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 10:34 PM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: new to the group Hello everyone, My mother told me to join a support group since I will not go to a public one so here I am. I am 27 and was diagnosed with Hep C last May. It has been a rocky trip since then and I have been though a lot of shock from it. I am going to start combination therapy this June. I am most concerned about the side effects of the ribavrin (sp?)and the pegaysys (sp?) and my ability to do my job. Can you give me some information about this. I am a teacher and am afraid that I will be too tired to do my job. My dr said that this next year of treatment is mostly going to make me tired and I will be able to go to work and that is it. He said that I should do my shots on Friday's after work. How am I going to feel? How do you all feel on the medicine? Can you work out at the gym or go to the mall and lead a normal life or are you very sick and tired for a year straight? I am also afraid to give myself the shots. When I see my GI doctor next month I am going to see if I can have a nurse give me the shots. One more thing. About how much does the treatment cost a month with insurance. My dr said that he would call and let me know but didn't. I am too nervous to call myself. I have a fear of my insurance knowing. But they already know because I was tested for Hep C. The whole diagnosis has just been stressful. Thank you in advance for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Wow! The shots really burned a hole in your wallet!! But she says she has insurance so I don’t think this is an issue. My Pegasys was $15 a month and the Riba was $5 a month. When I needed Procrit a few months, it added another $15 a month………a whopping $35 a month! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:18 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: new to the group First of all welcome to the group. Thank your mother for referring you here. It is a safe harbor and we do our best to protect you. Now on to some of your questions. The treatment for Hepatitis C is very expensive. On the average, the shots will cost you about anywhere between 1500 to 2000 dollars a month, and the anti viral drugs about the same. I had to pay cash the last two months of my treatment as my insurance ran out. It was a blow to my savings. Now on the giving yourself shots. I know that fear and others here have went through it. Ask the doctors nurse to be patient with you and lead you through giving yourself a shot. Hate to say this, but it really is quite easy. And we will be here to help you through it. We really are a great group. If we can be of any help let us know. Love Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Dorothy, Excellent reply. You said so many things that I wanted to say but didn't. Love JanetDorothy wrote: Welcome…..sorry, I don’t see your name. I finished 24 weeks of treatment in February and had some problems along the way, but mostly due to pre-existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis that flared up. Otherwise, I managed quite well & live alone although I was not working. I think I would have been able to work, but would have been tired. It’s not an issue that should keep you from starting treatment as this is something that will, no doubt, cause you to become a lot more than tired down the road. I have insurance and my meds cost me a TOTAL of $20 a month with my co-pays. Since you’re a teacher, you should have good insurance and these meds are the same as any other with your normal co-pays. The Pegasys is considered brand, but the Ribavirin is filled as a generic with the lower co-pay in most cases. Why would you be worried about your insurance company? Call them and talk to them! I have a nurse hotline available as well to speak to a nurse confidentially. My doctor’s office actually took care of the approval for the meds with my insurance and then arranged for a local pharmacy to deliver the pre-filled Pegasys syringes and Riba each month right to my door. The shots are not a big deal. You will be nervous at first, but it will become second nature and doesn’t hurt a bit. I agree on doing the shots on Friday night – that’s what I did. That will give you 2 days to get up to speed for work on Monday. Plus you are probably off for the summer & considering you’re not starting until June, you’ll have 2 to 3 months done before you have to go back to work!! Don’t be frightened. There are so many of us here either going through this or finished who can help you along the way. I’m not saying it will be a breeze, but it might and it will be the best investment you can make in your life. You’re so young and have so much ahead of you. I first got hep over 30 years ago and waited all this time to make the commitment to take care of it. I waited until it was making me ill and that was a mistake. I’d give anything to go back to your age and do it then. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 10:34 PMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: new to the group Hello everyone,My mother told me to join a support group since I will not go to apublic one so here I am. I am 27 and was diagnosed with Hep C last May. It has been a rockytrip since then and I have been though a lot of shock from it. I amgoing to start combination therapy this June.I am most concerned about the side effects of the ribavrin (sp?)andthe pegaysys (sp?) and my ability to do my job. Can you give me someinformation about this. I am a teacher and am afraid that I will betoo tired to do my job.My dr said that this next year of treatment is mostly going to make metired and I will be able to go to work and that is it. He said that Ishould do my shots on Friday's after work. How am I going to feel? How do you all feel on the medicine? Can you work out at the gym or goto the mall and lead a normal life or are you very sick and tired fora year straight?I am also afraid to give myself the shots. When I see my GI doctornext month I am going to see if I can have a nurse give me the shots.One more thing. About how much does the treatment cost a month withinsurance. My dr said that he would call and let me know but didn't. Iam too nervous to call myself. I have a fear of my insurance knowing.But they already know because I was tested for Hep C. The wholediagnosis has just been stressful.Thank you in advance for your help. "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Thank you for answering my question. I was afraid to call my insurance company because when I was first diagnosed I thought that they were going to drop me. Even though they have not I just feel weird calling about the co-pay price for the drugs. I will be going to my GI doctor next month and will find out then. But my mom keeps reassuring me that with insurance it will be covered. I think I just keep hearing from my dr that it is expensive but he is obviously referring to people with out insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Yeah it did. I noticed that about the insurance. The prices may have changed since this was in 2000 when I was taking treatment. I think it was in 2000, my hepper mind seems to think so. LOL I would do anything to have good insurance now to pay for my meds. All I have is the Indian Hospital and they are limited on their funds, for programs such as Hep C. Oh well. Love Janet Dorothy wrote: Wow! The shots really burned a hole in your wallet!! But she says she has insurance so I don’t think this is an issue. My Pegasys was $15 a month and the Riba was $5 a month. When I needed Procrit a few months, it added another $15 a month………a whopping $35 a month! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:18 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: new to the group First of all welcome to the group. Thank your mother for referring you here. It is a safe harbor and we do our best to protect you. Now on to some of your questions. The treatment for Hepatitis C is very expensive. On the average, the shots will cost you about anywhere between 1500 to 2000 dollars a month, and the anti viral drugs about the same. I had to pay cash the last two months of my treatment as my insurance ran out. It was a blow to my savings. Now on the giving yourself shots. I know that fear and others here have went through it. Ask the doctors nurse to be patient with you and lead you through giving yourself a shot. Hate to say this, but it really is quite easy. And we will be here to help you through it. We really are a great group. If we can be of any help let us know. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hello, I was diagnosed last May and had a liver biopsy in August of 2007. I am genotype 1 B. My dr said that the probability of successful treatment is about 50% but he believes with my young age and being female that I will have a chance of clearing the Hep C. I am not on an antidepressant. My GI dr asked me if I had a history of depression and I have not. So as of right now I am not on anything. Since my diagnosis I have felt sad at times and out of place around my friends because I do not drink anymore and they have no idea why. It's not a big issue but it's annoying to go out and have people ask my why I am not drinking. I just keep telling that I am on a diet and gave it up. I mostly feel weird because I am going through this diagnosis mostly on my own. My family is out of state so I have been going to appts by myself. I have only told 6 people in my life that I have Hep C. My mom and dad, sister, roommate, boyfriend and my other friend who drove me to my liver biopsy appointment. Thank you again for all of the information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Probably the 4 cups of coffee I had before I wrote it J My mind was spinning! Thanks!! From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:43 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: new to the group Dorothy, Excellent reply. You said so many things that I wanted to say but didn't. Love Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Well, this is why I thank God I never divorced my husband. Although we haven’t lived together in almost 5 years, he covers me with his excellent insurance. Since I haven’t worked in a year, I’d be in deep …… without insurance and would never have been able to afford the tx the last year. He just had a kidney transplant on March 31st so I’m sure the insurance company is reeling from the two of us!! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:50 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: new to the group Yeah it did. I noticed that about the insurance. The prices may have changed since this was in 2000 when I was taking treatment. I think it was in 2000, my hepper mind seems to think so. LOL I would do anything to have good insurance now to pay for my meds. All I have is the Indian Hospital and they are limited on their funds, for programs such as Hep C. Oh well. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: Wow! The shots really burned a hole in your wallet!! But she says she has insurance so I don’t think this is an issue. My Pegasys was $15 a month and the Riba was $5 a month. When I needed Procrit a few months, it added another $15 a month………a whopping $35 a month! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:18 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: new to the group First of all welcome to the group. Thank your mother for referring you here. It is a safe harbor and we do our best to protect you. Now on to some of your questions. The treatment for Hepatitis C is very expensive. On the average, the shots will cost you about anywhere between 1500 to 2000 dollars a month, and the anti viral drugs about the same. I had to pay cash the last two months of my treatment as my insurance ran out. It was a blow to my savings. Now on the giving yourself shots. I know that fear and others here have went through it. Ask the doctors nurse to be patient with you and lead you through giving yourself a shot. Hate to say this, but it really is quite easy. And we will be here to help you through it. We really are a great group. If we can be of any help let us know. Love Janet " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Your insurance company should have a website – register on it and you will be able to look up lots of info. It will probably list those drugs that require pre-approval such as Pegasys. I can view all my claims, etc. as they are posted and paid, etc. Your insurance company can’t drop you – I don’t think they could in any case, but you’re part of a group health plan. If they could drop sick people, nobody would pay for insurance……..what would be the point? You’d pay your premiums and when you get sick, can’t collect??? You’re a teacher……..I’m not trying to be rude, but you need to educate yourself. This may not be what you would teach, but these are life lessons you need to learn. This is management of YOUR LIFE and spending a little time learning about your insurance and benefits is well worth your time and effort. No doubt you’re scared, but knowledge will give you power and that power will erase the fears. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08 Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:45 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: new to the group Thank you for answering my question. I was afraid to call my insurance company because when I was first diagnosed I thought that they were going to drop me. Even though they have not I just feel weird calling about the co-pay price for the drugs. I will be going to my GI doctor next month and will find out then. But my mom keeps reassuring me that with insurance it will be covered. I think I just keep hearing from my dr that it is expensive but he is obviously referring to people with out insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is "I don't drink". I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look "it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!!". LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet massgal08 wrote: Hello,I was diagnosed last May and had a liver biopsy in August of 2007. Iam genotype 1 B. My dr said that the probability of successfultreatment is about 50% but he believes with my young age and beingfemale that I will have a chance of clearing the Hep C. I am not onan antidepressant. My GI dr asked me if I had a history of depressionand I have not. So as of right now I am not on anything. Since my diagnosis I have felt sad at times and out of place around myfriends because I do not drink anymore and they have no idea why. It'snot a big issue but it's annoying to go out and have people ask my whyI am not drinking. I just keep telling that I am on a diet and gaveit up. I mostly feel weird because I am going through this diagnosismostly on my own. My family is out of state so I have been going toappts by myself. I have only told 6 people in my life that I have HepC. My mom and dad, sister, roommate, boyfriend and my other friend whodrove me to my liver biopsy appointment. Thank you again for all of the information."There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Ouchie!!! Thank God for excellent insurance. Hey I don't feel sorry for the insurance companies. They make lot of money and don't mind telling you NO in a lot of cases. I could tell you horror stories about Tri-care, that is military insurance. But I will not go into it. I will just say this. When my husband turns 60, I am going to give them a run for their money. LOL That is when his tri-care will start again. Love JanetDorothy wrote: Well, this is why I thank God I never divorced my husband. Although we haven’t lived together in almost 5 years, he covers me with his excellent insurance. Since I haven’t worked in a year, I’d be in deep …… without insurance and would never have been able to afford the tx the last year. He just had a kidney transplant on March 31st so I’m sure the insurance company is reeling from the two of us!! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:50 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: new to the group Yeah it did. I noticed that about the insurance. The prices may have changed since this was in 2000 when I was taking treatment. I think it was in 2000, my hepper mind seems to think so. LOL I would do anything to have good insurance now to pay for my meds. All I have is the Indian Hospital and they are limited on their funds, for programs such as Hep C. Oh well. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: Wow! The shots really burned a hole in your wallet!! But she says she has insurance so I don’t think this is an issue. My Pegasys was $15 a month and the Riba was $5 a month. When I needed Procrit a few months, it added another $15 a month………a whopping $35 a month! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:18 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: new to the group First of all welcome to the group. Thank your mother for referring you here. It is a safe harbor and we do our best to protect you. Now on to some of your questions. The treatment for Hepatitis C is very expensive. On the average, the shots will cost you about anywhere between 1500 to 2000 dollars a month, and the anti viral drugs about the same. I had to pay cash the last two months of my treatment as my insurance ran out. It was a blow to my savings. Now on the giving yourself shots. I know that fear and others here have went through it. Ask the doctors nurse to be patient with you and lead you through giving yourself a shot. Hate to say this, but it really is quite easy. And we will be here to help you through it. We really are a great group. If we can be of any help let us know. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is " I don't drink " . I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look " it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!! " . LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is "I don't drink". I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look "it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!!". LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love JanetJanet wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is "I don't drink". I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look "it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!!". LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love JanetJanet wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is "I don't drink". I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look "it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!!". LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 You’d have to buy me AN ARM to tattoo first!! LOL From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:00 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love Janet Janet <doc_jade> wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is " I don't drink " . I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look " it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!! " . LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 You’d have to buy me AN ARM to tattoo first!! LOL From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:00 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love Janet Janet <doc_jade> wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is " I don't drink " . I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look " it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!! " . LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Thanks, Janet. I don’t feel any shame in what I did when I was so young. Unfortunately, that label remains. I remember when I went to Columbia University’s Neurological Institute of NY for my peripheral neuropathy. The doctor wrote his report recommending an HIV test since I had a history of IV drug use………..he qualified that saying he didn’t think it was likely, but it shows you how that stigma remains. Had I contracted HIV all those years ago, I would likely have been dead, not on his exam table!!!!! It’s funny, sometimes I’ll say that I used cocaine instead of heroin since it somehow has a “softer” connotation………but at this stage of my life, what difference does it make?? Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:58 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Thanks, Janet. I don’t feel any shame in what I did when I was so young. Unfortunately, that label remains. I remember when I went to Columbia University’s Neurological Institute of NY for my peripheral neuropathy. The doctor wrote his report recommending an HIV test since I had a history of IV drug use………..he qualified that saying he didn’t think it was likely, but it shows you how that stigma remains. Had I contracted HIV all those years ago, I would likely have been dead, not on his exam table!!!!! It’s funny, sometimes I’ll say that I used cocaine instead of heroin since it somehow has a “softer” connotation………but at this stage of my life, what difference does it make?? Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:58 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 I got a Dragon on my left leg. I still haven't had it colored in yet. Because the outline hurt like heck!!!!!!!! But it is a cool dragon, It has a drop of blood coming off one of its paws, to represent Hep C. I know that is taking Hep C advocation a bit far. But I felt like I deserved it after going through treatment twice and I am still here to tell my story. LOL But the tatoo just about did me in. LOL Love JanetDorothy wrote: You’d have to buy me AN ARM to tattoo first!! LOL From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:00 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love JanetJanet <doc_jade> wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is "I don't drink". I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look "it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!!". LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 I got a Dragon on my left leg. I still haven't had it colored in yet. Because the outline hurt like heck!!!!!!!! But it is a cool dragon, It has a drop of blood coming off one of its paws, to represent Hep C. I know that is taking Hep C advocation a bit far. But I felt like I deserved it after going through treatment twice and I am still here to tell my story. LOL But the tatoo just about did me in. LOL Love JanetDorothy wrote: You’d have to buy me AN ARM to tattoo first!! LOL From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:00 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love JanetJanet <doc_jade> wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of JanetSent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is "I don't drink". I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look "it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!!". LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Make that AN ARM AND A LEG! I don’t think there’s any price for me to get a tattoo! Let us know when the coloring starts J From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:49 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group I got a Dragon on my left leg. I still haven't had it colored in yet. Because the outline hurt like heck!!!!!!!! But it is a cool dragon, It has a drop of blood coming off one of its paws, to represent Hep C. I know that is taking Hep C advocation a bit far. But I felt like I deserved it after going through treatment twice and I am still here to tell my story. LOL But the tatoo just about did me in. LOL Love Janet Dorothy wrote: You’d have to buy me AN ARM to tattoo first!! LOL From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:00 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love Janet Janet wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is " I don't drink " . I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look " it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!! " . LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Make that AN ARM AND A LEG! I don’t think there’s any price for me to get a tattoo! Let us know when the coloring starts J From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:49 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group I got a Dragon on my left leg. I still haven't had it colored in yet. Because the outline hurt like heck!!!!!!!! But it is a cool dragon, It has a drop of blood coming off one of its paws, to represent Hep C. I know that is taking Hep C advocation a bit far. But I felt like I deserved it after going through treatment twice and I am still here to tell my story. LOL But the tatoo just about did me in. LOL Love Janet Dorothy wrote: You’d have to buy me AN ARM to tattoo first!! LOL From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:00 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: RE: Re: new to the group Forgot to add that I bought my own ink too. Love Janet Janet wrote: You know Dorothy, Just because you were a IV drug user many years ago, does not make you the same person. You beat it, you have come so far. The sad thing is that you got Hep C. I hate it, that people make others feel bad about a addiction that was in the past. You know what I mean. My son is a recovered addict, and I praise the Lord every day for his recovery. He is making excellent strides in his life. He used IV drugs, and I have warned him for years about not sharing needles or drug implements. He is negative for the disease and I am glad of that. Of course he has tatoos out the ying yang, so I hope he continues to go to a good tatoo artist. But then again, he talked me into a tatoo, yeah I got one. I bought my own tatoo needles, his artist, double gloved, and took every precaution. We used universal blood precautions while I got my tatoo. Having a drug problem is not a sin, it is keeping it that is the most dangerous thing. I am proud that you are so open about your IV drug use in your youth, and proud that you are able to help others when they talk about their own problems resulting from their use of IV drugs. You go girl, you are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love Janet Dorothy wrote: I also have only shared my HCV with a small group of family and friends. I was an IV drug user almost FORTY years ago, but that label will follow me for the rest of my life regardless of the 39 years in between L You tell the people that you feel comfortable telling and forget the rest. If needed, there are a ton of illnesses to explain your tiredness through tx. Nobody needs to know if you don’t want them to know. As far as drinking, you can always tell casual acquaintances that you’re on an anti-biotic or a pain med for a bad tooth or something. Don’t let that stop you from going out with friends if you enjoy seeing them. If they’re friends, they won’t press you to drink anyway. It’s a whole new world since I was your age and drinking no longer holds the glamour it used to with all the press on deaths from drunk drivers these days. I predict that one day, it could be similar to smoking……shunned in many places. I smoked for 25 years almost everywhere (desk at work, movie theaters, grocery stores) and now, you can barely smoke standing on a street corner! And that will save many lives. Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Janet Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:15 AM To: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: Re: new to the group I am quite vocal about my hepatitis C, but then again. I use my having it as a since of teaching others about the disease. There are a lot of misconceptions about it and I like to clear those up right away. Although it can be spread by IV drug use, some of us got it because we were healthcare workers from a needle stick or a blood spill. Blood happens. Hepatitis C is spread in Blood to Blood contact. And in the healthcare world it happens more than you would like to think. There is such a stigma about having this disease, yet it a treatable disease. Yes, honey you have a more than great chance of clearing the disease. I would give you better odds than what the doctor did. If you follow the treatment program to its best possible outcome. Believe it or not, this group is one of the best cheerleaders you will ever find. As to the drinking, my answer is " I don't drink " . I will be the DD for anyone who drinks too much. If they press more, I say look " it is my own personal choice to not drink, if you push anymore, I am gonna get ill with you!! " . LOL I look so funny when I get mad. LOL Some I will tell that I have Hep C and they understand. And if they don't, well once you get to know me. You will find out that I am out spoken and will educate them about Hep C whether they want to know or not. Cause I am just that spunky. Once again sweety if you need a question or concern answered that is what we are here for. Love Janet " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go " Frederick Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Dorothy, I once went to a doc who was soo rude. I didn't yet know I had Hep C. He didn't really want to see me because I had no insurance. He said, I don't know what's wrong with you, it could be aids. Go give blood and you'll find out if it is. I have never - no, not once - ever used drugs of any kind. He scared me sooo bad, and I went to him because I was sick. As soon as I had insurance, I got tested for HIV and Thankfully, that was not the reason I was so sick. THe ignorance of the docs I saw for those 25 years still angers me. I truly believe there are many in that field who do not give a rat's a$$ about the patient and can't be bothered to find out what the problem is. Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde RE: Re: new to the group Thanks, Janet. I don't feel any shame in what I did when I was so young. Unfortunately, that label remains. I remember when I went to Columbia University's Neurological Institute of NY for my peripheral neuropathy. The doctor wrote his report recommending an HIV test since I had a history of IV drug use.....he qualified that saying he didn't think it was likely, but it shows you how that stigma remains. Had I contracted HIV all those years ago, I would likely have been dead, not on his exam table!!!!! It's funny, sometimes I'll say that I used cocaine instead of heroin since it somehow has a "softer" connotation...but at this stage of my life, what difference does it make?? Dorothy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2008 Report Share Posted April 13, 2008 Dorothy, I once went to a doc who was soo rude. I didn't yet know I had Hep C. He didn't really want to see me because I had no insurance. He said, I don't know what's wrong with you, it could be aids. Go give blood and you'll find out if it is. I have never - no, not once - ever used drugs of any kind.He scared me sooo bad, and I went to him because I was sick. As soon as I had insurance, I got tested for HIV and Thankfully, that was not the reason I was so sick. THe ignorance of the docs I saw for those 25 years still angers me. I truly believe there are many in that field who do not give a rat's a$$ about the patient and can't be bothered to find out what the problem is.Sharon in NW WashingtonKnitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde RE: Re: new to the groupThanks, Janet. I don't feel any shame in what I did when I was so young. Unfortunately, that label remains. I remember when I went to Columbia University's Neurological Institute of NY for my peripheral neuropathy. The doctor wrote his report recommending an HIV test since I had a history of IV drug use.....he qualified that saying he didn't think it was likely, but it shows you how that stigma remains. Had I contracted HIV all those years ago, I would likely have been dead, not on his exam table!!!!! It's funny, sometimes I'll say that I used cocaine instead of heroin since it somehow has a "softer" connotation...but at this stage of my life, what difference does it make?? Dorothy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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