STILL VIRUS-FREE AFTER SEVEN YEARS

No news is good news when the news is that there is no increase in scarring of the liver, and no danger signals in extensive lab tests done this March.

Celebrate the test findings: Six years now with no detectable virus, no worsening of liver form or function. I am happy about that. Yet I've been fatigued, for months now, despite conscientious efforts to heal through yoga, exercise, art, compassion reading and exercise (give yourself a break, breathe and stretch often). Maybe laughter - I'll look for some very funny DVD's, though even as I write that, I sigh. What makes me happy? Forgetting myself. Stopping to notice a tree, a cloudscape, people in the park. Stretching, taking a walk. Remembering that this moment is all I have, appreciating it, lightening up. Gently making fun of myself. Eating fresh foods, caring enough to shop and cook, though sometimes I'm too tired to bother. Skyping with my grandson and his parents. Talking casually or seriously with people, friends or strangers. Drawing and painting, once I get through that anxiety about whether I'll ever make another good picture. I've never abandoned refined sugar, and sometimes overdo. Boy, am I going to be chagrined if it turns out that's the source of brain fog or sluggishness. I'm reading my fibromyalgia cookbook. The recipes reflect the way I usually cook, but suggest more ingredients, such as fresh ginger root. The aching neck and shoulder muscles make it hard to hold up my head after a few hours. Everyone has issues to deal with, and I intend to deal with mine. I'm well and intend to stay that way.

Five Years and Counting

Another set of liver lab tests turned out clear of the virus, and showing healthy liver function. The scarring never increased. So, my struggle to maintain energy and stamina belong to normal aging and ordinary healthcare. It helps that I lost weight this past year. That should mean that the liver also lost some fat that could impede the liver's vital operations. I'll have labs and scans twice a year, because the risk of liver cancer is higher after HepC. I don't expect it, just being prudent, and contributing to understanding of long term results of treatment. This year there was a conflict between attending the annual Liver Wellness seminar in San Diego, and taking part in a group that helps me very much to maintain emotional equilibrium. I chose the group. Five years ago I expected to be much more active as a volunteer and/or educator about prevention and treatment. There wasn't much scope, so my volunteer commitment turned out to be poverty issues, in the form of a day center that helps homeless and economically struggling people. (Uptown Faith Community Services, San Diego www.uptownfaith.org) I feel profoundly fortunate that I am well enough to help myself by helping others. The art classes over the past three years boosted me into an extremely satisfying, though sometimes frustrating, form of expression. Years ago, I gave up. Every time I spoke to my doctors, I was told that treatment was too rigorous and chancy for me. It was reserved for people awaiting transplant. I went back in 2008 insisting that there must be something for me. Attitudes had changed, and I underwent interferon and ribivarin treatment successfully. What blasted me out of sad acceptance was the prospect of perhaps having a grandchild, and not being strong enough to be trusted with carrying or caring for a baby. The grandchild arrived September 10th this year. I'm strong enough to help.

Life Gets Better

Each year I grow a little stronger and more agile, a little more confident that I can make a commitment and keep it. This summer's liver CT shows no worsening of the mild liver damage that occurred while the virus was active. The lab tests show no virus. I'm expecting a grandchild.

SO BUSY I FORGET

My last post was at the end of 2011. I read all my posts tonight, because I got into an online conversation with Daryl Luster, who just started his own Hep C blog. It was a bit sad to see some of my earlier plans that did not work out. The Speaker program for American Liver Foundation fizzled. I gave up the struggle to pull together a peer support group. The people I met online were geographically scattered. It seemed each medical entity formed a local support group for its own clients and perhaps for their families. Programs funded for recovering addicts or folks with dual diagnoses drew on their own specific categories. I'm so busy now. My volunteer work takes more time, energy, and creativity. I took art classes for two years, just now try to draw and paint on my own. I'm involved in church and larger community, mutual support with friends, family ties. My new apartment is pleasant, has a balcony with some plants. Sometimes I sit out there to have coffee. I am still impatient when my energy fails. Walking, mild exercise, art... Each six-month followup has found me virus free, no worsening of the liver damage. I respect the gift of health.

Good News

Two and a half years after the end of treatment, lab tests show no Hep C virus, sonar shows no worsening of my liver. Good to go!

Hepatitis Awareness Month

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The years Hepatitis C took from my life were years I might have been active, outdoors, earning, traveling, and engaged in social justice. I am grateful for the treatment which restored many possibilities.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Ask your senators and representatives to attend the May 12th HHS briefing on combating the viral hepatitis epidemic in the United States.