 | | I was diagnosed as HCV+ over ten years ago, and at that time myself and the medics involved downplayed the potential seriousness of the disease. It was not until two years ago in 2006 that I began to experience any significant symptoms – the most difficult to live with being a constant itch - in spite of having a cirrhotic liver for many years. |
Susan McRae - P/T Administrator
I have done treatment twice, unsuccessfully, and it is being recommended that I try for a third time mainly to reduce my viral load in case I need a liver transplant. The way I deal with all the hassle and worry of having the virus is to make sure I have plenty of things to look forward to – from the immediate gratification of lots of nice food, to longer term treats like trips abroad. Family and friends are very supportive, in spite of my tendency to fall asleep mid-conversation….. but because I don’t drink alcohol anymore they, of course, expect me to be the designated driver every time we go out. Such are the trials and tribulations of this disease!
Throughout treatment I managed to continue working as a lecturer, and also to complete a PhD – exhausting, but also appropriately distracting. At that time, I was introduced to the Hepatitis C Trust via a friend who was doing research for her reflexology training and had found the website; I volunteered to work on the helpline, and now here I am working on a paid basis, alongside Saskia, helping with admin.
