Jayne thinks she contracted hepatitis C in the mid-seventies, but didn’t get diagnosed until 1994, although she had been experiencing various symptoms for years.
Since then Jayne has had several biopsies, which have shown a certain amount of regeneration in her liver cells, and at the time of writing she has no fibrosis and only mild inflammation and swelling. Her viral load fluctuates.
She has a double genotype, (1a and 1b) which are the toughest to treat and so has decided not to do treatment at present. However, if liver damage progresses to stage two or more, she is prepared to undergo treatment in the hope that it will help clear the virus.
In the meantime she is taking milk thistle regularly and other supplements occasionally, and is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle including no smoking or alcohol, as she knows what damage that drinking can cause to her liver. She is also watching her diet. She hopes more effective drugs will be developed even if used in combination with interferon based drugs.
In Spring 2004 she took part in a six month clinical trial using a mixture of western and Chinese herbs at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, the results of which have yet to be announced.
She continues to monitor her disease on a regular basis.
Jayne worked as one of the original volunteers on the Hepatitis C Trust Helpline from July 2004 until late 2005 and is currently working as a co-ordinator for her local DAAT (Drug & Alcohol Action Team).
*Jayne runs both the women's group and the 'living with the virus' group at The Trust offices in addition to co-managing an online support site at www.hephive.org.uk.
*For information on dates and times of the support groups click here
