Sam was diagnosed in 2002 but suspects she contracted hepatitis C around 23 years previously.It was devastating news even though she had long thought that “something was not quite right” with her health.Like anyone confronted with diagnosis of a serious illness it was “difficult to take on board that it was actually me my GP was talking to when the results came back”.She said “My life stopped at that point and everything went on hold as I tried to come to terms with it, I just shut down”.
Acceptance was made even more difficult by long waits to see consultants, get blood test results and find out whether treatment was possible.Any information that was available was frequently confusing and contradictory. It took over a year just to find out what genotype (3) she was.“I switched off and it was not until starting treatment in late 2003 that I felt I had some control over my life back”.
However, the treatment was tough, she described it as “holding on to a physical, mental and spiritual rollercoaster for 6 months, sometimes by the fingertips… I was lucky in that the people around me were extremely supportive and understanding … but it was by finding a network of people with hepatitis C to talk to, some of whom were also on treatment, is what kept me going”.
Sam has been clear of the virus since finishing treatment in 2004.“It was all worth it… I have learnt a lot about myself and what is important to me.I’ve come to see this chapter in my life as an experience rather than a disaster and I am now in a position to help others…. Everyone should consider whether they have ever been at risk and if so, go and get tested.If you’re clear – great, protect yourself and stay clear - if you’re not, then at least you have the chance to take action and stop the situation from getting any worse, whether that’s by choosing to do treatment, changing your lifestyle …or both”.
Sam is Helpline Manager at the Hepatitis C Trust
