Is there anyone I can speak to about my rights?
Yes there is a group who may be able to advise you on your rights relating to almost any matter that you feel is connected with your hepatitis C. You can call the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) on their helpline number 08457 622 633 or visit their website www.drc-gb.org
Alternatively your local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to provide you with information and advice. You can find their telephone number on their website www.citizensadvice.org.uk or in your local directory, or by contacting your local library.
Are there many other people in the same position as me?
You most definitely are not alone. Current estimates for the number of people living with hepatitis C in the UK alone range from between 250,000 and 600,000. That is around five people in every thousand. But currently under 80,000 people are aware they have it.
How come you don't hear much about them or hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is still a relatively "new" disease because it was only identified in 1989. The majority of people in the UK who have it, remain undiagnosed so awareness of it is low across all sections of the population.
What do I do next?
Now that you have been diagnosed, you are in the healthcare system and it is very important that you develop a partnership with the healthcare professional who will be responsible for your care. It may be your GP, specialist or alternative/complementary healthcare practitioner, or a combination of all of these.
You have a range of options and together with your healthcare practitioners, you can decide on the best ones for you.
