Why Those Not on Tx Need Support - One Perspective

[GwithHepC]

<B><A href="http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=support">DEFINITION OF SUPPORT</a></b>



<B>WHY THOSE NOT ON TX NEED SUPPORT:</b>

It was recently asked in another thread what sort of support would someone who is "happy, healthy, asymptomatic and content in their decission (to not treat)" need?  I am not trying to be sarcastic, but what right does anyone have to ask this question of another with a chronic illness?   Why should anyone with Hepatitis C, or any chronic illness, have to justify their need for support?

<B>MY ANSWER (as one not on tx):</b> They shouldn't!  Anyone who has a chronic illness needs support for a multitude of reasons.  

Speaking for myself, I have a need to share in the experiences, feelings and thoughts of others infected with a similar illness, whether treating or not.  Having a chronic illness is an emotional burden.  It is not something that can or should be forgotten or taken lightly, even in the absence of symptoms. Just because someone thinks it is the right decision for them to wait does not mean the waiting in and of itself is not stressful.  Obviously I have determined the benefits of waiting at the moment outweigh the benefits of treating, but I still need support while I wait, and so I suspect, do others who have made a similar decision.

(CONTINUED BELOW)

[oldhippiechick67]

Bravo!  well said gwithhepc!  I have you listed on my webpage if that is okay with you, as "waiting to start" but I might try to copy your thoughts posted here and link them to your name...although I have had my troubles with linking!!  I need what state you are in also if you care to let me post it.
Hepcbilly - I need your info also, what meds you are on and what week you are at.  Thanks!   OHC/auggie

[oldhippiechick67]

Hate to butt in on a thread but I am gonna anyways....
Last year I got approved for life insurance in Feb.  In June I was diagnosed with Hep C by my PCP...what do I do now?? been thinking "cool I am covered!" but now if I did die from something else, and they find I had/tx for Hep C would that nil and void my insurance?  I would think it would.  Hummmmmm?  I wanted to get a lower rate too  since I quit smoking a yr ago, and they want a pee sample.  I have worries they will find the peg, riba etc in the drug screening.  but?  ugh what to do.  
thanks for any input!  OHC/auggie

[pjxak]

In the interest of presenting both points of view from the medical experts, please check out this article on the debate about when to treat.
http://www.medicalcrossfire.com/debate_archive/2002/Feb02/mc02-hep.pdf

[new-sojourn]

Most people tx b/c they are way sick.  Those who are not sick onto death don't feel the urgency.  My mom and I just figured out that I may have been infected since 1967, just re-infected in '79 and '85.

If I had known I had hep c when I was 1st infected, nevermind the subsequence re-infections, I can guarrente I would have made all nec lifestyle changes and would not be ESLD-tx or no tx.

And my life would have played out radically differently.

B/I will say this, people who don't tx will never know true health, so will never get everything out of life.  It will effect you as it infects you!!!

[Amerabrit]

Good luck with your insurance issues.  I don't know the answer but will be watching with interest, for the responses you will surely receive.
Stay strong.

[GwithHepC]

OHC:

I am in New York City.  Thanks for keeping your website up to date.  Can you provide the link again?  It's been a while since I visited.

I wish I had some answers for you about insurance, but I have no idea.  If I run across some information, I will send it your way.


pjxak:

Thanks for the link.  I have read that debate before; it's a good one.

G