Boston Marathon

I don't post a lot in this room because my immediate concern is Hepatitis C which I contracted through the meds I received for the pain I have experienced from my first of 4 strokes (1988). However, I wanted to let you all know that I completed the Boston Marathon a week ago in a time of 7 hours 6 minutes and 58 seconds. I was dead last! It was the coldest and windiest Boston Marathon in its 111 year history but I completed it! I participated in the race for Tedy's Team, Boston's division of the American Stroke Association. We raised more than $200,000 for research & developement of new treatment for strokes and I am very proud of the accomplishments of our team. I live in Orange County, California and I'm part of the Train To End Stroke team there and was very honored to participate in the Boston Marathon for that team as well. I'm posting here to let you all know that having a stroke is not the end. In my case it was the beginning of a new life experience. The ASA is nationwide. Please tell all your family and friends to support this association if they can.  Meanwhile,I think I'll do the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon in June. It will be my 7th Marathon in 2 years. Wish me luck and I'll let you know how it goes.

[safetylady]

Congratulations!!!  We were in Boston the weekend of the marathon but less the day before.  You are an inspiration.  My hat goes off to you!

May God bless you each and every day.

[Tressa999]

Good for you!  Sounds like you lead an exciting life.  

Just curious how you could have contracted Hep C from meds.  Was it from an injection with a contaminated needle?

[theflyjd]

Hi Tressa. I didn't have time to put down all the research I have done (as well as all of my Physicians) But I thought I would give you enough info to start with if you care to continue digging. It appears that my liver was weakened in the latter part of 1987 when I had a serious and life threatening Staf Infection (I was a glazier that was cut on the job and was stitched up in a Dr's office where sanitation was much to be desired). In July, 1988 I suffered a severe stroke that caused a lot of pain. The doctors put me on opiates and my weakened liver was unable to handle the load. Shortly afterward it was discovered I had Hep C and within 5 years there was fibrosis. I went on chemo in 2003 and it was unsuccessful in treating the disease. I changed my life-style (quit drinking & smoking) and Dr decided to try again in 2006 to no avail. Since 1988, I have had 3 more strokes. I discontinued taking opiates for pain in 2002 in the hopes that would slow down the process of the liver disease. There were no other contributing factors in my contraction of acute and chronic Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis Facts
From Mark Cichocki, R.N.,
Your Guide to HIV / AIDS.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
What you need to know.
Simply put, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can be caused by several factors including medications, viruses, chemical exposures, environmental toxins, autoimmune disorders and alcohol use. The inflammation can damage the liver, interfering with its proper function. A serious illness in its own right, hepatitis in the presence of HIV can be deadly. Hepatitis can be categorized as either chronic or acute.
Acute Hepatitis
Acute hepatitis occurs suddenly or gradually but is short-lived, usually less than two months. In acute hepatitis, liver damage is usually mild. On rare occasions, acute hepatitis can be fatal. In some circumstances, acute hepatitis can progress to chronic hepatitis.

Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis persists for long periods of time and is classified as either chronic persistent or chronic acute.

[Len Vasquez]

My name is Len Vasdquez and I had a stroke 3-15-07. I am married and have two teen age sons. My life has been upside down since the stroke. Do you know of any brain damage rehab centers or support centers in Orange County CA.? I live in Yorba Lindfa Ca. I need some car insurance. My existing policy will not insure me, only my wife. I have Cobre insurance and I am looking for a new health plan as well. Know anyone?
Please advise.

Thank You
Len Vasquez
714-693-8429
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