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About Me: Female, 72, Greenwood, AR, member since Oct 2008

I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C (genotype 1A) in August 2007.  In November,2007, I had a liver BIOPSY which determined a 'fatty liver'.  Also an ULTRASOUND of my abdomen on the same day which came back with 'no mass or tumor identified. 6mm simple cyst in the left lobe ... [More] of the liver and 1.4cm simple cyst involving the superior pole of the left kidney.", I'm on Social Security Disablity due to back injury (1986 when I still lived in L.A.-stopped working in 1990).

Became a grandmother on Feb. 8, 2010, and looking forward to bonding with that baby boy, and living a fulfilled life.  I wrote a novel in 2009, still trying to find out about getting it published.

I started tx May 7, 2010, and just ended week 19 on sept. 17,2010.  Seem to be tolerating tx well, I think because I've been on pain meds due to many surgeries, etc. starting in 1986, when I still lived in LA.  Stopped working in 1990.  When I began tx my viral load was 1.15+ million.  I was tested too early for my "week 12", but (the less than adequate nurse) scheduled it when I got my second Hep B vaccine ( I live an hour away from my doc - no local docs would treat me), when he was on vacation.  However, he sent me a letter saying "...your hepatitis C PCR RNA level has significantly decreased. It has not become undectable like I would have hoped but it has had at least a 2 log drop in its count which is the criteria that I use to continue treatment for the full duration.  Therefore, we will do that.  Your liver tests are improved but still elevated, underscoring the importance that the fatty liver disease plays and I urge you to continue to try to lose weight as best as you can.  (Since starting tx I have lost 30 pounds, hope for that many more - I am a "fluffy" girl) We will do blood counts in one month increments from this point forward.  Should you have any problems such as side effects, skin rashes...etc."  WELL...so far the sides have been bearable (I think that's because I've been on so many pain meds for so many years, and still am, that it helps me with the pain, and helps me sleep a LOT.

I have developed anemia, and get short of breath, have no energy, hair is thinning and some "blank spots" are showing up...but the worst (so far) has recently shown up...THE RASH...in of all places - the crack of my big 'ol backside!  And onward we go. [Less]

Interests: keeping the FAITH, Finding comfort with MedHelp, being creative, sharing with sisterfriends, writing, the study of Hep C, staying amazed by people, life artistically ... [More]



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