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HCV Stigma
This was posted on one of the other forums and I really had to share it. I've posted it in 3 parts due to it's length.
HCV Stigma Part I
found this amazing article on how others view us, and how we don't help cometimes!...it is a great read.
............................................
August 27, 2007
Breaking the Hepatitis C Stigma
While more people are currently living with Hepatitis C than any other chronic blood-borne infectious disease, the illness still carries a stigma in many social circles. Find out how you can contribute to the efforts focusing on removing the stigma associated with a Hepatitis C diagnosis.
The MSN Encarta Dictionary defines stigma as “a sign of social unacceptability: the shame or disgrace attached to something regarded as socially unacceptable.” According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, “stigma is about disrespect.”
For some people, the stigma of living with Hepatitis C is more harmful than the virus itself. While medical research and treatment primarily target prevention and viral eradication, there is a lot more effort required to change public perception and attitudes toward Hepatitis C. There are two parts to breaking a disease-related stigma: education and self-respect. By educating communities on Hepatitis C and learning to feel good about yourself (regardless of viral status), Hepatitis C can be removed from the category of socially unacceptable conditions.
Why?
The primary reasons for any condition to be stigmatized are the lack of compassion, fear and ignorance. Hepatitis C is a prime candidate for such an attitude for several reasons:
• Fear of Transmission – Because Hepatitis C is an infectious disease without a definitive cure, people are afraid of getting it. Although not easily transmitted, people are nevertheless fearful and may shun those who have the disease. Fear and ignorance have cost those with Hepatitis C their jobs, friendships and marriages.
• Fear of Illness – Some people do not like to be around people who are sick. Being uncomfortable around others who have an illness is how certain people protect themselves from their personal fears. This discomfort may cause them to socially reject people with diseases instead of risking exposure to suffering and/or death.
• Judgment – Despite the many ways of acquiring Hepatitis C, misinformed people sometimes assume that everyone with Hepatitis C has a history of injection drug use. Even if this is a person’s mode of viral acquisition, our society lacks compassion and understanding about injection drug use. Those without personal exposure to injected drugs may judge people who have. Former injection drug users may feel haunted by their pasts and judge themselves. Additionally, many active injection drug users carry shame about their addiction. Regardless of the situation, casting judgment on a person for their past addiction or viral status is devoid of compassion for their very personal situation.
HCV Stigma Part I
found this amazing article on how others view us, and how we don't help cometimes!...it is a great read.
............................................
August 27, 2007
Breaking the Hepatitis C Stigma
While more people are currently living with Hepatitis C than any other chronic blood-borne infectious disease, the illness still carries a stigma in many social circles. Find out how you can contribute to the efforts focusing on removing the stigma associated with a Hepatitis C diagnosis.
The MSN Encarta Dictionary defines stigma as “a sign of social unacceptability: the shame or disgrace attached to something regarded as socially unacceptable.” According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, “stigma is about disrespect.”
For some people, the stigma of living with Hepatitis C is more harmful than the virus itself. While medical research and treatment primarily target prevention and viral eradication, there is a lot more effort required to change public perception and attitudes toward Hepatitis C. There are two parts to breaking a disease-related stigma: education and self-respect. By educating communities on Hepatitis C and learning to feel good about yourself (regardless of viral status), Hepatitis C can be removed from the category of socially unacceptable conditions.
Why?
The primary reasons for any condition to be stigmatized are the lack of compassion, fear and ignorance. Hepatitis C is a prime candidate for such an attitude for several reasons:
• Fear of Transmission – Because Hepatitis C is an infectious disease without a definitive cure, people are afraid of getting it. Although not easily transmitted, people are nevertheless fearful and may shun those who have the disease. Fear and ignorance have cost those with Hepatitis C their jobs, friendships and marriages.
• Fear of Illness – Some people do not like to be around people who are sick. Being uncomfortable around others who have an illness is how certain people protect themselves from their personal fears. This discomfort may cause them to socially reject people with diseases instead of risking exposure to suffering and/or death.
• Judgment – Despite the many ways of acquiring Hepatitis C, misinformed people sometimes assume that everyone with Hepatitis C has a history of injection drug use. Even if this is a person’s mode of viral acquisition, our society lacks compassion and understanding about injection drug use. Those without personal exposure to injected drugs may judge people who have. Former injection drug users may feel haunted by their pasts and judge themselves. Additionally, many active injection drug users carry shame about their addiction. Regardless of the situation, casting judgment on a person for their past addiction or viral status is devoid of compassion for their very personal situation.
I agree moahunter.....while Meki wants to broadcast it & "educate" people.....I disagree with that.....Is that losing your job over, in particular....The stigma of junkies & drug users is one I cannot be associated with, so it's no one's business but my own & doctors& wife & patooey on everyone else......six months I'll be done, then six months of waiting, then it never existed as far as I'm concerned.....
That might be fine Meki, but not eveyone wants to risk losing their jobs, as some have. While no doubt we all want to fight the good war against ignorance, people have to look after themselves and their families as well.
Yeah - but guys --- I KNOW I DIDN"T get "it" from anything that could even remotely be considered "innappropriate" or "bad". Because I never NEVER did IV drugs or even experimented --- nor did I have that many partners --- and none of my past partners have it... LOL!
I'm no angel --- but ---- none of my behaviors falls into that "stigma" ---- so people who think otherwise...
Well --- LMAO!
They can kiss my patootie!
I think we have the responsibility of teaching the masses --- and WE CANNOT DO THAT if we stay silent --- because we ALLOW others to believe the stigma --- because we don't tell them.
Just my take on it.
Meki
I'm no angel --- but ---- none of my behaviors falls into that "stigma" ---- so people who think otherwise...
Well --- LMAO!
They can kiss my patootie!
I think we have the responsibility of teaching the masses --- and WE CANNOT DO THAT if we stay silent --- because we ALLOW others to believe the stigma --- because we don't tell them.
Just my take on it.
Meki
I feel for you, I wonder sometimes if I am being treated better by doctors, and my work, because people have seen the media reports (newspaper / tv) when my home was invaded - and the subsequent disclosure that this was the cause of Hep C on prision sentencing of my assailant. It's a bit tiring though, as people are uncomfortable around me, seeing me losing weight and hair. Talking to me must be a bit like talking to a friend who has just lost a parent, it is hard to know whether to bring up the topic for fear of causing upset.
Part of the problem may be that doctors want to know the source of infection as they are concerned we may re-infect ourselves. But the source of infection is irrelevant IMO because it is not what we have or haven't done in our past, but what we are or aren't doing now. The really sad thing though, that many of those who used substances had no real knowledge of this outcome.
Part of the problem may be that doctors want to know the source of infection as they are concerned we may re-infect ourselves. But the source of infection is irrelevant IMO because it is not what we have or haven't done in our past, but what we are or aren't doing now. The really sad thing though, that many of those who used substances had no real knowledge of this outcome.
Actually, I wish that doctors, dentists, etc., would quit asking me where I contracted it from. They should just be glad that I've told them that I have it and leave it at that. I'm sick of them asking me that question. It doesn't matter where I got it from. I have it and that's all that matters. Every time I do have to answer those questions honestly(and I have to), then, I am stigmatized because then, on out, it's always in the back of their minds, "oh, here's the ex-addict girl". When, the truth is, I only used drugs for a very short period of time in my late teens-early 20's and haven't even had anything to do with drugs in well over 20 years. I don't even consider myself an addict actually, as I was able to stop on my own free will, without intervention or a program and I never had any real withdrawal symptoms. I consider that I 'had a problem with drugs and alcohol' at one point in time in my life. Yes, it messed up my life, big time, at that junction in my life. But, that's in the past. My husband, who is a licensed nurse, has told me that from the other side of the fence, that there is definitely a 'classification' as far as how they will look at a patient who has had a substance problem (admitted to), in their past. So, it is a stigma. In my case, it's of my own doings though.
Susan
Susan
I absolutely refuse to give in to the stigma. If anybody accuses me of being a doper or something nefarious, I ask them if they've ever driven without seat belts. Most people who got hcv from using drugs were engaging in stupid behavior - just like anybody else who takes risks, and who hasn't taken a risk? Just about everyone who travels to India comes back with some parasite or another. Is there a stigma to giardia?
Perhaps because I can only guess where I contracted hcv (from tools at work) and know that it wasn't from a transfusion or IVDU, I want everybody to ask their doctor for a test so they don't go undiagnosed for decades as I did. Testing for hcv should be as routine a part of an annual checkup as testing for blood sugar. Anybody can get it. Therefore, why the stigma? So I tell everybody, and then I recommend that they ask their doctor to include an order for an hcv antibody test the next time they go for blood work.
Perhaps because I can only guess where I contracted hcv (from tools at work) and know that it wasn't from a transfusion or IVDU, I want everybody to ask their doctor for a test so they don't go undiagnosed for decades as I did. Testing for hcv should be as routine a part of an annual checkup as testing for blood sugar. Anybody can get it. Therefore, why the stigma? So I tell everybody, and then I recommend that they ask their doctor to include an order for an hcv antibody test the next time they go for blood work.
hi and i completely understand your concerns .
For very similar reasons, i dont disclose my bfs HepC status to family or friends because i know the judgement will come down..
Even though he got it more than thirty years ago...
ithink the Iv drug use stigma alone is enough to scare most people..including me , initially.
It was never part of my life, but i tried to not judge my bf because of things he did so many years ago.
While i was open and accepting of him..i didnt think alot of others i know would be.
So, for my own peace ...i have kept it private.
DLR..i think you would probably be correct , that in that small town, they would then start doing things that would only hurt your children.
For all you are going thru..you dont need that too on top of it all!
Each situation is different, and we tell or dont tell for our own comfort zone.
and thats all there is to it.
big hugs,
Darcar
For very similar reasons, i dont disclose my bfs HepC status to family or friends because i know the judgement will come down..
Even though he got it more than thirty years ago...
ithink the Iv drug use stigma alone is enough to scare most people..including me , initially.
It was never part of my life, but i tried to not judge my bf because of things he did so many years ago.
While i was open and accepting of him..i didnt think alot of others i know would be.
So, for my own peace ...i have kept it private.
DLR..i think you would probably be correct , that in that small town, they would then start doing things that would only hurt your children.
For all you are going thru..you dont need that too on top of it all!
Each situation is different, and we tell or dont tell for our own comfort zone.
and thats all there is to it.
big hugs,
Darcar
I never cared much about the stigma associated with having HCV. I still don't. If I get asked about my transplant I just say that hepatitis c was the underlying disease. I am my own boss so maybe that colors my lack of sensitivity to a degree. If I worked at a place where having this disease could adversely affect my job I would keep it a secret purely for economic reasons. But otherwise I simply couldn't care less what people think. Those who would arrive at a negative conclusion about someone solely because they have HCV aren't worth caring about anyway- they're just idiots. I think that a lot of HCV patients are way too sensitive about the stigma of HCV and too concerned about the the opinions of fools. Mike
I think sometimes I worry too much about what people would think if they knew I have Hep C... but I can't take any chances. I live in a small town and have 2 kids. I have a funny feeling that if word was to get out that I had this, let alone that I got it from IV drugs (never mind that it was many years ago)- well I think my kids would suddenly no longer have friends coming over. The parent's would politely intervene and they would always be "too busy". Maybe my kids would be picked on in school for their mom being an ex-junkie- who knows. I hate that there is a stigma attached to this disease, and I admire people like Meki who are brave enough to put it out there, but I am just too afraid. If it was just me, sure, I can face pretty much anything- I tend to get a "f**k em all" attitude- lol. But when it comes to my kids- no way. They don't even know I have it- I don't wanna scare them. When I get them tested I'm not gonna tell them. It's just about the only thing I'm not honest with them about. I went for my liver bx and my son told a couple of his friends. I just told my kids I had to get my liver checked to make sure it was working OK- they know I used to drink and do drug, and that it's bad for your liver. But I made up a little answer in case any parents asked about the bx- that my LFT's are elevated and they just need to rule out any liver problems. And I normally don't like to lie. But if most primary care doctors don't know jacksh$t about Hep C, I can't really expect other, non-medical people to know anything either.
The only people I share about my Hep C with are my Mom, my Aunt, my husband, and of course, you guys. Thank God for you all, cuz nobody else really gets it.
-Dee
The only people I share about my Hep C with are my Mom, my Aunt, my husband, and of course, you guys. Thank God for you all, cuz nobody else really gets it.
-Dee
Jim - In the real world, no doubt many people initially don't hold opinions one way or another re Hep C, I'm sure many have never heard of it. Problem is once you tell them, often what happens is that they get 'authoritative' information from friends, relatives, and even uninformed primary doctors. The kind of information that supports the HCV stigma.
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I think you are pretty close to the mark on this one.
The only thing i would add is that we treat because we believe we are better off without HCV than with it. Stigma plays a part in this assessment.
CS
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I think you are pretty close to the mark on this one.
The only thing i would add is that we treat because we believe we are better off without HCV than with it. Stigma plays a part in this assessment.
CS
From article cited by 'Mr. Liver', above: "Although 74 percent of hepatitis C sufferers believe that most people think that the disease mostly afflicts drug addicts and people with unhealthy lifestyles, only 30 percent of the public actually holds this belief."
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Of course we'd have to know how the study was conducted but I assume by simple questionaire or interview. 'Real World' stigma works a little differently.
In the real world, no doubt many people initially don't hold opinions one way or another re Hep C, I'm sure many have never heard of it. Problem is once you tell them, often what happens is that they get 'authoritative' information from friends, relatives, and even uninformed primary doctors. The kind of information that supports the HCV stigma.
At least that is the impression I've gotten here by countless anecdotal stories re friends, relatives and co-workers. It's also the impression I've gotten in the few cases I've disclosed my HCV status. First, not much reaction, because again, I found a lot of people just don't know what HCV is. Then later, it's obvious but what they say -- or how they act -- that they've spoken to someone. And for some reason, people seem to believe the (or act) on the most negative sources when it comes to a disease considered communicable.
Whatever the number, the stigma exists, and as the paper says, it's one reason people don't get tested, i.e. if you don't know then you don't have to disclose it.
On the other hand, it can work the other way, as I mentioned earlier. People treating more because of the stigma than because of medical reasons. I'm not going to put any per cent on this, but after reading posts here for over two years, I've definintely had the feeling with some.
-- Jim
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Of course we'd have to know how the study was conducted but I assume by simple questionaire or interview. 'Real World' stigma works a little differently.
In the real world, no doubt many people initially don't hold opinions one way or another re Hep C, I'm sure many have never heard of it. Problem is once you tell them, often what happens is that they get 'authoritative' information from friends, relatives, and even uninformed primary doctors. The kind of information that supports the HCV stigma.
At least that is the impression I've gotten here by countless anecdotal stories re friends, relatives and co-workers. It's also the impression I've gotten in the few cases I've disclosed my HCV status. First, not much reaction, because again, I found a lot of people just don't know what HCV is. Then later, it's obvious but what they say -- or how they act -- that they've spoken to someone. And for some reason, people seem to believe the (or act) on the most negative sources when it comes to a disease considered communicable.
Whatever the number, the stigma exists, and as the paper says, it's one reason people don't get tested, i.e. if you don't know then you don't have to disclose it.
On the other hand, it can work the other way, as I mentioned earlier. People treating more because of the stigma than because of medical reasons. I'm not going to put any per cent on this, but after reading posts here for over two years, I've definintely had the feeling with some.
-- Jim
Our perceptions of the stigma the general public attaches to HCV does not appear to conform to the facts. I read this poll a couple of years ago the in the national newsletter put out by The Hep C Connection in Denver, I searched through all of my papers to find it, and then discovered its existence of the web.
http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=420
I think the poll helps to lessen our fear about stigma and to put the topic into a more balanced view.
Mr Liver
http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=420
I think the poll helps to lessen our fear about stigma and to put the topic into a more balanced view.
Mr Liver
IOnce it had a name it had a stigma
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t's a very strong stigma. And from a treatment decision point of view, I think it's important that we all are honest with ourselves how much the stigma plays in our decision to treat or not, i.e. how much are we factoring in the stigma to the risk/reward equation. Not that we shouldn't factor it in , but always good to be honest with ourselves, especially with the price some of us have to pay in side effects, etc.
I got Hep C in 1969 and knew it because of a very noticeable acute stage. But I was lucky that no stigma was attached until the late 80's when Hep C was "discovered".
Until the late 80's, I would talk about my liver issues (called chronic persistent hepatitis most of the time) as someone might talk about having diabetes, etc. But as soon as I read that Hep C was discovered, I shut up about my liver. Once it had a name, it had a stigma.
-- Jim
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t's a very strong stigma. And from a treatment decision point of view, I think it's important that we all are honest with ourselves how much the stigma plays in our decision to treat or not, i.e. how much are we factoring in the stigma to the risk/reward equation. Not that we shouldn't factor it in , but always good to be honest with ourselves, especially with the price some of us have to pay in side effects, etc.
I got Hep C in 1969 and knew it because of a very noticeable acute stage. But I was lucky that no stigma was attached until the late 80's when Hep C was "discovered".
Until the late 80's, I would talk about my liver issues (called chronic persistent hepatitis most of the time) as someone might talk about having diabetes, etc. But as soon as I read that Hep C was discovered, I shut up about my liver. Once it had a name, it had a stigma.
-- Jim
I just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one who got HepC from being attacked.
It happened to me in 1981 back in the day when I was going to Art school in S.F. and didn't think cocaine could be dangerous, everyone I knew used it at every social function I attended!
I was at a party in a very chic expensive hotel with other people from my Art school and another Art school in S.F. I went to the bathroom I was followed in by the 2 "hosts" of the party. They asked me if I wanted to have a line of coke I said sure. Well it wasn't coke it was Fentanyl, many times stronger than morphine or heroin.
I passed out. I should have died right then but the 2 "hosts" of the party took out their syringe and injected me with cocaine to "wake" me up. When I came to I saw a needle in my arm but I was too groggy to stop and it probably saved
my life anyway.
Since then I have kept that little secret hidden...since 1981. I discovered I had HepC in 2006. Now I am symptomatic and a quick responder but a relapser.
If I dwell on those 2 guys that tried to get me drugged so they could take advantage of me it makes me want to throw up. So I don't. They are probably dead now anyway. They were very rich and related to the Shah of Iran so when I called a police detective to get them arrested, they walked out of jail in an hour with "diplomatic immunity". I had to let it go and move on.
ALAGIRL...How sick are you? Is it HepC related? How long have you had HepC? What kind of symptoms do you have? Have you had a biopsy? Are you under a doctors care?
-S
It happened to me in 1981 back in the day when I was going to Art school in S.F. and didn't think cocaine could be dangerous, everyone I knew used it at every social function I attended!
I was at a party in a very chic expensive hotel with other people from my Art school and another Art school in S.F. I went to the bathroom I was followed in by the 2 "hosts" of the party. They asked me if I wanted to have a line of coke I said sure. Well it wasn't coke it was Fentanyl, many times stronger than morphine or heroin.
I passed out. I should have died right then but the 2 "hosts" of the party took out their syringe and injected me with cocaine to "wake" me up. When I came to I saw a needle in my arm but I was too groggy to stop and it probably saved
my life anyway.
Since then I have kept that little secret hidden...since 1981. I discovered I had HepC in 2006. Now I am symptomatic and a quick responder but a relapser.
If I dwell on those 2 guys that tried to get me drugged so they could take advantage of me it makes me want to throw up. So I don't. They are probably dead now anyway. They were very rich and related to the Shah of Iran so when I called a police detective to get them arrested, they walked out of jail in an hour with "diplomatic immunity". I had to let it go and move on.
ALAGIRL...How sick are you? Is it HepC related? How long have you had HepC? What kind of symptoms do you have? Have you had a biopsy? Are you under a doctors care?
-S
Ahhh Cigaso --- see --- I opened my mouth --- WENT for FMLA immediately --- screamed it from the top of my lungs --- and they don't dare fire me --- unless I totally screw up.
But --- then --- They also know I'd pound every dollar out of a lawsuit... LOL!
I work for a good company - that has lots of compassion.
I think it depends on each person.
Meki
But --- then --- They also know I'd pound every dollar out of a lawsuit... LOL!
I work for a good company - that has lots of compassion.
I think it depends on each person.
Meki
You're damn right there is a stigma. I got fired because of my HCV infection and tx. Be very careful who you tell in the work environment. Guard every word and know what your going to say before any discussions. Often times it is HR's goal to weed you out. I know every company is different, but that stigma is difficult to work around.
alagirl,
That's a tough situation and I'm sorry you had to go through it. I have a wife, a daughter and four sisters. If that happened to any of them, I would want to kill the guy.
alagirl,
That's a tough situation and I'm sorry you had to go through it. I have a wife, a daughter and four sisters. If that happened to any of them, I would want to kill the guy.
Jenn - if you have pictures of them (digital camera - store to computer) and can get them to me --- or I can walk you through Blogspot.. http://www.blogspot.com ---- it's the easiest to use.
Thank you for your offer! I have alot to learn about posting pictures & blogging. I would love to have you post them if I can get it together & submit them without any of my glitches. I do tend to make things harder than they are. Good wishes to you and everyone! Jenn
The stigma plagues me. It is why I will never tell anybody about the HCV since I reached SVR. I would have told fewer if I had known then what I know now.
You can stare at the tree, or your feet, or whatever and say something like,.... um-oh, um, I am not real sure when I was infected... Which in 9 times out of 10, is the truth with Hep C. That's not a lie (unless you know absolutely when you did get infected), and at the same time, it's not divulging to people, how you suspect that you really got it. There are some people who I can trust and know well enough to where I could share the information that in my late teens, I abused drugs and so on and so forth. On the other hand, I don't want to open up my past to the rejection by others, to someone who is just an aquaintance either. Yea, I know, it's contributing to the stigma. Also, I sometimes just offer up the explanation that "I have a chronic liver disease that's being treated", and leave it at that. I feel that for most people that I meet casually, it's really none of their business. So, that's how I deal with it.
Susan
Susan
Thanks for all of your kind words and well wishes. I think that a big part of the problem I am having is that I am having to go through a lot of this alone. My mom and stepdad and the rest of my family (siblings) live in Texas. I have only one close friend here that I can tell, and then there is my son (he is 19) and he is marvelous, and very supportive, but that's about it here. I'll be telling my dad and grandmother here just because I may need support in terms of drivers and whatnot, but they aren't the warmest people in the world. Other than that, I don't have any support and its difficult. I see a psychiatrist every other week. You guys have been very helpful and I appreciate you more than I can say for seeing me through this very difficult time.
hi all..
my bf has hepC....and when we first met over two years ago...he told me he had something..an illness...and was a bit mysterious about it. He told me pretty quickly...within the first week of knowing each other...and at first i was a bit frightened by it...and did research it too.
he is in the music business and back in his teens/ twenties he was mr sex , drugs and rocknroll guy and thats when he got hep C.
So now..not only did i have a guy who had this disease...but also...here i am, straight as a pin...no drugs ..a little drinking..but nothing much at all...and he has hep C from doing iv drugs to boot.
he doesnt do that now and stopped over thirty years ago...but the damage was done.
not only was their the illness that was alien to me...but his drug history too was way out of familiar territory to me.
I will be honest and admit some part of me wanted to run run run from him...because he was everything i was not. and never dared venture towards.
but that heart to heart connection got the better of me..and helped me to see beyond my fear and the "stigmas".
I dont see him as a guy with HepC ..in fact, i really dont dwell on it much ..i just see him as a guy !
the man he is.
sure the disease has its way of intruding and constant reminders of its presence..but i feel compassion for him...
One thing though...i have never told my family about the HepC because i know they would not see past the stigma..and the fear..etc...
so for my benefit..i have kept that confidential.
Its hard enough to be sick but then to be alienated or feel like a reject or something is awful.
You are human beings..and just as lovable as anyone else...
dont let the disease define you.
xo
darcar
my bf has hepC....and when we first met over two years ago...he told me he had something..an illness...and was a bit mysterious about it. He told me pretty quickly...within the first week of knowing each other...and at first i was a bit frightened by it...and did research it too.
he is in the music business and back in his teens/ twenties he was mr sex , drugs and rocknroll guy and thats when he got hep C.
So now..not only did i have a guy who had this disease...but also...here i am, straight as a pin...no drugs ..a little drinking..but nothing much at all...and he has hep C from doing iv drugs to boot.
he doesnt do that now and stopped over thirty years ago...but the damage was done.
not only was their the illness that was alien to me...but his drug history too was way out of familiar territory to me.
I will be honest and admit some part of me wanted to run run run from him...because he was everything i was not. and never dared venture towards.
but that heart to heart connection got the better of me..and helped me to see beyond my fear and the "stigmas".
I dont see him as a guy with HepC ..in fact, i really dont dwell on it much ..i just see him as a guy !
the man he is.
sure the disease has its way of intruding and constant reminders of its presence..but i feel compassion for him...
One thing though...i have never told my family about the HepC because i know they would not see past the stigma..and the fear..etc...
so for my benefit..i have kept that confidential.
Its hard enough to be sick but then to be alienated or feel like a reject or something is awful.
You are human beings..and just as lovable as anyone else...
dont let the disease define you.
xo
darcar
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