HCV, can we have one united front?

[fretboard]

This question centers around the "stigma" that is attached to the HepC virus and what are we willing to do about it to start a movement which is actually moving forward?  To adequately get to the bare bones facts about this virus we have to look at some variables.  First question is who is contracting this virus?  In comparison to the HIV virus which was proven to be a gay "male" disease.  This virus has more people who are stretched across a wider spectrum or divide, you have one category which is predominately IV drug users, then you have a class on the complete opposite  side of the spectrum like "non risks" individuals.  Also, you have eveyone else caught in the middle who doesn't fit into any of these two catagories, but nonetheless they are infected wih HCV as well.  Anyways for time constraints let's just stick to the most troublesome, "the big divide".  My point is very clear, what are we gonna do to have these two catagories become one united front?  God Bless      

[fretboard]

Hey I wanted to let this post die and go away, but I made more than one error on this thread so I wanted to clear the air about it.  It seems Naomi Judd is helping others, that's something I didn't know, so here's the link.  I included part of the post, which is from 2003, in case you don't want to go to the link.  thank you

  http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlighthealth/2003-09-05-naomi-judd_x.htm

HCV basics

HCV is typically transmitted through direct blood to blood contact and infects the liver, causing inflammation and damage to the liver tissue. While a diagnostic HCV antibody test was invented in 1989, there is still no vaccine to prevent HCV infection.

"I don't think people appreciate that this virus is projected to kill four times as many Americans as AIDS," Judd notes. "It is epidemic."

"Education is the most important strategy for people," explains Bacon, who is a professor of internal medicine and director of gastroenterology and hepatology at St. Louis University School of Medicine. "If you have any of the risk factors, then get tested. If you have been infected, then get to a specialist who is knowledgeable about evaluation and treatment of patients with hepatitis C. There is a lot of misinformation out there about hepatitis C, and you have to get past it."

Risk factors include:

• Blood transfusion prior to 1992

• IV drug use

• Snorted cocaine or other drugs using a shared straw or bill

• Hemodialysis

• Tattoo or body piercing

• Shared razor or other personal items that could carry HCV

• Exposure to blood in the workplace or military

"There is a less than 3% chance that the virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse," Bacon explains. "CDC doesn't make any recommendations to couples in a stable relationship to do anything differently than they did before – meaning condom use."

"I worked as an ICU nurse and I received a needle stick," Judd says. "That is how I was infected. I think 80,000 health care workers are exposed to contamination on the job that's why I did a public service announcement to promote retractable needles so this transmission avenue can be eliminated or at least reduced."

[fretboard]

Imr28, thank you very much for your apology, it means alot to me.  God Bless

[lmr28]

apologies for sounding harsh/preachy/judgemental.  That was my honest gut reaction to your initial post and that was what I was responding to. I did read all the following and do realize that you added more- I was simply responding to where you began. However, it was late and I may have gotten caught up in that restlessness of not being able to sleep and feeling a bit pissy, as well.  I am sorry if you were offended by my repsonse.
this has been an interesting thread to read and to re-read.  It is an important conversation to have.  I catch something new with each review.  
Peace!
~l.

[fretboard]

I apologize that my post came off as me sounding mis-informed, obviously you didn't read all my posts or you would know what happened when I posted that initial post.  It seems like everyone else read all the posts that I've made on this thread.  I wish you would, I am sorry if I offended anyone, but I have been more than truthful about all that occured.  later

[lmr28]

" In comparison to the HIV virus which was proven to be a gay "male" disease. "  
Puh-lease.  I won't even continue to address this MISCONCEPTION and UNTRUTH.  Seriously. Anyone living in the US who still believes THAT hype, must reaquaint themselves with the reality of HIV and do some research while checking out the real statistics (past & present)!!!  
~FRET- I know that you have gotten enough grief about this above, but I simply can not NOT respond as well, misconstrued or not, it is simply inaccurate and poorly informed to post the assumption (2008!) that HIV is a gay male disease.  

"Naomi Judd brought on a positive light to HCV, but fell short as far as any public awareness.  She announced that she was going to retire b/c she was ill with the HepC virus and that was it."
Namoi Judd actually has an entire web site dedicated to raising positive awareness concerning HCV.  She has worked hard to combat the steriotype and negative connotations.

someone- HCV is RARELY contracted through sex.  It is NOT an STI, STD.  It is blood to blood.  Generally not contracted through sex.  It is not contained in any other fluid.  (That is certainly not to say it cannot be, just that it is less common!!!)  

Lady Lauri- my applause, as always!  You point out sound points.  I (ironic though it is!) contracted (we think!) HCV through a tatoo in an "unsavoury" location (the location I was in when I GOT the tatoo, not the location where the tatoo IS on my body! tee-hee!).  I am torn as a teacher- I want to educate my students, but teach in a very conservatove school.  I HIDE mt tatoos!  (Oh! brain fog! almost forgot- the true irony! my tatoo is a pegasus!  get it!!!  interferon!!!  PEG!!!!  ok, it is only funny when I am in the state of beyond exhaustion and can't catch my breath!)

Trish~ excellent research and fantastic information!  Thanks!  I believe you have summed up all that I could possibly say on my own.

Lastly- (or not- may get back to this tomorrow when I may make more sense!)  It is all good and well to fight the stigma.  I believe very much in fighting the good fight.  all the way!  However.  Totally depends on your/my/hers/his life circumstances.  If it were that easy, we all just WOULD.  After all, WE suffer b/c of the stigma.  It is THERE, HERE, EVERYWHERE.  all change occurs slowly, at great cost, and over great time.  the numbers grow (unfortunately!), and with it awareness.

This was very interesting....  wish I wasn't so far gone tonight.  I have so much more to add, but can not make my fingers hit the right buttons!  (ugh.  scared to see my latest HGB!!!)
XOXO,
WE are in this together, regardless of where our beliefs lie.
~lorraine

[fretboard]

Diagnosis of HCV would end up being costlier to manage than ignorance of HCV, after all (from an insurance standpoint).

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Very good point, maybe the insurance companies are paying to keep the stigma "alive and kicking".  Why would they want regular people to take an HCV test, it's gonna cost them some big dollars.  So much money that it makes sense to me that they would do something subversive to keep the reality of HepC away from their people.  I don't know, I don't really think they have had to stoop to that yet, cause they don't have to yet.  The American public is totally in denial and ignorance about HepC, I think we all agree on that.  God Bless