I don’t usually write about personal challenges but I a making an exception today as I want to share something that could be important for you. In July of this year I found out that I have Hepatitis C (a blood borne disease that can mostly by spread by blood transfusions, shared needles, and tattoos) . I had blood transfusions in 1975, before testing for Hep C was available and that is how I got Hep C. But wait that was 44 years ago. The virus can lay dormant for decades and in the meantime can be damaging your liver. I have never been so shocked in my life. As a matter of fact, I told my daughter that there is no way I have Hep C. Lets be clear, I am not a drug user, and I do not have tattoos.
Fortunately for me, in the last 2-3 years they have drugs that have a 98% cure rate. Unfortunately the drugs are very expensive costing up to $80,000 for treatment. I am blessed that I have Humana Insurance and they are paying for most of it.
The main reason I wanted to share this is because 300,000 million Americans are infected with the Hep C virus and don’t know it. I am a prime example. If you have had blood transfusions before they tested the blood for things like Hep C, if you have had a tattoo or any risky behavior, I strongly urge you to get a Hep C test. It is a simple blood test and can be done at any doctor’s office. The Hep C virus damages the liver and can lead to liver cancer.
I am doing well and have very little side affects from the drug. I am blessed and God is walking this journey with me.
