Thought I'd start this post at the beginning of my journey with liver failure. I know that everyone has a different diagnosis and path they go down before being listed and receiving a transplant. I'm aware that many never receive what I believe to be the most altruistic form of giving, organ donation or the Gift of Life.
The year 2002 came with a big surprise. After several weeks of constant fatigue, nausea and inability to eat, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. I always thought I was pretty informed about most diseases, being an RN, but I found I under-informed and so were the majority of healthcare workers.
I have found that the leading cause for liver transplants in 2008 is liver failure related to Hepatitis C. It makes me wonder why there are no public service announcements about hepatitis C? Where is the funding for research and treatment? Why was this disease that is transmitted via blood, not tested in our blood supply system until 1992? Why does the military still use airgun immunizations when it has been proven as a method of contamination and exposure? How do manicure/pedicure salons remain open and not have to post the risk of exposure?
Another real concern is, how many times do we have to have mass exposure to this virus by the medical community, such as the clinic in Las Vegas who recently exposed thousands of patients to hepatitis and HIV to save a few dollars, using a single dose vial of medication for multiple patients? Where is the responsibility for something that is nearing crisis mode? This feels too much like the HIV fiasco of the 1980's.
So, I will continue to educate people about hepatitis C, exposure risks and encourage testing. People who don't think they have risk factors...are wrong. I'll close this part of my post but it won't be the last you hear from me on this topic.
Keep your spirits high...robin
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I am so thrilled to be here to read about you and Deb and how you are doing. If I don't hear from you one way, I know that I can come over here to check up on you. Sneaky, huh? My love to both of you....
ReplyDeleteSqueaker
Thanks so much for your support, Squeaks. It means a lot to us.
ReplyDeleteYou continue to amaze me with your warm support for people no matter what journey you are facing. I remember you being my rock during my treatment for Hep C, and here you are again. Your are a wonderful person and I am so glad I know you.
ReplyDeleteYour friend in Washington,
Leanne
Thank you Leanne. Debbi and I have been blessed to have found each other to travel the transplant journey, as you and I found each other during treatment for HepC. We each have lessons to learn in our lives and I see this as the one I have been given now. Thank you for your comment and support.
ReplyDeleteRead the article about you in the gazette in Nov. I am awaiting My appt with the transplant clinic at UAMS, I was grateful to find this as I am unsure and, well all the stuff that goes with this DX.
ReplyDeleteThanks Drea
Drea...have you gone to any support forums online for hepatitis C? I visit HCVAnonymous.com almost daily and found them very supportive not only with the diagnosis but in my transplant journey. I post there the same as here, as Keep your spirits high...robin
ReplyDeleteI have wondered the same thing. I work in healthcare but no one ever talks about it at work. Or in orientation. And why don't people routinely test for this?
ReplyDelete