Hi Lori,
Welcome to our group. I'm sorry circumstances have brought you here though
very glad to have you as part of our circle.

My heart goes out to you for the loss of your soulmate due to this disease.
I can sympathize with the pain you experienced, as I also held my Father as he
died in 2006 from liver failure. The loss is devastating to begin with, but to watch and care for someone as they die from the disease and knowing that eventually yourself may be in the same position is a hard thing to bear emotionally. I'm very glad to see that your strength and perseverance has let you carry on with your life and move forward. I'm sure you had some dark days, as I did. *HUG* I don't know about you, but I found some consolation
in the fact that I knew what my Father was going through and was able to understand and be an advocate for him with his doctors and my family. No one can understand the fears, symptoms, pain and the many other accompanied problems of someone dying from liver failure than another person also afflicted with this disease. He would let no one else care for him other than myself because of it, and I was more than happy to accomodate him in anyway
possible. Our bond became even stronger in those last months of his life
and despite the toll that it took on me emotionally and physically, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I think your soulmate is probably looking down at you now, full of love and appreciation for everything that you did for him and for being there for him to the very end.

It's great that you have found someone to share your life with again Lori. How wonderful. It's too bad though that he also has this dang disease and
has the cirrhosis. I guess there's advantages and disadvantages in that respect. Having to watch your loved one suffer through the disease and cirrhosis again, I'm sure is no picnic for either of you. But the mutual support that you are able to give each other and the understanding of how the other feels when down, sick, etc. I think would be rather wonderful. Bad moods and all, at least each of you know where the other is coming from and I envy you. I don't have that type of understanding in my relationship. He doesn't even have the slightest interest in attempting to comprehend what it is like to have this disease and how it affects me. He simply ignores it and is annoyed when it interferes with his plans or his daily life. Rather sad state of affairs, to say the least.

Any type of narcotic whether prescribed or not, makes one ineligible for a transplant. You have to be free of any narcotics for no less than 6 mo.'s before you are eligible for a transplant here in the States. I think it is a moronic requirement myself. I also have cirrhosis. Having multiple other problems where I need to take my narcotics in order to have some semblance of leading a semi normal life where I can function has also led to my ineligibility for transplant, along with other medical conditions. I can understand the need to implement some guidelines to qualify for a transplant or not. But things are not always black and white. And the way they have the system designed now it gives no leeway for those of us that don't quite fit the perfect mold. I hope your significant other is able to find someway to get his transplant and I'm here on the sidelines cheering both of you on!

So many of your friends have Hep C and so many funerals.... I'm sorry gal.
I don't know what to say. "I'm sorry", is just too inadequate. You are quite an extraordinary woman to remain as positive as you are! I feel extremely lucky that you have found your way here. I look forward to getting to know you better and sharing our trials, tribulations and joyous occasions too.

Before I go I must comment on the clinics there in Nev. and the re-using of tainted syringes. How Horrendous and unforgivable!! I cannot even fathom what they may have been thinking to do such a thing. Are they insane!!! *GASP*
I sincerely hope that there will be some lawsuits to follow up such inexcusable behaviour.

Anyway, you have my support, my caring, my prayers for all of you and yours, and my ear at any time you may need it. Welcome, welcome and welcome. I think we are very lucky to have you among us Lori. Thank you for joining and I look forward to our exchanges in the future.
Tons of *HUGS* and a few prayers thrown in for good measure.
Josi


Hi - my names' Lori R. I have Hep C and my soulmate of 30 yrs. died from it while I held him 9 yrs. ago. Since then I met someone & they too have Hep C along with cirrhosis of the liver; he takes lactulose to help pull the ammonia out of his blood and should get a liver transplant. I read that anyone using medical marijuana is "ineligible" even tho he fought in Vietnam - treatment is far away and/or rare where we live! I also have 5 other friends with Hep C & attended 3 funerals this summer..I do as much research as I can, but try to stay as positive as possible. Thank you all who start groups and allow us to exchange our thoughts, experiences, and daily fears - but prayers are the most comforting - especially when new friends are here to share the caring! (P.S. Some Clinics in Nevada re-used syringes and infected many innocent victims not long ago; many were closed down thankfully, but much damage was done.)

Welcome Lori

My name ia Laurie and I started this group 3 years ago but just this year it finally took off.

I am glad you came because here have alot of caring people to talk too.

Here is my story: http://www.hopeforhepcs.bravehost.com/

Also on the main page I have listed a lot of resources for everyone's use join others like us in support.

Most more active than others.

If you would like to receive emails daily on tes and news information on hepatitis C then please join my Hope for Hep C yahoogroup.

We get news information every day. Yes everyday there is something new coming out about hepatitis c.

God bless you and keep the faith.

Laurie

Hope for Hep C, because there is hope for hep c

Hi - my names' Lori R. I have Hep C and my soulmate of 30 yrs. died from it while I held him 9 yrs. ago. Since then I met someone & they too have Hep C along with cirrhosis of the liver; he takes lactulose to help pull the ammonia out of his blood and should get a liver transplant. I read that anyone using medical marijuana is "ineligible" even tho he fought in Vietnam - treatment is far away and/or rare where we live! I also have 5 other friends with Hep C & attended 3 funerals this summer..I do as much research as I can, but try to stay as positive as possible. Thank you all who start groups and allow us to exchange our thoughts, experiences, and daily fears - but prayers are the most comforting - especially when new friends are here to share the caring! (P.S. Some Clinics in Nevada re-used syringes and infected many innocent victims not long ago; many were closed down thankfully, but much damage was done.)

Wow.. wish I was sitting on a riverbank! Take care
Terry and be safe in your travels. Will talk to
you when you get back.

**HUGS**
Josi

just a quick hello my friends ... I am away working this weekend & am currently writing to you from the river bank in a little village called Adinkerke in Belguim .... still thinking of you all, blessings to each of you ..... will be moving on tomorrow to Arnhem in Holland, should be home on Monday evening I hope.

Terry

OH geesh... (blush). A Saint and an Angel?!! Umm... I think not!!
More like a wild child who's stubborn & hard headed and does her own
thing, always. LOL Such kind words Terry. You made my day.
You are a credit to humanity with your compassion and love for others. I'm sure you have an assigned space with the ONE too. Thank you hon for keeping my spirits up. I'm a tough 'ol bird, but it never hurts to have such a great friend. **HUGS**
Love ya,
Josi

Now now Josi, "No treatment, no cure !! (Maybe)  No salvation??? One so strong of spirit as yourself, who subjected herself to trials not just for ones own ends, but with the objective to help many ... Your Salvation is assured I have no doubt for there is ONE who Loves you more than I do & I think your a saint, an Angel & a treasure !!!!

Shalom  

Terry

Hiya Karrie,

Welcome to our group. You didn't say whether or not you have Hep C. I'm hoping that you don't. Either way, if you want to find out more about it this is a good place to start. Actually Hep C doesn't spread as easily as HIV, which is a good thing! But there are risks of course. IV Drug use is the most common mode of transmission nowadays. It certainly is more preventable these days, but not so 30 yrs or so ago. Blood transfusions during surgeries, Vets going to Nam innoculated with the vaccine guns they used over & over, gammaglobulin that Mothers were given that have an RH factor when pregnant. All of these modes of transmission were tainted and infected many people. I being one of them. Of course, HIV wasn't around then. So it wasn't preventable in those days for a large percentage of people who are very ill now. It was only designated as non-A,non-B Hepatitis and was still allowed into our hospitals and Red Cross blood products.
Despite being positive for Hep C for over 30 years, I'm happy to say that not a single family member, husband or boyfriend has been infected from myself.

Treatment doesn't work for a good many of us either. I've been through it 3 times..despite my doctor's advice not to do it the 2nd & 3rd time. I was involved in the clinical trials when they were figuring out how to fight this disease and what combination and dosages to give that worked best. I never once cleared the disease despite the massive doses they subjected me to. As with happens to alot of us. So, then you're left with no options other than a transplant. And that's a whole different ballgame with it's rules and reg's to hurdle and maybe, just maybe they'll let you have one before you die.
I can't have a transplant because of other medical conditions. So.. there you go. No treatment, no cure, no salvation. That's the options for a whole mess of people that are rarely heard from in the media or otherwise.

So feel free to ask any questions that you may have, and read all of the info that abounds here. Welcome to our little corner of the world.

**HUGS**
Josi

Hi Not much to say right now. Just a jot, to let you know I'm here. Amazing how prevalent this condition is, and without treatment can get very bad - out of control. evidently Hep C spreads easy I'm surprised when peeps pop up with it so often and the kick is they some how circumvented HIV. Scary stuff people, and its preventable.
I chose group from welcome on L Cares Wolfe page her invite @ her billboard because invite was nice too. Great group window out there with all those links from around the web!!
Thanx for havin me and for all ya'll do.

Hiya Kelly,
Welcome to our little group. Sorry about the circumstances that have brought you here, but glad to have you, nontheless!
I wish you much luck on your second attempt at treatment. Personally I'm not
an avid endorser of the current regiment for our disease, having been through it 3 times myself. But each of us must make their own choice in how to deal with our illness. I hope it works for you and you become negative. It's a tough road so be sure to have plenty of support behind you from family and friends. That will help you get through the worst of days. Plus we will always be here if you want to talk.
Many hugs to you and keep us updated as to how you are doing.

Josi

Hi Kelly

Welcome, I suffer with you only in spirit, I am in the UK & do not have HepC, reading and learning so I can keep up with the posts in here & maybe give some support even if it is just by being here with prayers.

Tj (Terry)

I live in Maryland and I do have hep c. Attempted to get treated last year, go the riba but had problems getting the interferon. I gave up. Until just the other day I made an appt. with my gastro. I'm going to try it again. I see him in about 3 wks. I don't know how long I have had it. I had a liver biopsy and I'm in stage one. Forgot all my other test results. I pray I can finally get treated this year and rid myself of this virus.
Hope to meet you all in group.
God Bless
Kelly

Great Susan. Glad to hear all are negative. Stay safe, all of you, & talk when you feel like it. Josi

susan that's great that you all are negative. i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. every state should have that type of testing. hell, i'm suppose to be getting my vaccines for hep a and hep b now that i am done with treatments for c and it's hard to get an appointment at the health clinic to even get those. they charge at my doc office for those but take my health dept. card for everything else. some kind of system we have here. fla. is a screwed up state. can't wait to move back up north hopefully soon. well, glad all is good, but i hope you keeep in touch with us. God bless and peace, kimi

The clinics where people have to be regularly tested in NV. Every one was negative. Susan

Hi, welcome Susan. Are you talking about the clinics were you have to be tested regularly in Nev.? If so, I'm glad they have added Hep C as one of their required tests. I wasn't sure if they did or not. Anyhow, I hope that your neighbors & friends are all negative. If anyone is positive or just wants to find out more, we're always here to listen or answer the best we can. *hugs* Josi

I'm glad that you personally do not have HCV. We welcome you here in this room with open arms but are sorry that life experience has taken you to this door. Like Kim said we are a great bunch of caring knowledgable people who only want the best physically, emotionally and spiritually by those touched by this disease whether it be personally or through those people in your life. Please stay as long as you like and get acquainted. We are here for you and your friends.

hi and thanks for joining our group. i'm glad you don't have hep c, it's not that fun. did your friends test positive? if they did, i am sorry. i hope that our group can help you if you have any questions or if you need a shoulder. and what do you mean about the clinics in nevada? remember, we are here. God bless and peace, kimi

My name is Susan. I don't have hepatitis. My neighbor's and some friends were tests. Due to the clincs in Nevada.