"Hep C free after a youthful mistake"

The Hep C team at CGL saved my life. This might sound dramatic, but very true I feel.

I contracted Hep C around my mid to late twenties; I’m not sure exactly when. It’s kind of a blur to be fair, but it was around the darkest period of my addiction.

I caught the virus off a spoon that you would find in any works dispensary. I wasn’t aware the spoon had already been taken from the wrapper, but at this time of my life, I didn’t much care anyway. The spoon ‘looked’ clean and that was good enough for me. I was too consumed with the gleeful thought of the drugs. I craved oblivion! Any other considerations were not at all registering, through the high/low haze that my life had descended to.

I do not remember how or when the virus was detected in my system but do remember that when I tested positive, I handled the news very well. I filed that ‘gem’ of information in the space in my brain marked “I’ll deal with that later.” There, it sat for some time…

When I first decided to seek help for this matter, I feel I wasn’t given good information or that at least, it wasn’t adequately explained. Doctors are so busy, I know! I was told yes, you have the virus but it’s not currently active, - whatever the hell that means? And you might be lucky and clear the virus from your body naturally. I was given a little book - free of charge don’t ya know – that if my memory serves, was called ‘Hep C and me.’ I gave the book a cursory glance, it was placed in a spot in my room and there it still lies…

I had heard some horror stories about the medication that was being used to treat Hep C at the time. ‘Interferon’ - even the name sounds sketchy to me! I was in no frame of mind to be submitting to a course of that ‘lovely’ stuff! So once again, the information was filed under ‘later, I’ll deal with it later.’ Of course, I would deal with the problem! My liver was at stake and I didn’t fancy the odds.

Much, much drug taking later, I landed at the feet of CGL. All the services I’ve used in Birmingham were good but CGL seemed different; at least from my perspective. Or maybe it was me? I’d grown personally, but also grown weary from the grind of the lifestyle I was trapped in. I was a little more open and ready to make positive changes.

Sharon, my keyworker at the time, told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to sort out my Hep C status. I could see she meant business, so for once I’m grateful I listened. If you read this Sharon, much respect to you…thank you!

Once I was sold on the idea, the process couldn’t have been smoother and more stress-free. My bloods were taken and a short while later the results came through; still positive! Guess I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. I understandably was nervous over the news but was reassured by the excellent nurses and staff helping me throughout this difficult time. They explained that the medication currently being used is far less traumatic on the body than the ‘old interferon.’ By then, I’d seen people use that drug and the effects I’d witnessed were not at all encouraging.

More appointments followed and my liver was scanned for damage. I was completely anxious during this moment, but again, the staff were wonderful and eased any jitters I might have felt. My liver damage reading was 8.6 I believe. A reading of 10 is cirrhosis! The news visibly upset me but I was informed that if I lived as healthier lifestyle as I could allow myself, my precious liver would heal over time - a little like myself I feel. It seemed like I’d caught the invader in the nick of time.

I was given the medication and a follow-up appointment for when the course was due to complete. The drugs went down fine - they usually did where I was concerned. I felt not one side effect from the treatment, which was a huge relief.

As the days went by, the anxiety I’d once felt began to dissipate...instead I felt a sense of hope. This is what I’d been so worried about? I asked myself. It now seemed as if I had nothing to worry about at all. The time and energy I’d used, burying this problem in my mind, now seemed like such a waste.

I had my follow-up appointment and was overwhelmed with joy and sweet relief, with the news that with the help of the drugs, my body had cleared this dark force! It was done; I was finally free from Hep C and that stupid youthful mistake. I remember smiling a happy smile - freedom!

So, if you are reading this and have found yourself in the same bind…do yourself a kindness and trust in the process. CGL have a great team and I haven’t the words to express my gratitude.

Believe that you are worth it, have faith and engage - good luck.