I wanted to tell you my story about HCV. I am a job counselor for the State of Utah and one day, after a period of heavy
stress due to a problem relationship, I became very sick with fatigue, nausea, and stomach pain. In desperation and brain fog,
I turned myself into an emergency room, where I was diagnosed with HCV. (I have no idea where I got it, since I have never
used IV drugs or had a transfusion.) After that I tried several doctors, who didn't seem to know much, before I finally
received IF treatment at the University Hospital. My abnormal liver function tests normalized right away and, although the IF
treatment was hard, I started feeling better. After 6 months my doctor discontinued treatment and I found another doc, whom
I love, who phlebotomized me and restarted the treatment. I've been on IF since November, 1994 and I'm beginning to feel
normal again. My last viral load test was 3 X 10(5) so I know I'm almost better.
The disease has had a devastating effect on my life. My relatives will no longer see me or let me use the family cabin. I no
longer have a social life because I was too tired to see anyone. I didn't want to infect my boyfriend and so I broke up with
him. My depressed mood, irritability, and exhaustion have ruined my work relationships to the extent that I'm looking for a
new job. In spite of all this, I feel like the disease has given me a new way to look at life and a greater appreciation for nature.
I am very grateful that I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones who responded to the IF.
Sue King
Salt Lake City
