PhysiciansforPatients - Created by physicians. Made for Patients.

Krystal

I was diagnosed in 1997 after giving birth to my son. I had a high fever that the Dr's couldn't get medication to break and my white blood cell count was very high. They initial checked me for lukemia considering that has come up in my family a few times. After running many many blood tests for various blood diseases they finally came up with Hep C. At the time, I hadn't had any body piercings other than my ears which had been done with disposable guns that only pierced once and had to be thrown away.  The only thing we could figure my Hep C came from was from when I was born in 1976 as premature and needed several blood transfusions. I never was aware that I had any symptoms. I was tired at times but always ruled it out as it was from going to school and staying up late, just a typical kid. Even to this day I really don't have symptoms, again maybe tired sometimes and maybe a bit of tenderness on my right side but nothing else. I probably wouldnt have known about my Hep C if I wouldnt have had my son.

10 months ago

Jennifer

I had my first episode of TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) in 1988 which required transfusions with numerous blood products and included a treatment called Plasma Exchange/Plasma Pherisis.

I wasn't diagnosed with HepC until 1997...almost by accident.  I wonder how much longer I would have gone without diagnosis if one of my smart docs tested for HepC because of my slightly elevated liver tests. 

I've heard of a government program said to make potential HepC patients aware of the possibility of the virus being given to them from an infected blood donor...Lookback program?  I've never received a letter....

11 months ago