Valene's
Story
by Valene
Hi my name is Valene. I was born with a
lung disease, which required blood transfusion’s and now, I am living with
hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and other medical problems which I have
suffered through for the past fourteen years.
I thought I was doing good until I went in for an A.D.D research. I had blood
drawn and found out that I had high liver enzymes. My pediatrician said that I
had mono and possibly hepatitis C. He referred me to a specialist, Doctor
Rothbaum. I had a lot of tests done and I could not believe it when I found out
that I had hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. even though I had no idea
what it really was, I knew I was dealing with something very serious and my life
was going to be turned around.
I started the combination treatment. it was so upsetting to find out that my
parents and me would have to give me my shots at home. I had to take three shots
a week and six pills a day for the past four 1/2 months. I got so strong that I
started giving my shots to myself. The treatment was so hard on me that I had to
stop schooling, and get home tutoring. I am dealing with side effects such as,
flu like symptoms, aches, pain, crying, bruises, thinning of the blood,
excessive tiredness, terrible itching acts, female problems, and being treated
for depression. I am seeing three to four different doctors at this time for
related problems.
I was hoping under the will of God that it would cure me, but I found out that
it was not working. I have stopped the treatment at this time and attending
school again. I am in rare case of hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. I
live with the fear of knowing that the hepatitis C is still very active in me.
There is no cure and I can’t do anything about it, so I pray day by day that
there will be a cure for hepatitis C. I now wait and wonder if I am getting
better or worse. I am so young to be going through all of this without any
hepatitis C support groups for my age, but I do the best I can with God’s help.
I want to thank my parents for being there and struggling through it with me. I
love you Mom and Dad.
Thank U
The opinions expressed on
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misconstrued as medical advise.
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© 1997-2012 National Hepatitis C Coalition, Inc.
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Last Updated
March 20, 2012
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