Hello to all, my name is Dale. I am a 46 years old male living with Hep C
since 1976. That puts me at 29 years now. I caught this disease while
working as a Dental Assistant in the US Army in Germany. Hepatitis was rampant back then on that Army base, although at 18 years old I did not pay much attention to it. I should have.

Currently I am married to my second wife for 3 years now. We both share 5 children from previous marriages. I did not inquire about what type of chronic hepatitis I had until about 5 years ago. I knew I had it (after a biopsy in '77 it was called chronic persistent, non-A non-B). I monitored my minimally elevated enzymes over the years. I know what the possible outcomes of this disease are because after that Army stint I became intimately involved in medicine by graduating from nursing school.

Today it is the year 2003. Something is changing over the past quarter yearor so. I feel the tireds setting in. I really value my rest. I can still
kick it out on the racket ball court, but I sure ache lately.

Interferon treatment has been around for a while. The efficacy rate of that stand alone drug kept me from submitting to treatment. The peglated (combo) therapy brings increased sustained viral responder rates. My mind is made up to go for the treatment this year. I probably have genotype 2 or 3 because of my presence in Europe at the onset of the disease. I encourage all who read this to keep hope and our Lord Jesus close to you. I am sorry if you have this lousy/stupid disease. You and yours are in my prayers. Please pray for me and my loved ones as well. It is my pleasure to read all the stories.

I am reached at thegaffer1@attbi.com. Please write to say hi.

Click here to return to the member stories list