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Jenna’s Story (Hepatitis C)

Jenna's Story (Hep C)In 2007, I went to my physician for some routine blood tests. About a week later i received a document in the mail from the health department stating that I had tested positive for HCV. At the time I wasn’t sure what hepatitis C was or how I had it. I did a little bit of research at the time and didn’t really understand most of it. Being 20 at the time I really thought nothing of it.

The fall of 2008, I became pregnant with my first child and I started having a lot of problems with my pregnancy. I was admitted to the hospital three times for various complications and my daughter was born early to prevent any more complications from arising before her due date.

After her birth I did more research and started visiting doctors to learn more about Hepatitis C. Over the past few years I have been through two treatments with Interferon and Ribavirin back to back. The first treatment was Interferon and Ribavirin, which is a standard treatment option. During that treatment I was found to be non-responsive. So I then signed up to do high dose Ribavirin with Interferon treatment. During that treatment I was a partial responder but my response was not strong enough to keep my virus dormant.

As of now I am 27 years old and I have cirrhosis of the liver due to my infection with the hepatitis C virus. I am finishing a liver transplant evaluation so that I can eventually be placed on a transplant list. As for my hepatitis C, today 8/28/13 I am writing this story from my hospital bed where I am waiting to see if my blood work is good enough to have a trans-jugular liver biopsy and possibly start a new treatment for my hepatitis C. This is something I struggle with every day, but I will always FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!!!! I refuse to give up and no matter what I can always say that I have done everything I possibly can to help myself when it comes to my health. I have never said no to a test or treatment.

Jenna
Maryland
Submitted 08/28/2013

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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One comment

  1. carolyne graham

    I have seen you struggle and I have also seen the fight. No matter what as your sister and as your best friend i will always be by your side and i will fight this battle with you every step of the way!! We will always FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!! It’s us against the world and together WE WILL make it! Love you seester always and forever (: <3

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