A positive attitude helps when a chronic illness becomes worse.

I am a fighter and a worker. Normally people with this virus are bedridden. I have managed not to let the virus take control of my life.

I am a gay male who did not get this virus through a relationship. The most common ways of becoming infected are: HIV, AIDS, and drugs (sharing

needles). My exposure was working in laboratories which did not follow OSHA protocol. I have worked for many years and did not allow this virus to get me. I have to survive, I do not want to rely on others to support me. In 1997 I was laid off and subsequently tried to find employment. I never gave up hope, struggled with depression as the virus was attacking me. My liver enzymes were, AST (SGOT) 280 and ALT (SGPT) 630 the normal is AST (SGOT) 40 and ALT (SGPT) 56. The Hep C doctor at that time said I have to be put on the treatment available at that time. Also, I found work.

In 1999 I received employment at an outside testing laboratory. I informed the Human Resources that I had Hepatitis C and was under treatment, they were alright with that. I also informed my supervisor of the side effects of treatment which is similar to Chemotherapy. I gave them heads up. They told me not to worry that they understood.

The first treatment was an aggressive one, three shots of Interferon, three shots a week, accompanied by Rivialviron capsules for seven days. This treatment causes sweats, fever, fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide. I managed to overcome the side effects by a positive attitude, not medication. My doctor had to give me a psychological test every two weeks to make sure I was not suicidal and holding on.

Then I underwent the second treatment, in 2002, with a different medication and regimen. The treatment was Pegalated Interferon, injected once a week, with Rivialviron capsules for seven days. This treatment was stronger with more adverse side effects. The most severe of the side effects was depression, fatigue, fever, chills and feelings of suicide. Every two weeks I was given a psychological test to make sure I was not getting depressed or suicidal. The doctor was most surprised that under this extreme treatment I kept a positive attitude to go on. This medical treatment failed also. I was getting more depressed and wanted the virus gone.

As time went on my job supervisor was constantly watching me and my volume of work I put out. Quality of my work was outstanding but was not appreciated by the firm. Every day they were constantly after me to bring my volume of work up. This was intimidating to me and I was working very hard to comply. Hepatitis C causes fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide. Despite this I worked very hard and I was still under the gun. Often I would work overtime, week ends, Holidays. My loyalty was not appreciated and as an outcome I was fired.

I'm on disability now and just completed a course in Health Claims Specialist and got a Certificate. I hope to get work soon. Last February I had a liver biopsy. The Doctor informed me that the Stage 2 Cirrhosis had not progressed and that the liver is inflamed from the virus. He also said that I could develop Cancer. I am not going to let this get to me, I have to go on.

So I would have to say in my case a positive attitude does help me. I live every day knowing that the virus is getting progressively worse. I hope that some day scientists will have a cure for my genotype (A1 Non responder). I force myself every day to go on, not give up.

Learn more about this author, Edward Spinucci.
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