A Dundee woman last night told how she brought up three children and lived for 16 years unaware she was infected with hepatitis C.
She only found out she had the illness after going to give blood, and now she is urging others who may be “at risk” to be tested.
The Hepatitis C Trust has estimated that up to 3850 people in Tayside are infected with the virus, but only 1850 have been diagnosed.
The woman contracted hepatitis C as a direct result of a blood transfusion in 1981, but she suffered no symptoms until going to give blood at Ninewells Hospital in 1997.
Only now does she feel ready to tell her story, as the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and the Hepatitis C Trust gets ready to bring a red London bus to Perth and Dundee next month to encourage people to get tested.
She was put on interferon to treat the disease and experienced hair loss before being given the all-clear after 12 months of treatment.
“My daughter was expecting her first child and I went along to her ante-natal appointment,” she said.
“While I was there I decided to give blood.”
She continued, “The blood was tested and I got a call to say I had hepatitis C. I was completely unaware I was infected since there were no symptoms.
“I had brought up three children without realising what was happening to my body.
“I did feel angry because I got this infection through no fault of my own.”
She added, “It just shows you that people can go around for years and not know they are infected.
“That’s why I am urging anyone who might be at risk to get tested.”
Discussing the side-effects of her treatment, she said, “My whole body was shaking and I was sweating.
“I just didn’t have any energy, but over time my body started to get used to the treatment.Comforted”My husband and my children were very supportive. My family and friends were also a great comfort.
“They were always there for me and helped me get through my treatment.”
There were many low points during the year especially she was turned down for a job in a Dundee food factory because she told the manager she was battling the infection.
Now in remission, she still goes to her GP once a year for a check-up
“Fingers crossed it’s not made a re-appearance,” she said. “But my GP told me it’s a cheeky little disease that can hide in your body and appear at any time.”
The bus will visit Perth and Dundee on Tuesday, May 18, to mark World Hepatitis Day 2010.
It will be manned by NHS Tayside staff, patients and volunteers from Body Positive, who will provide information and contact details for local services and tell their own story about hepatitis C.
The Hepatitis C Trust say stigma, shame and fear suffocate awareness and prevent people from getting tested, getting treatment and clearing themselves of the disease.
As it is a progressive illness, the sooner you know you have it, the sooner you can take action to help yourself and the more success you can have in alleviating symptoms, slowing progression and even clearing the virus.