Several years ago I found out that I had been infected with the Hepatitis C Virus.  Our best guess is that it was from blood transfusions I received after childbirth in 1976.     To make a long story short - I have undergone medical treatment (injections & pills) to try to clear the virus 3 times, but have failed.  I now have Cirrhosis of the Liver.

Living with a chronic illness has many many ups and downs. Nothing is as it once was, and "normal" no longer exists in my vocabulary.  I was not aware that my "physical" health  had a direct impact on my "mental" health.  I began having Anxiety and Panic attacks in 2003.  It began during a period I was on Interferon Therapy and my Mom was dying of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  After considerable therapy and medication, the anxiety/panic attacks began to decrease because I had  learned how to control them with proper breathing techniques.  However, I still have many times I struggle with depression.

Many people never fully appreciate their health until they suddenly have to face the fact that they now have an illness that is not going away. This new state of affairs can make you feel angry and depressed, and it’s hard to get beyond the question “Why me?” Sometimes I get just plain weary. Its more than the crushing fatigue and heaviness the illness causes. I get so tired of having to struggle just to make it through the day. I get tired of dealing with 'illness issues'.

UPDATE ON CIRRHOSIS:  I now have portal hypertension complicated by varices and an enlarged spleen.  My last platelet count was in the  30's (normal is 150 up).   I take medication for my ammonia level and for fluid retention.  At this point I can only treat symptoms and problems as the arise.  I have wonderful and caring doctor.   But I also have the "GREAT PHYSICIAN" on my side.

MY KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY JUNE 2007

Had my right knee replaced on 6/4/2007 because of osteoarthritis.   Had many complications because of the cirrhosis and excessive bleeding.  After surgery I went into the cardiac ICU unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital for a few days.  I remember nothing about that period of time except being told that if I didn't fight It would be my last breath.  I was moved to a rehabilitation center in Boynton Beach Florida for two weeks after discharge from the hospital. 

Recovery was slow and I was disappointed that I wasn't responding to therapy as it had been explained to me prior to surgery I would.  Scar tissue was a bad problem that I had to work through.  Pain, swelling, depression, depending on others and self-pity has played a big role in my recovery.  I also have osteo in my left knee and feet.  Any further surgery is out of the question. 

UPDATE:  June 2009 - Went in for my 2 year post op appointment.  Surgeon said he was going to only give me a B minus for the replacement surgery.  Stil have a limp, swelling, and pain when I apply pressure on joint.  Surgeon said that at the 2 year point it will get no better.  Will just have to make life-style adjustment and live with it.

Diabetes:

I have a strong family history of diabetes so it came as no suprise when I was informed that I had it also.   I went directly to injections .  It was a struggle for some time, but now I am "diet controlled".  

ABOUT ME  MY CAUSES

Viral Meningitis

In September 2008 I was seen at the doctors office with a severe headache, nosebleed and stomach pains.  I was immediately admitted in the hospital and was found to have viral meningitis.  I was put in isolation for 10 days (for my benefit),  I suffered severe pain and then began having hallucinations.   It was an awful experience and I hope to never go through it again.  I was discharged with a IV line on home health care and antibiotics.  3 days later I developed gross hematuria and was readmitted to the hospital for 5 more days.  I still have ringing in my ears and some memory loss.  I was given platelets in the hospital but the remain very low and my ammonia level is higher the ever.  Having cirrhosis makes your immune system weak and it is very easy for me to pick up on any germ that is going around.