The Edit

Oh well, it's a learning experience. This is what they did to my article - hope the message still gets across!

Help at hand for Hepatitis C
"It’s a terrible shock to be told that a potentially life-threatening virus has been lurking in your bloodstream for the past 25 years and that for all those years you’ve been a risk to other people."
That was how an individual with Hepatitis C in Fife described finding out she had the condition, which was diagnosed after she offered to donate blood.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can only be passed on by blood-to-blood contact. The virus attacks the liver which can lead to cirrhosis
The patient talked to C-Plus, a charity in Edinburgh that offers support to people affected by Hepatitis C, and was reassured that it is possible to be cured of Hepatitis C.
She opted for treatment and in January began a course of interferon injections every week and daily anti-viral tablets. With only a few weeks left to go and initial blood tests showing that virus is beaten, time will tell whether the virus is gone forever.
Thankfully all her family tested clear – but she added: “I would urge anyone who feels they may have been exposed to blood-to-blood contact, no matter how long ago, to contact a support agency for pre-test counselling and to consider getting tested."

To arrange a test, contact your GP or one of the following services:
UK Hepatitis C info Line 0870 242 2467
GUM Clinic:
Kirkcaldy 01592 643744
Dunfermline 01383 624079
BBV Clinic: 01592 643355 ext 8624

Fifelife - Summer 2009