I woke up one morning in severe pain.

That pain has never gone away.

I went back and forth to the hospital emergency room several times for pain shots. My primary doctor finally sent me to a rheumatologist. After a thorough examination and many tests, he asked me if I had ever tested positive for hepatitis C. I told him that I had a couple of years before, but the doctor had told me that there was nothing to worry about.

My liver function tests were all normal and I would probably never become ill from it. The rheumatologist diagnosed me with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, which he felt were caused by the hepatitis. I was referred to a liver specialist who told me that I was fine. He disagreed with the other doctor. He felt that since my liver functions were normal, it wasn't possible that I could have any liver damage.

Finally, I started searching on the internet and met some wonderful people on the HEPV-L list. I met a woman in my area who referred me to a liver specialist in San Francisco. I had a liver biopsy and found out that I have severe bridging fibrosis. I have tried interferon and I was a nonresponder. The doctor tells me that it could be up to ten years before I'll be bad enough for a transplant.

In the meantime, I have nausea every day. I was hospitalized for severe vomiting and dehydration last November. I have pain as I said all over my body. Most of the time I am pretty well homebound.

There are many days that I wish my partner who I nursed thru his death with HIV was still alive. I get angry at him for leaving me sick without him. Even though I escaped HIV and AIDS, I live with an incurable illness. If it weren't for my friends and family, and my wonderful new relationship, I don't think I'd want to go on living under these circumstances.

But I do have a lot of support and love in my life and I believe that God has a purpose for me or I wouldn't still be here.

Bev