​Hepatitis C Survivor  

What Is Hepatitis C?

​Written By:  Teri Gottlieb


What is Hepatitis?  Hepatitis just means inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can be caused by a variety of things, including toxins, heavy alcohol use, certain drugs, some autoimmune diseases and bacterial and/or viral infections.


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Are You At Risk? Could You Have Hepatitis C?

Written By:  Teri Gottlieb


Currently, IV drug users who share syringes, water, cookers or filters, are at the highest risk of exposure to the Hep C virus, but this is not, by any means, the only way to contract Hepatitis C.  


Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Written By:  Teri Gottlieb 


Hepatitis C is often referred to as "The Silent Killer" because there are usually no signs or symptoms of the virus until serious liver damage is present. There are symptoms, but as you can see, they are very common ailments and many pass them off as not just feeling well.


Baby Boomers and Hepatitis C

Written By:  Teri Gottlieb


Recently, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) issued a statement that all Baby Boomers should be tested for Hepatitis C. The question often comes up as to why this particular segment of people is so vulnerable. What does being born between 1945 and 1965 have to do with Hepatitis C? What was different for this group of people that makes them special in a very unwanted way?


Hepatitis C Information

Can Hepatitis C Be Prevented?


Written By:  Teri Gottlieb


Unfortunately, there is not yet a vaccine to prevent HCV infection, however, you can take steps to avoid coming into contact with the virus.

  • Not injecting or stopping injection drug use would eliminate the chief route of HCV transmission. If you continue injecting drugs, then be sure to use new, sterile syringes every time you inject—you should never reuse or share syringes, needles, water or drug preparation equipment.

Hepatitis C - Just The Facts

Written By:  Teri Gottlieb


How many times have you started to have a conversation with someone about Hepatitis C only to have it blow up in your face? Have you ever heard someone say something about Hep C that didn't seem quite right to you? You were probably right, and something was amiss. A discussion about Hepatitis C can often ignite some sparks. 

HCV Testing And Diagnosis

Written By:  Teri Gottlieb

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Many people are under the impression that since their doctor has never mentioned Hepatitis C to them that they have been screened for this virus and the results were negative. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. Currently, HCV screening is not part of a routine physical exam.

With Hepatitis C The Initial Test Result Isn't Everything...

​Written By:  Teri Gottlieb

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Recently, the CDC has suggested that every person born between 1945 and 1965 be screened for Hepatitis C.  The Baby Boomers are the highest risk group for Hep C and we need to get a handle on this.  In some cases this testing is being done and that's a good thing but apparently 50% of the people who have tested positive in this group have had nothing more than the initial antibody screening done.  This is not enough. ​

The Stigma of Hepatitis C

Written By:  Teri Gottlieb


As per Wikipedia, the definition of a stigma is as follows: "Stigma is a word that originally means a "sign", "point", or "branding mark."  Wikipedia goes on to call stigma "A badge of shame, a physical mark of infamy or disgrace." 


Damn that word. That one word can cause so much strife. The problem is, we allow it to creep into our society and the people who are stigmatized are often the ones giving the stigma the most power.