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Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Wed, Feb 21, 2007, 11:09am (CST-2)
From: maxsmith12345@gmail.com
Did or do any of you get looked at and treated like a Leper when people
found out that you've got Hep C? I know here in where I live I do and it
really hurts
my feelings. Most people assume I was a drug addict and I never was.
When
I had my last baby the hospital went all nuts over it. I really didn't
like
the way they made me felt. Are they any tips for coping because its
really
hard having people think of me in such a manner.
Max
//////////
Sure.  Just develop a 'f.ck you' mentality towards those that are
judgemental toward you.  The rest is easy after that.  Who gives a sh.t
what people think, anyway?
elmo

http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile

http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Hey Max

I've had a few negative responses, but most people who know me
just wish me well and hope I kill the dragon.  And I tell folks I
dunno how I got it, it could have been when I was experimenting
back in the 60s, it could have been when I got Rhogam after each
of my kids, it could have been the dentist I went to who was
quite often drunk...  My friends are fine with whatever I did to
catch it, they care about who I am now and not who I used to be.

You can educate the fools if you want, or just ignore them...
I'm finding that ignoring annoyances is so much more peaceful,
and takes a lot less energy. So I ignore much of what I used to
think I had to respond to... it just isn't that important.  Save
your energy to kill that dragon :)

Sara

What's worked best for me is being very up-front about it.  When I was first
diagnosed heppers were treated like AIDS victims, and that made me royally
angry. I proceeded to educate myself, and then I educated everyone around
me.  If folks have a problem with my HCV, then as far as I'm concerned it's
their problem and they are not going to make it my problem.

I work at a female prison and a lot of the inmates have it (drugs).  Many of
them come to me to talk about their fears, ask questions, and learn about
tx.  I always tell them they didn't wake up one morning and say, "Hey!
Today's a good day to go catch a deadly disease!"  None of us did.  No
matter how we got it, we're all victims, and I see no shame in being an
innocent victim.  Do you?

On Feb 21, 2:09 pm, maxsmith12...@gmail.com wrote:

How ignorant even the professionals can be ... how hurtful & sad for
you & others.

I live a relatively suburban area in the Northeast &  have been
fortunate in this respect.  I recently suffered an injury that
necessitated a 911 call & ambulance transport to the local hospital
from my home.   I am always upfront with all and any of my healthcare
providers.  I was bleeding upon their arrival & they as well as the ER
staff & a few days later, the day surgery staff didn't even blink an
eye.  (I am also HepB positive though a non-carrier).  They were
nothing short than professional.  I have also been honest though
discreet asfar as informing my directors upon hire (I am a nurse).

I'm wondering if you have considered sharing your experiences with the
hospital administrator...sounds like some serious education is in
order here not to mention compassion, empathy & non-judgementalness.

Well wishes to you,

Paula