My Hepatitis C/ My Drug Addiction/ My Life

By Betty Vega

My family growing up was small and quite unpredictable. My father was an alcoholic, my mom took a real long nap; probably for 5 years in response to dad’s drinking, and my sister escaped into books.

I became an alcoholic and went through a doomed life of self-destruction for 13 years. There were so many times I could have died but God had other plans for me. Then one day I found that piece within that said you’re done. I followed my heart and went into a detox and rehab which not only saved me but gave me a whole new beginning to a wonderful life. A life that included a beautiful daughter, loving husband and helped put my family back together. Gifts that I believed would never occur in my life.

Staying sober has brought a journey of spiritual and emotional gifts I never dreamt of. I just celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary; my beautiful daughter is now 22 and I have more friends and love to fill the universe. I expected to be a statistic at 35; that never happened. At the age of 29 I got clean and sober. My life was back.

Eight years ago at the ripe old age of 51, I had some blood work done and the doctor suggested I get a specific test done. It was for Hepatitis C; a virus I knew nothing about. I did as she asked and didn’t give it another thought. Then a week later my phone rang at work and it was the doctor. She told me I tested positive for this virus and needed to see a gastroenterologist. I remember crying as she told me this was a virus that attacks the liver and progression can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and the need for liver transplant. I immediately made an appointment with the doctor and saw him the following week.

Here I was; given a new chance at life 30 years ago, and now, 22 years later, confronted yet again, with life and death. It wasn’t fair. How did this happen to me when I have taken such good care of myself and been clean and sober for so many years. I found out this virus is contracted through many different ways and is slow moving. I must have had it for close to 30 years without any indication, except slightly high liver enzymes. I’m still not sure how I contracted it but that didn’t matter anymore.

I went on the treatment protocol, interferon and ribovarin for 72 weeks. It wasn’t easy but I was determined to complete the regiment with the help of my family, friends and God. Together I knew I was going to make it. I learned so much about me and the size of my heart that everything appeared brand new. Instead of Hepatitis C being a curse, it became a gift. It enabled me to help others in a way I never imagined and to love others unconditionally. I showed up for life with a new perspective; one that was so enriching I volunteered my time at a clinic with people infected with Hepatitis C; facilitated groups; spoke on panels and became a more positive person as a result of my new life.

When those 72 long weeks were completed we waited to see the results whether I cleared the virus or not. At this point I was just grateful that I was able to meet the new me and take this person along wherever I went. I am always in great company.

So when that day came and I got the news that, yes, I’ve cleared the virus, still with some liver problems but no more Hepatitis C, I screamed for joy. As did those who I love and loved me through it all.

The most wonderful part of this is the learning experience of it all. I was given two chances at life. I was able to learn about the inner me I never knew existed and am so pleased to have met her. I’m extremely grateful that I have the capacity to help others and affect their lives profoundly. I am now a Patient Advocate with patients who have this virus and have watched one patient receive a new liver. I put a lot of myself into working with him and the system, and we won. So no matter what your situation is, never give up before the miracle, because we don’t know when it’s coming. I sure didn’t.