I found out I had HCV after I got divorced at age 40 and had gone to the doctor for a STD checkup. Reviewing my medical history, I determined that I must have contracted the virus when I was diagnosed with HBV when I was 19. My friends and I were all experimenting with drugs and alcohol and numerous sexual partners back then, however I have never used a needle.

I do remember a friend of a friend that had contracted hepatitis, but I didn't know what that meant back then. I was told that snorting cocaine could transmit the virus and/or multiple sexual partners, however later on I was also told that was not true. I have two young daughters, and had them both tested. My eldest also has the virus. The doctor suspected that the vaginal delivery of my first born caused the transmission of the virus, and since my second was via C-section, that protected her.

I currently do not have any symptoms, my ALT elevations are within the normal range. However my daughter does have mildly elevated ALT (depending on who you talk to) and she is my greatest concern.

When I first began researching what HCV was and why I should care that I have it, I encountered many websites that talked about death and had memorials to persons that had died of the disease. I was in disbelief and had a hard time comprehending what I was dealing with. I remember calling my doctor and demanding that someone explain to me the truth of this virus. I marched to his office and cried in the waiting room until someone would come out and talk to me.

I had just recently started dating someone, and realized that I had to tell him of my diagnosis. I was so afraid of his reaction, and knowing that I could very well never see him again after I gave him the news. I banged on doors and walls inside my house with both fists and yelled at the ceiling, 'why me?'.

Today, I am much more informed on this subject. I understand no one really knows how we got HCV and that there is no cure. I also understand that most people die with HCV not because of it. The man I was dating stayed with me and we are currently living together with all of our children. Weeks can go by without even thinking of HCV. However, I know that one day soon I will have to have a liver biopsy for myself and my daughter. I will take one step at a time. Everyday matters. I am trying to stay as healthy as possible with vitamins, exercise, lifestyle and most of all, a good attitude. And unless something changes, I consider myself and my daughter a survivor of HCV.