The status SVR is not well understood even by some in health care.

[Mugwump]

While fishing I recently informed an acquaintance who is a GP/anesthetist that I had undergone successful treatment for HCV. He asked if the disease had gone into remission. I was taken aback and proceeded to inform him about the details of the clinical process of treating HCV and the fact that once you clear the virus for a sustained period of time there is no longer a virus load to replicate.

He is a well respected and very professional practitioner so I was amazed that he did not yet understand the nature of HCV. He thanked me for informing him and getting him up to speed on what is happening with the clinical treatment process for this disease. He agreed completely that the disease needs to be treated as a matter of course and that the possible eradication of this disease should become a social goal of any civilized society. 

Naturally he has regular checks himself for antibodies to HCV and other diseases that can be spread from needle sticks and blood exposure as anyone who is at greater risk of exposure should. 

It seems we are just coming out of the dark ages when it comes to this and other communicable diseases and it is very important that we as a group take the lead in spreading the truth about HCV!

When I remember how isolated and alone I felt after being diagnosed with this disease in 1993, the memories of the pain and uncertainty flood back in my psyche. At that time I truly understood the way typhoid Mary must have been made to feel.

Sharing information and learning to overcome the hurt that this disease has done to us all from a psychological standpoint is perhaps the most important part of the cure for HCV. 

[BillT]

Hi Mugwump,
                   I agree with you.I think because of a effective cure now more attention is being brought to this.As I've said before a large part of the problem is it's a silent disease.Most people that have it don't know they do and the lack of symptoms complicates it even more.I have never been one to hide the fact that I had it,but it wasn't until 2004 when I was put on the interferon treatment that I really understood what I was dealing with.There are commercials raising awareness now,word of mouth from so many of us that have been treated and cured,and God love her,people like Lucinda who has gone far and above what most would do to help others.The biggest obstacle right now in my opinion is the cost of the treatment.We have a long way to go but we're just getting started.