As a Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) sufferer and a former health care worker

Dear Editor,

As a Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) sufferer and a former health care worker I would like to add some information from the perspective of a patient with HCV for over twenty years. The full effects of this virus are yet to be seen in our society. Methadone clinic patients are testing positive at an alarming rate for this virus. Health care workers are not being properly monitored, and the CDC only wants new cases reported to them, yet 80% - 90% of HCV sufferers are considered chronic. Why are Police and Fire Departments, to include paramedic rescue teams, not adequately educated about protecting themselves from this virus? What about the issues of liver transplants and organ donations? Where are the discussions concerning blood banks and the ordered 'lookback' by Health and Human Services (HHS)? Who will coordinate the teaching of HCV in all the Medical Schools across the nation? The issues are broad and far reaching for my community. Many patients, to include Veterans, have been transfused with contaminated blood, or blood products, during surgery in the past. Persons infected with HCV that have never been gainfully employed can not even apply for Social Security. Those that can apply to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are being turned down at an alarming rate. I feel that our physicians and nurses are not yet properly trained or are provided an adequate education concerning HCV, and all the associated "side effects" that disable us on a daily basis. The symptoms and complaints are so vague that it is sometimes very hard for myself to try and explain to my physician what is wrong. Many chronic patients are in pain and are told that because of their liver disease they can not be given a safe pain medication. I thank you for this opportunity to provide some additional information to your readers.

Sincerely,

Kevin Donnelly,
Captain, USAR
KEVINDCPT@prodigy.net