Hep C Discussion Forum

 

From HepCBC

 

HISTORY and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 

This document answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the hepatitis C virus (HCV), its treatment, and related complications. We have made every effort to provide the most current and most accurate information. This updated version (FAQ v10.0) reflects the international nature of the hepatitis C community. Although the home of the HEPV-L list is in the US, many of its members come from other parts of the globe.

Patricia Johnson (Peppermint Patti), the original author of the FAQ had asked David Mazoff (squeeky), of the HCV Advocate in San Francisco, if he could take over the arduous task of revising and updating the FAQ, and he has passed the torch to Joan King. She lives in Canada, and so this version has quite a bit of information for Canadians.

To make the FAQ more accessible to those from countries other than Canada, information relating specifically to Canada has been put in appendices at the end of the document. Thanks to a grant from the Legal Services Society of British Columbia, we include information on Disability Benefits for residents of BC. Hopefully, this section will expand to include all of Canada. The reader will also note that there is no list of physicians in the US comparable to the list of Canadian physicians (Appendix D). Anyone wishing to compile this list is welcome to do so. Please contact the authors of the FAQ.

DISCLAIMER
The information presented in this document was written and developed by patients and members of the HEPV-L mailing list. It represents an informal catalogue of accumulated knowledge by people who for the most part are not medical professionals. As this file is developed further, we will include references and citations to document more of the statements that are made here. Much of the information contained in this FAQ was compiled from the varied and personal experiences and opinions on the HEPVL and HepCAN mailing lists, and from original research published in the hepc.bull. As useful as this information may be, it must not be considered medical advice, and must not be used as a substitute for medical advice. And as always, dont forget to use your common sense. It is important that anyone who has, or thinks they may have, hepatitis should consult with a licensed health care practitioner who is familiar with liver disease and systemic disorders.

Thanks are due to the many contributors to this new official version of the FAQ. Below, in no particular order: Alan Franciscus (HCV Advocate), Brad Kane (HepCBC), Andi Thomas (Hep-C-Alert), Anne Karim, Bruce Bennett, Bryce Brogan, Paul Harvey, Cindy Torchin, David Lang (HEP Seattle), Frank Smith, Joe Shaw, Joan King (HepCBC), Kathryn Morse, Eileen Caldwell-Martin (FHCQ), Ken Benjamin, Kevin, Kunga Palmo (USHA), Sue Brown (Mid Island HepC), Capt. Kevin Donnelly, Bruce Devenne (HepCNS), Leslie Gibbenhuck (Childrens Liver Alliance), Marjorie Harris (HepCure), Darlene Morrow (HepC VSG), Lucinda Porter, Pat Buchanan (LiverHope),**Peppermint Patti**, Sara Amber (HEP Seattle), Scott Warren (aka Reezer), C.D. Mazoff, aka Squeeky (HCV Advocate), Rivaud (Hepv-l), Sheree Martin (Hep B List), Sybil, Smilin Sandi, Marie Stern, Brian D. Klein (HAAC), John & Matti Kirk, Rick Crane, and our mothers for making us possible.

This FAQ is dedicated to the memory of David H. Kehrer, LTC John Heintz (Peters) and his wife Patricia, Daniel Bodiford, Dr. Horst Irmler, Jude Saucier, Capt. Kevin Donnelly, Ron Thiel,Uncle Dave Lang, Guy Thisdelle, Apache Pat Davis, Frank Darlington, Dave FitzGerald, Sandra Tara Balduf (Ane Palmo), Herb Moeller, Kelly ODell, Bruce Devenne, Ken Thomson, and all of the many others for whom the cure came too late.