Stand Up For Yourself
Sometimes I read emails just before going to bed – you know, when my mind is too tired to think. One came in a few weeks ago that I gave a really polite answer to. A man had written in about how he had just been diagnosed with the advanced liver disease from the Hepatitis C Virus. His story was like mine in that he was already stage 3 liver cirrhosis. Read about Hep C is not the end here.
I heard the weariness in his words as he talked about –
working long hours every day and
worried about his diet and
wasn’t sure what was safe to eat and
what did I know about getting Hep C treatment because he
worked for a small company with no health insurance and his boss
was threatening to fire him because he worked slow sometimes.
What do you say to that?
Well, I emailed him encouraging things with lots of words like hope, strength, and protein. Yup, you know how I talk.
I got out my pen this morning and began making notes about a liver loving diet. I do it every day. My book is full of it. It’s the best way I know how to help people…. like our best friend who emailed me. Because if he eats right, he will have more energy and less brain fog
which can lead to him completing a project on the job and
wind up with his boss getting off his back
which won’t help him get treatment, but may help him to feel good enough to stand up for himself.
That’s what this is about. He is not willing to be silent any more regarding his health concerns. He told his truth to me.
What he really wanted to do was go tell his boss to go to hell. He probably wanted to tell the doctor that diagnosed him to DO something besides give him a death sentence. He would like some support from family and friends while he’s on treatment too. Nobody was listening, so he wrote to me. Anonymously. It was not a comment on the blog, but a private email.
So dear middle of the night writing friend – I’m writing back to you again. This time I’m doing it publicly. You want my honest advice? Stand up for yourself. Tell your doctor that you need treatment and you want help with pharma money NOW. Tell the nurse practitioner, the emergency room doctor and anyone else you encounter that you are not walking away empty handed. Then call them every day, write to them, and remind them that you are still alive, working full time, and that you need help getting treatment. If you don’t want to write, I’ve had readers print out copies of my blogs to take to their doctor visit.
Stand up to the medical community. Stand up to your boss. Stand up to your support group. Don’t apologize for trying to save your own life. You’re working so hard and you deserve a break.
Don’t get fired. I know you need the money. But speak up for yourself to your family, doctors, and boss like you wrote to me.
I am praying hard for you to get everything you need to move past this struggle. Every person who reads this blog is standing with you…. so you – yes YOU Mr. Nice Person with Hepatitis C: Stand up for yourself because you’re not standing alone. Xo Karen and all your best friends here on the website
13 thoughts on “Stand Up For Yourself”
I could never have said this any better, any more straightforward, or as eloquently as you, Miss Karen. You are an Angel on Earth. And though the old Hep C tx back in 2010 (Interferon) did me no good at all: It was you who helped me tremendously, and tirelessly, encouraging me to be strong and fight. God gave you the strength to help me no matter what trials you were facing, even while you were going through more than most people could ever survive. To all people facing this new treatment… all I can say is this: There is hope. I testify this new (Savaldi) TX my Dr. put me through in ’15 is definitely the Cure. I have no memory of ever feeling this good. Life is worth living now, and it will be for you too!
My sweet friend. So faithful to stop and comment on my posts. Making me cry. I’m so happy that you are feeling that good. What good news this is!! We treated at the same time with interferon. You’ve definitely been through a lot girl.
Thank you for sharing words of encouragement to other readers about the treatment. A lot are still undecided…. or the insurance company is giving them a bad time.
Like you, I”m more clear headed than I’ve been in a long time. What a miracle.
xo Karen
nice blog !!!! Karen Hoyt
Hi karen. I am not tech savy at all and i am buying your book! How do I get to your blog? I have geno 1a and seeing heptogist in one week. Recently (past 3 months) I was told I’m anemic. Going to dr tomorrow about terrible tummy upsets. I want to learn about diet.
I hope that you were able to access everything you need on the website. Let me know how your anemia is doing and also any feedback from your hematologist!
I’m not tech savvy either. If you have questions, please let me know. I took a break from the blog.. but I”m back!
xo Karen
Have had hep c 25 years, two failed treatments, currently on third treatment. Genotype 4. Working high stress job, good insurance. I know the support I receive from my small family and circle of friends has made the most impact. They have kept me strong and fighting inside all these years. Wishing all the same support.
I am sure that you have finished the treatment by now. You are probably Hepatitis C free! I’m happy that you enjoyed the article. I know you are happy to have finished treatment.
How fortunate that your family and friends are providing support. It makes me think your medical team must be too. Maybe the stress is reduced now that you are feeling more energy? I hope you will stay in touch…
xo Karen
your article gave me many information which i was looking for .this artcle is nice and intresting too. thank you for a such article .and looking forward for more article.
I’m happy that you took the time to comment. You’re very welcome and I hope you see my new blog about taking life one minute at a time!
Thank you for this inspiring article!
It was very soothing read it!
keep up the good work!
You’re so welcome and let me know if I can help in any way!
Stand Up For Yourself is the great article, i will recommend this to those who needed!Have a great day.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. This is one gets a lot of reads every day.
When we are sick, it’s not easy to set boundaries. I hope this helps you. Thanks for stopping to respond, it means a lot. I lost some comments due to a spammer and apologize for being late.
xo Karen
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