“Set a clear goal – then it will become a resource that helps you achieve it”.
These were the words of Dmytro Sherembei, head of the ‘100% Life Network’ charity at a training session in March 2016. They inspired me to set a goal for that year: to overcome viral hepatitis C in my own life.
As a teenager, I felt that fate had dealt me a cruel blow and that I had been born in the wrong place and into the wrong family; that is precisely why I had no qualms about joining the so-called ‘brigade lads’ during the turbulent 1990s.
When I was 19, my first boyfriend persuaded me to try heroin. I had no idea how drastically it would change my life, so I agreed.
When his only kidney failed, Oleksandr not only managed to receive a donor organ abroad free of charge, but also halted the progression of his liver cirrhosis – he had contracted hepatitis C during one of his haemodialysis sessions…
“I’ve always loved meat – but I’ve had to learn to love porridge,” says the 43-year-old Kyiv resident with a smile.
I live in the Khmelnytskyi region, in a small town. I am currently on disability pension, with a category 2 disability. My primary diagnosis is liver cirrhosis.
I found out about my diagnosis in August 2018. At the time, I was being treated for cirrhosis, and my doctor noticed something in my test results – or rather, the lack of any improvement in my condition. She must have suspected something and referred me for tests for viral hepatitis.
I’d like to share my story with you.
In 2015, I found out that I had the hepatitis C virus in my blood. After reading up on the disease in more detail, I realised I had a serious problem, as it is also known as the “silent killer”. I started looking for ways to deal with this problem.
I’ve won – NO VIRUS!!!
It all started on a very sombre note. I live in Istanbul, and in order to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP), I had to have some tests done. That’s how I found out that I have hepatitis C, genotype 1b, and stage 1 liver fibrosis.
"It would be hard to call the family into which I and my three sisters were born a happy one. But you can’t choose your parents, and I thank God for my family," says Leonid.
My autobiography won’t sound very pleasant either. I’ll begin my story from the moment I decided to turn my life around. Nobody is born a criminal, a drug addict or an alcoholic. Due to various circumstances, we sometimes lose our way and choose the wrong path. That’s what happened in my life.
My name is Vika. I’d like to share my story of triumph with you. I got married in September 2018.
The wedding was over, time passed, and we started thinking about having children. We had tests done. My husband’s results were fine. I was diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis C! Confusion, fear, disappointment, uncertainty – a whole range of feelings and emotions. What should we do about this?
My name is Valentina. Something extraordinary has happened in my life. I would like to share my story with you. In 1997, I found out that I had viral hepatitis C.
It was a death sentence on hold. Among the general public, hepatitis C is known as the ‘silent killer’, as it was once considered an incurable disease; it could lie dormant for a long time, only for liver cirrhosis to suddenly develop.
“How happy we are here,” says Konstantin Varyga, looking at this photo. But it wasn’t always like this… Life is full of unexpected surprises.
You think you’re ready for anything. That’s exactly how it was for me; in 2000, I went to have tests for hepatitis. In 1996, I’d had hepatitis B, which is why I decided to keep an eye on my liver. “You have hepatitis C, next patient” – that was all I heard. The doctor didn’t explain what it was.
