When I was 59, active and healthy (or so I thought), I received a call from my doctor. “Shirley, your recent blood test showed a liver issue, possibly Hepatitis C. Can you come in tomorrow morning so we can talk about your next step?”

On a calm August day, the phone call caused my anxiety and stress levels to rise to heights I had not known before. How could I have a liver disease? How did I get it? Where did it come from?

Finding a Specialist

Several weeks later a liver biopsy confirmed I had acute hepatitis. There were no liver specialists in the county in which I lived, so I found one in Pittsburgh, PA. I met with Dr. Van Thiel, a top liver specialist in the area, who ran a series of tests that again confirmed the disease. He suggested a medication called interferon.

Learning to Treat Myself

I had a choice. Do the injections at home by myself or drive to a clinic three times a week for the shots. I decided to do it myself. I learned the technique by injecting a grapefruit before doing it on my own thighs. I soon learned that side effects could include muscle aches and pains, fatigue, mood changes and the loss of thyroid function. My body reacted in a typical way with all the above making me feel pretty awful. Like I had a never-ending flu.

Searching Beyond the Prescription

Despite the toll the treatment had on my body, I actively searched for additional ways to boost my health and chances of getting well. I spoke to a pharmacist with a homeopathic background who gave me supplement recommendations. I then sought out a homeopathic physician in Pittsburgh and started using her homeopathic remedies. I read Norman Cousins book, The Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient, detailing his methods for healing from spinal illness: high dose Vitamin C, reading comics, watching comedies, all of which I added to my daily activities too.

I listened to healing tapes all the while giving myself an injection of interferon three times a week, the standard set by the Liver Association. I did this for the prescribed six months. By then, my liver markers were better, but I was not healed. Discouraged, I decided not to continue the medication. I would try to live as healthfully as possible despite having the disease.

A Second Attempt

About five years later, the doctor’s nurse called me. “Dr. Van Thiel is having success with patients in Japan who are using interferon every day. I thought you might like to come in and talk with him about it.” I made an appointment and listened to the doctor and his stories of success from Japan. I decided to try interferon for a year, giving myself a shot of it daily knowing full well the side effects, and dreading them.

This time, I was no longer private about my disease. I asked everyone I knew at my church to pray for my recovery. I continued to listen to the healing tapes. I started working with a naturopathic physician and incorporated his recommendations into my routine. They included hot herbal baths and sweating in bed under a pile of blankets and quilts. Not a person who easily sweats, so while it didn’t always work, I persisted.

Hallelujah

I slogged through the days with support from my husband and family, occasionally going out for dinner with friends. But by the eleventh month I had had it. Christmas was approaching and I felt I could not continue doing one more month of injections. So I stopped. Then I waited nervously for the results of my follow up testing. And hallelujah!!! My liver enzymes were in a healthy range! My family and friends rejoiced with me.

Well Into My 90s

For the next year my liver enzymes were checked quarterly, then every six months and finally yearly. I am now nearing 94 years old. Despite other challenges that I have faced over the years, I have stayed healthy. I attribute this to eating nutritiously, drinking minimal alcohol, staying active, and continuing to seek guidance from holistic practitioners.

I have continued to utilize homeopathic remedies. Over the last eight years, I have been working with a functional medicine physician, Dr. Zorayda Torres, in Naples, Florida, who a few months ago said I was her healthiest senior patient.

In addition to seeking personalized health care, I actively exercise my brain by writing articles for our senior community newsletter. I prioritize daily movement by doing floor exercises, chair yoga, aquacise, and riding my recumbent bike outside. And I maintain spiritual practices that help me remain centered and try to find joy in each day.

What Chronic Illness Taught Me

Chronic illness is tough. Navigating the healthcare system can also be tough. What helped me the most was leaning on community, being open to alternative medicine, and not giving up.

Here’s to good health!