YOU NEED NOT BE ALONE
Below are statements of Hepatitis C Support Group Members group members in regards to why group support is of such importance.
THE POWER OF A SUPPORT GROUP
By, Scott Schannon
I am not a professional writer, as you will plainly see. I was threatened into writing my views on group by the organizer of this website. How I got Hepatitis "C" or when is irrelevant.
The fact is I have Hepatitis "C" and worrying about it, thinking if my life was only different, or punishing myself doesn’t change that fact.
My second round of treatments (yes, second) started in November of 2005. My last dose of treatment was August 26 of 2006.
The ONLY way I got through the treatment was the Hepatitis C support group here in Salt Lake. I was four months into treatment and had every side effect you could possibly get and ones they don’t even tell you about. I was miserable. At the time I thought I had a good support group of family and friends around me. Don’t get me wrong, having family and friends around you is important. Most times it just isn’t enough! I found it difficult to explain what I was going through and how I felt both physically, emotionally and mentally. I felt very alone and to say I was depressed is an understatement.
There is a strange comfort in finding people who are in the same situation you are. Hey, these people have been there – done that, and have more knowledge than most doctors. My first time at group was strange. I was uncomfortable mainly because I didn’t know what to expect. Who were these people, where did they come from and why were they so positive?!!! I kept going at first only because I had a lot of questions I couldn’t get answers by my doctors. God, I hate doctors.
Then I met Diane…you will find references to Diane all through this website. Diane had the most profound affect on me. Here was a woman who was going through a much tougher time than I and had the most genuine positive outlook on life. I spoke with her and listened to what she had to say and for a long time just didn’t understand. I learned that anyone can bitch and moan about all the trials and hard aches they are going through. I think we all find it so easy to feel sorry for ourselves. Especially when going through treatment. Diane taught me, probably without knowing, to find something positive in everything that happens. Now I know that sounds simplistic and Pollyannaish. Let me go off track here and tell you a little about myself. I am a very practical, need to see and touch kind of guy before I believe in anything. I am not a spiritual person. I am a true agnostic (look it up!). What I noticed about Diane is she was sincere. This was not a put on, she wasn’t selling anything. This is who Diane was and I longed for that peace. Then the light went on and I understood group and the power that group held. I stopped just listening and started contributing to the discussions. Feeling for someone in need and letting myself have people feel for me, tough for guy to do. Women have it so easy!
I wasn’t an outsider, I belonged and the group basically saved me! There is no question in my mind that without this group I wouldn’t have been able to finish the treatments. I am afraid of what I may have done if I hadn’t found these people.
Now that I am so smart and have all this knowledge let me tell you and anyone else that may be reading this. Group is what you make it out to be. Group helped me understand the disease, take charge of what was going on around me. Group taught me I didn’t have to be ashamed or frightened!
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GROUP.
Quit feeling sorry for yourself and get off your butt. Educate yourself on Hepatitis "C". There is so much misinformation out there with absolutely no data to back it up. What scares people the most is they don’t understand the disease in the first place. Find a group where you are and get to know people who are in the same situation.
It has been a long time since I felt so strongly about something like this. Please, for your own sake and the sake of people around you. Educate yourself and find people around you who understand our disease. There is no reason to be alone.
BE STRONG. BE WELL. BE POSITIVE.
Scott Schannon
DIANE, HOPE, STRENGTH AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
This statement regarding a Hepatitis "C" Support Group posted, was penned by Diane Thurmond, Dressen.
Diane was an original Founder of the Salt Lake City Hepatitis "C" Support Group. Shortly before death as a result of complications incurred while in recovery following her second liver transplant I received the below card. Extremely touching and personal cards were sent to the were sent by Diane to the to her fellow group members.
"Start each day with a song, make someone happy, serve gladly."
Diane's Daily affirmation
