Rep. Hank Johnson struggles with hepatitis C
- 12/14/09
- Categorized in: DeKalb News
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson announced this month that he has struggled with hepatitis C, a serious liver virus, for more than a decade.
“Over the past year, I have been on a robust course of treatment for hepatitis C, a virus that affects more than four million Americans,” Johnson, D-GA-04, said in a statement released Dec. 7. “I am pleased to announce that my therapy is progressing well. My physician is encouraged by my response to treatment and expects complete success eradicating the virus.”
Hepatitis C has no vaccine and does not show symptoms until it has caused advanced liver damage. Johnson said he does not know how he contracted the disease, which can be transmitted through blood transfusions and needle use, among other ways. He discovered he had the disease in 1998, said Andy Phelan, a Johnson spokesman.
The congressman has been undergoing treatments at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with a combination of interferon and ribavirin, which have caused negative side effects, Phelan said. The treatment, which ends in February, has caused thyroid issues and depression for which Johnson is also being treated.
“He’s slowed down not because of the virus but because of the treatment,” Phelan said.
Regardless, he said, Johnson’s situation is “not dire.”
Johnson’s physician at Walter Reed also released a statement.
“Congressman Johnson can be an inspiration to thousands of people who suffer from this illness. He has been a model patient, sticking with his course of treatment even when it was most difficult,” Dr. Maria Sjogren said. “His determination shows that people suffering from hepatitis can live normal lives and continue to be productive citizens.”
Johnson is up for reelection in 2010. At least two Republicans have announced their intentions to challenge him. Phelan said Johnson’s hepatitis will not change the campaign’s approach.
In his statement, Johnson said he wants to become an advocate for hepatitis C victims.
“More than half the people who have hepatitis C don’t know how or when they contracted it. And many are fearful of the treatment regimen that impacts your life in unusual ways,” Johnson said. “Having come through a long course of treatment, I want to send a strong message that a cure is possible but you must be tested and treated.”
Johnson and everyone else worldwide, with their battle against battle with Hepatitis C, I know because I was diagnosed with Hepatitis B & D & Chronic Cirrhosis in 1987. Hepatitis C showed up in early 90's, when tests were started here in Australia for Hepatitis C, I couldn't partake in Interferon trials in 1993 due to Cirrhosis.
I tried as many natural remedies as I could, then finally I happened to meet this guy in Sept. 1998, who manufactures fermented Co enzyme Q10,well I was sceptical at first, but after a few days my energy levels increased, and believe it or not after 14 months Hepatitis B & D were cleared Cirrhosis reversed and only Hepatitis c antibodies present,
I am not spin doctoring here, it's true I have blood tests dating back to 1987, & I have several specialist reports to prove it and also a genotype Hepatitis test but my specialist says I beat Hep C before these genotype tests were available. [but I 'm not claiming a cure for Hepatitis body odor acne or anything OK.]
I will say this that good quality Q10 will energize the cells in our bodies, and everything else is a bonus after that so come on Mr.Jonathon Cribbs and Mr Congressman, I challenge you and anyone else worldwide, I'll show you the results if you like, hope I don't sound too arrogant or conceited etc. but I have been contacting Media, Hepatitis groups, Politicians you name it for 10 years now and no one will give me a hearing, and before all the other self appointed experts
abuse me and say that one in 25 beats Hepatitis C naturally [I agree with that] throw in Hepatitis B & D and Chronic Cirrhosis and the odds blow right out thanks for the chance to express myself.
Regards
Doug.