Rainbeau, you are doing a great job! I hope that your Mr. Wonderful's sobriety continues. If he got that sick from a hamburger, you can imagine what alcohol would do to him. As Dan's Brother says, I think they/we get to a point where it will be totally impossible to drink.
Dansbrother, I also wanted you to know that this disease has been around for at least 40 years, not 20. I know, because I contracted it in '68-'69. They used to call it non-A, non-B. There was no blood test for hep C until around 1992. I remember being tested then and the doctor telling me that had it been the previous year, there was no test for C. They have come a long way, but you are so right about there not being enough dollars put into research. Hep C has become pandemic, and yet it gets very little press. At least your brother died sober...but I am sorry that he had to die at all.
I was told that the reason I'm still here, after having liver cancer last year, was largely due to my positive attitude, my involvement in my treatment, and willingness to do whatever was suggested that might help. I say it's mainly due to my Higher Power and the wonderful treatment at Mayo. But I do recognize how important a willing participant is as a patient. For that reason, I will go ahead with hep C treatment if it is warranted, although it's not something I'm really looking forward to. I was given my life back, and now it's my responsibility to try to do everything I can to save it for a few more years. Obviously, I'm still needed on this earth, though I don't think I've yet found my real purpose.
Hugs to all,
Connie