About 38 years ago Richard* went to hospital with a rugby injury. While there he had several tests and discovered he had hepatitis B, contracted from his mother during her pregnancy. His siblings also all tested positive. They had all had the virus since birth.
With no symptoms, Richard was not in a hurry to seek advice.
Enter Helen Purcell, one of our community nurses. She met with the whole family to discuss the next steps but Richard didn't attend this meeting: he didn't think he needed to. But Helen – the hepatitis hunter, Richard calls her – ferreted him out and organised blood tests. They found Richard was the worst-affected of all his family, even though he didn’t drink or smoke and was a healthy vegetarian.Helen suggested Richard start taking medication. Since then his hepatitis status has changed drastically and he’s grateful for the support. “Helen’s contact saved me,” he says.
Others in his family, sadly, weren’t so lucky; some have lost their battle with the virus Richard calls a silent killer. “It’s very serious and should be dealt with properly. “Go straight to the Hepatitis Foundation and receive regular check-ups," he advises anyone else in a similar situation.”
Thanks to Helen’s intervention, hepatitis B has not seriously impacted Richard’s life.
He still works, still follows his passion for old American and personalised furniture art, and he can spend time with his wife, nine children, 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren without any issues.
“I’m very proud of the people who care for and support me,” Richard says. "Helen and the rest of the team at the Hepatitis Foundation keep me motivated. It’s important to me not to let them down.”
* Name has been changed for confidentiality reasons.
