A man from the Vale of Glamorgan has spoken of the “gut-wrenching” diagnosis he received for hepatitis C. Andrew Eadie from Barry got a tattoo on his right arm around two decades ago without knowing the harm it would cause him later in life. In April 2022, Andrew visited his GP for a suspected chest infection, but was advised to go to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff due to significant swelling on his stomach. Blood tests later revealed that Andrew, a former tree surgeon, had unknowingly lived with cirrhosis of the liver caused by hepatitis C, a virus transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.
For 20 years, Mr Eadie had lived with hepatitis C without even knowing, resulting in significant damage to his liver. He is now urging people who feel they might be at risk to get tested. His wife, Julie Eadie, described the experience of finding out about the diagnosis as “gut-wrenching”. She highlighted their realisation that the infection likely occurred through infected blood from tattoo guns used years ago.
Around 8,000 people in Wales are estimated to be living with hepatitis C, many without experiencing symptoms until their liver is severely damaged. Considered a “silent killer”, hepatitis C often goes undetected until complications like liver cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, or liver cancer arise.
Andrew’s case could have been fatal, but strict medication cleared the infection in a matter of weeks. Julie praised the NHS for the treatment Andrew received and highlighted the importance of testing for those at risk of hepatitis C. People can access a free testing kit for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Testing information is available through the Cardiff and Vale UHB Viral Hepatitis page, NHS 111 Wales website, GP consultations, or local sexual health clinics.
Delyth Tomkinson, a clinical nurse specialist, emphasised the need for awareness about hepatitis C risk factors and the importance of testing and treatment, which is curable. Andrew encourages others in similar situations to get tested. Symptoms of hepatitis C vary and can include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and nausea. People at risk include those who received blood transfusions before 1996, injected illicit drugs, had tattoos or piercings from unlicensed places, or engaged in unprotected sex.
Testing and treatment are straightforward, offering a chance to prevent complications of hepatitis C. The article concludes with encouraging individuals who believe they might be at risk to seek testing and emphasises the ease and importance of getting tested for hepatitis C.