Contaminated blood transfusion left man with hepatitis C

Bob Leary contracted hep C after a blood tranfusion (Chris Austin / DC Thomson)

BOB LEARY has just marked an anniversary he thought he’d never see.

It’s 30 years since he was given contaminated blood, contracted hepatitis C – and was told his life expectancy would be 15 years.

Over the years he has faced emotional turmoil and had a lifesaving transplant.

But now, with his new liver also being hit, Bob is awaiting one of a range of successful new treatments.

It was in 1986 that Bob, now 69, required emergency surgery at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for a burst intestine.

“I needed massive blood transfusions and I remember my wife Norma asking if the blood would be OK,” said Bob, speaking ahead of today – World Hepatitis Day.

“It turned out that it was contaminated with hepatitis C, although it was another three years before it was discovered.

“I’ve tried to take the view that the transfusion saved my life.

“If I hadn’t got that blood I’d have died. It just happened that I got this from it.”

Bob, from Bonnyrigg, didn’t find out there was a problem until a routine medical check in 1989.

“I was told I had hepatitis C, there was no cure and that those with it would have maybe 15 years,” says Bob, a tour bus driver and guide.

“It was a total bombshell and you go away without really asking questions because you’re too stunned.

“I didn’t really even know what hepatitis C was, never mind what I was going to be facing.”

Bob took part in various medical trials as researchers tried out potential treatments.

He also made lifestyle changes and despite having only ever been a social drinker, he gave up alcohol.

In 2010, though, as a result of his condition, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.

“That’s the thing, as soon as the word cirrhosis is mentioned people think of alcohol and that it’s your fault.”

The resultant damage to Bob’s liver was such that by the summer of 2013 a transplant was the only option.

It was a shockingly rapid deterioration and Bob knew time was running out fast.

He was given much-needed support by the Hepatitis C Trust and, thankfully, he got a transplant on December 30, 2013.

“I don’t think I’d have lasted another six months if I hadn’t had it,” says Bob.

“I was lucky. But I think I had been bottling up my feelings for a long time because – and I’m really not a crier – I found myself bursting into tears a couple of times in the days afterwards.”

The transplant gave Bob a new lease of life, but the hepatitis C virus is still present and slowly attacking his new liver.

There are now several very effective but expensive treatments, clearing the virus well over 90% of the time.

“I’m not one of those eligible at the moment but I’m hoping that changes as it doesn’t make sense that the transplant should be affected,” adds Bob.

Visit hepctrust.org.uk

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