DELIVERING SOME POINTED TIPS ON PIERCING AND TATTOOING

Body decoration in the forms of tattoos and multiple body piercings is becoming one of our most recent fads to express individual creativity.

As more and more people from all avenues of life take to the needle, the chance of becoming infected during or after the procedure is often overlooked or underestimated.

Whenever skin is broken, whether from a cut, a tattoo needle, or a piercing needle or gun, care is required to prevent infection and the spread of infectious diseases.

Infections that have occurred from piercing and tattooing include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, tetanus, toxic shock syndrome and other minor to life-threatening skin infections.

The exact risk of acquiring one of these illnesses is not known. Allergic reactions to the tattoo dye or the metal in the jewellery, and development of large scars, called keloids, are some more commonly occurring health problems resulting from decorating our bodies.

Until recently, anyone could set up shop and perform tattoos or body piercing without ever knowing how to protect their clients from the spread of infectious diseases.

Many in the industry have learned how to perform their art safely since a clean business was good for business. Others may not be so safety-conscious.

If you choose to get a tattoo or be pierced, here are a few points to help assess the safety of the operator.

Before the procedure, watch the operator, check for cleanliness, and consider whether your blood might be mixing with any blood from clients before you. Above all, make sure needles and studs are sterile.

For safety, many places will use single-use needles or will have the customer buy or bring their own set.

Operators should wash their hands before they start. Gloves should be worn for both piercing and tattooing, and changed between customers.

Equipment should also be cleaned between customers so that microscopic drops of blood are removed. The body part to be pierced or tattooed should be placed on a clean paper or cloth.

Skin that is damaged by a rash, cut, wart or other lesion should not be pierced or tattooed since the risk of infection is high.

Procedures involving the belly-button, mouth, nose, hard cartilage of the ear, or genitals are also at high risk for infection. Every effort should be made to avoid piercing blood vessels, particularly in the mouth and genitals. Skin that is hairy should be shaved with a razor, and the razor should then be thrown out.

The skin should be cleaned using an antiseptic solution that is suitable for the area.

Dyes for tattoos should be sterilised and be placed in small containers for each customer. Where practical, a clean sterile dressing should be applied after tattooing or piercing.

Take care of your tattoo or piercing afterwards. Keep the area clean and dry, do not scratch or touch it, and see your family doctor at the first sign of infection.

The safety of tattoos and piercing procedure should improve in 1999.

The Durham Region Health Department will soon be inspecting all tattoo and piercing establishments to ensure operators protect their customers from infectious diseases.

CUPID"S CORNER
This column is a response to requests for a personal classified section in our news bulletin. Here is how it works:

To place an ad: Write it up! Max. 50 words. Deadline is the 15th of each month and the ad will run for two months. We'd like a $10 donation, if you can afford it. Send checks payable to HeCSC Victoria Chapter, and mail to HeCSC, Attn. Squeeky, 1611 Quadra St., Victoria, BC V8W 2L5. Give us your name, tel. no., and address.

To respond to an ad: Place your written response in a separate, sealed envelope with nothing on it but the number from the top left corner of the ad to which you are responding. Put that envelope inside a second one, along with your check for a donation of $2, if you can afford it. Mail to the same address as above.

Ad No. 10

Respectful, respectable man (49) but looks younger who is very active and loves life. I'm 6' tall, 210 lbs. and considered nice looking, emotionally and financially secure and non-symptomatic. I won't let Hep C rule my life and am looking for a positive female to share a long-term happy life together. Vancouver area.

I watched a program on the Knowledge Network about the compensation package. On this program were Leslie Gibbenhuck and Bruce Lemer. This so-called lawyer who’s representing the Class Action suit stated that the Victoria Chapter’s members were, and I quote, "very favourable" for the package.

Well, we all know from our survey that most of our members are not in favour of the deal. Why then did Mr. Lemer say this? Why? Probably to let people think that our members were for it, on condition that his clients would settle early. That’s misrepresentation of ongoing litigation of this class action suit and its members, especially toward the members of our chapter. We all know he lied about all the issues.

This lawyer has had a lot of advertising in our newsletter—probably free of charge. He and Camp should be stricken from our newsletter and a letter should be sent to them explaining why. This Chapter should not recommend any more members to their firms. They get their fees regardless of the amount that’s to be paid to the victims. People should definitely get a second opinion from another lawyer.

These sharks (lawyers) are definitely coming out ahead of the clients that they’re supposed to be representing.

It’s bad enough that the politicians of this country are treating all "tainted blood" victims like trash. Then the lawyers who are supposed to be looking out for their clients’ best interest are shafting you, too. If this isn’t a miscarriage of justice, then what is???

That’s my opinion. What’s yours???

12. I talked to several scientists working on the internal ribosomal site entry (IRES) for HCV. This site is necessary for HCV synthesis and blocking it blocks the virus. The GREAT part of this is that the IRES is NOT found in human cells and therefore there will not be side effects. :-) The work is very exciting and promising.

13. I saved the best for last. The Hepatitis Center for Excellence is a go again!!!!!!! I spent the flight home with Mel Krajden from the LCDC and they want to involve the community at the onset. There were major problems with the original proposal, which we went over, and there will be a meeting either this week or next (he couldn't remember exactly) and they want us involved. They have a strong vision and it includes the internet, which is about time. :-) I volunteered for the steering committee. Anyway—they want more of us. They will come to a support group meeting and explain the plan. He will be in touch with me and I'll let everyone know.

I have to say there were several things that impressed me:

They really want us to be involved. They were sincere and kind. They recognize the bad start we have had and want to change things. That's a good feeling to come away with—not just talk, but action.

They have a lot of hope (in fact strong belief) that we can BEAT this thing. :-)

What are the Gaps in Our Knowledge? The Biology and Pathology of Hepatitis C

Genotypes 1 and 2 are very different in genetic analysis compared to the other genotypes. If we compare this to other systems, this genetic variance would be classified as a separate species. The quasispecies development shows the error- prone nature of the RNA virus and its ability to mutate, which may be responsible for the chronicity of infection.

At present we know that there is no HCV replication in Kupffer cells. HCV in liver cells is sufficient to cause disease. HCV can grow in transformed T cells. This has been shown to be real in vitro culture, as we can inoculate chimps which then get acute HCV, which becomes chronic.

We have also seen extra hepatic replication in peripheral blood cells (PBMC) in patients. The detection is very difficult because of lower limits of the PCR. Instead we have to look for the negative strand HCV RNA and then it is possible to detect. We can see that the virus multiplies in PBMC through RT–PCR specific for negative strand.

The E2 portion of HCV binds to CD 81. Neutralising antibodies will prevent this. It is possible for patients to clear HCV. If we infect with another strain, it is possible that chronicity will develop. Challenging with the same strain can also lead to chronicity. Therefore, previous infection does not lead to immunological protection. Yet there are antibodies that will neutralise the virus. Chronic infected individuals exposed to another strain can show antibody neutralisation. We believe that HCV escapes immune detection through the E2 generation of mutants.

Chronic HCV with ALT Normalised: We see many patients with low histopathology, but we also see high. We cannot correlate a normal ALT with a histological index. ALT is not a good marker of histopathology. There are other pathways of clearance that do not lead to the increase in ALT.

Interferon Resistance: In genotype 1b NS5A sequence binds PKR (in the pathway of interferon binding) and this prevents the utilisation of the interferon. If this mutant protein NS5A can also block apotosis we can see Hepatocellular Carcinoma. HCV itself does not carry the oncogene. We feel that it accelerates the development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma due to a shortened telomere length.

HCV and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas: HCV has been linked to both non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas and cryoglobulinemia. It has not been positively proven. Is it possible for HCV to cause this or is it due to increased immune responses? We are not sure.

Some of our members have been worried about places to stay in Vancouver when they are undergoing surgical treatment there. Hotels are usually expensive, but some have hospital rates. Bed and Breakfast rooms can be found for $45.00 a night and up.

One person reported staying at the hospital at Shaughnessy, and mentioned a place called Heather House. This member says that, if one is on Social Assistance, the room will be paid for, and food vouchers are usually given.

There is a special resource. The Easter Seal House rents rooms at $14.00 per night. There is free parking. They don’t charge tax, and the price includes a private bath and kitchenette, and chambermaid service. Coin operated laundry facilities are available. Most rooms are double. Single guests are usually placed in a double room and required to share with a same sex guest.

Another two possibilities for reasonable accommodations are the following:

(1) Mrs. Caldwell: 731-0030 - 2024 West 13^th Ave. Single and double accommodation is available, with parking, and is suitable for a short term.

(2) Helen Siemens: 733-7280 - 1049 West 32^nd - near Children's Hospital. The rates are according to the length of stay. This is a private cottage, fully furnished.

Hi All —

As you are aware I am taking a step back from class action, compensation or anything to do with these matters. I am sure a few lawyers, as well as people at HeCSC, will be heaving some collective sighs of relief!!

I had another wonderful visit to Victoria (thanks, Ron and Barbara) and I was really pleased to be able to attend the chapter meetings on January 27th, 1999. I was disappointed to miss the whole afternoon meeting, but was really glad to have been able to spend some time speaking with both JJ Camp and Bruce Lemer. Thanks to Squeeky for getting this thing going.

The one thing I came away with, that seemed to be the answer of the day, was "you can always apply to the ‘referee." (It sort of reminds me of a fight, and I certainly did not like what that implied!) I do not know where this fellow will be found, but if I was accepting the compensation, I could see myself making many applications to the "referee." My understanding is that each visit to the "referee," would not be without some risk. I also understand if you do not like what the "referee" says, you can go to court(?).

I am very unhappy about the section that discusses what will happen with excesses/shortfalls in the compensation fund—especially the line that states "the courts may adjust the compensation plan . . ."

I believe the explanation I received was that the courts have the right to roll back the different level payouts across the board! should the plan look like it is running low and there not be sufficient monies to satisfy all claims. For example, if you qualify for level 6—(cancer/transplant)—$100,000, and because so many claimants have applied, there may not be enough money to go around, and the court may request a rollback. The rollback could be 50%—which means that instead of $100,000 one could get just $50,000 and, at level 1, $5000 instead of $10,000.

I am disillusioned by the fact that the class action lawyers think our case is "risky," but I do understand how some cases, may be so considered.

I urge everyone to get all your information lined up and prepared. I have been asked by many—"What should I do?" But I am not a lawyer. What I offer individuals, I hope, is food for thought. I hope that all blood injured read all the paperwork they get from their lawyers, and understand the entire picture before making a decision. This is your life. You must take time, out of your busy schedule, to understand this entire issue.

If there are things about the framework you are unhappy with, JJ Camp says you can go to court and explain your displeasure to the courts during the approval process (April 9?).

My best advice to all regarding compensation? Do not opt out unless you understand fully the consequences of your actions! Ask the class action lawyers, and seek independent legal counsel, regarding your individual case. Should you opt out, you will have to commence an action on your own and prove your case.

Ask yourself, "Do I have all my hospital records? Do I have Red Cross confirmation of my transfusion? Do I have proof my donor tested positive?" The more you have, the stronger your case. Your case will be difficult to "prove" (and thus "risky") if you cannot get this information.

There are many good points to the Framework Agreement. This agreement will help many severely affected and poverty stricken by hepatitis C to get on with their lives. Many will accept it, but it is not for everyone. Please make this decision very carefully.

While JJ Camp assured us there would be sufficient funds to last "a hundred years," we were told by John Dossiter (Allan Rock’s right hand man) that the "fund is only anticipated to last 15 years."

Why the contradiction? Why the secrecy?

I invite any parents with hepatitis C infected children to call me for more information on the Children's' Lawsuits across Canada.

"Mass tort" action has been launched in British Columbia and Ontario. We have determined that children infected with Hepatitis C have special needs. We feel that each case should be heard on its own merit. Should you require more information on these, please contact either:

Poyner Baxter Blaxland

Jim Poyner or Ken Baxter

Tel. (604) 988-6321

Fax (604) 988-3632

Or

Siskind, Cromarty, Ivey and Dowler

Michael Eiazenga

Tel. (519)672- 2121 Local 332

Tel. 1-(800) 461-6166

For all other provinces, we are in the process of setting up associate law firms in each province. Please call me for further information, or the law firms listed above.

Sharon Matthews / Kim Graham

4th Floor, Randall Building

Vancouver, BC V6B 1Z5

1-(888)-236-7797

Grant Kovacs Norell

Bruce Lemer

Grosvenor Building

930-1040 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC, V6E 4H1

Phone: (604) 609-6699 Fax: (604) 609-6688

Before August 1, 1986

Klein Lyons

David A Klein

805 West Broadway, Suite 500

Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K1

(604) 874-7171 or 1-(800) 468-4466

(604) 874-7180 (FAX)

also:

Dempster, Dermody, Riley and Buntain

William Dermody

4 Hughson Street South, 2nd Floor

Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z1

(905) 572- 6688

The toll free number to get you in touch with the Hepatitis C Counsel is 1-(800)-229-LEAD (5323).

Pre 1986/post 1990

Mr. David Harvey

Goodman & Carr

200 King Street West

Suite 2300

Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3W5

Phone: (416) 595-2300

Fax: (416) 595-0527

Poyner Baxter Blaxland

Jim Poyner or Ken Baxter

Tel. (604) 988-6321

Fax (604) 988-3632

or

Siskind, Cromarty, Ivey and Dowler

Michael Eiazenga

Tel. (519)672- 2121 Local 332

Tel. 1-(800) 461-6166

TRACEBACK PROCEDURES:

The Canadian Red Cross Society

4750 Oak Street

Vancouver, BC, V6H 2N9

1-(888) 332-5663 (local 207)

This information is for anyone who has received blood transfusions in Canada, if they wish to find out if their donors were Hep C positive.

If you would like more information about class action/compensation, you can contact:

Trisha Plunkett Tel. (250) 479-5369

E-mail: plunket@islandnet.com

Tel. 1-(888) 780-1111