A Life With Chronic Pain (A Hemophilia Perspective)

The majority of my life, I've dealt with multiple aspects of chronic pain stemming from living with hemophilia. Until recently, therapies and research have shed new light on patients who live and cope daily with these ailments. Also, special guest and hemophiliac troubadour Ryan Seeley joins the panel to share from his own perspective. Join the discussion, and please share to those who could benefit.

Advancements of Approved Therapies For Bleeding Disorders

With cutting edge research and technologies creating ripples through the bleeding disorder communities, gene therapy offers not just hope to patients, but possibly a cure within the next 4 years. We discuss the new drug "Hemlibra" and ground breaking new genetic clinical trials with astounding results. CLICK HERE to join the live stream on February 28th, 1PM Eastern.

Live Stream Discussion on Hemophilia

I took a huge step today and live streamed an open discussion and Q&A session on a new platform @getvokl. I opened up and shared my journey, and offered words of encouragement for those viewing. Check out the live stream in the link below.

2017 Update on the New Medications

As you may recall back in December, I set out on a new journey to better my overall well being, lifestyle and treatment regimens for my chronic illnesses. First and foremost, I began by seeking new therapies for my Hemophilia treatment. Having been on the former treatment for 14 years, I was horribly overdue for a fresh set of eyes on my case.

I'm happy to report since I started Adynovate in December, I haven't had any break-through bleeds, and I'm physically doing better. Though I have permanent joint damage and partial muscle atrophy, the twice a week injections are working exactly as the doctor said they would. I have noticed a slight increase in overall activity including walking, doing more around the house and being just overall more active in my day-to-day routine. I realize my case and situation isn't everyone else's, but I can speak now on behalf of the newer generation anti-hemophiliac factor VIII concentrates that they do work. I was skeptical, like most at first, but now seeing the results of these drugs first hand, I realize the benefit they offer. I haven't really noticed any side effects as a result of the new treatment plan.

Also, being on a new HIV drug called Triumeq, which I began taking on December 15th, 2016, has also been part of a new overall health treatment upgrade. After a month of taking just one pill a day, from my previous 5 pills a day, I officially got my lab work back this morning to see how the new drug was working in my system. View the results below.



I don't expect everyone to understand what those results indicate, but "Not Detected" or "Undetected" status on an HIV viral load test indicates the medication is working, and my HIV is controlled to a non-readable status by modern tests. This is great news, because if the test were to show a viral load number result, that would mean the drug is ineffective and I would have to try something else. I don't regret changing my anti-virals after 12 years to more refined and modern drugs, and the results speak for themselves.

So there you have it, a 2017 update on my overall health and well being. I'm doing wonderfully! And just a side note, I have been following up with a liver specialist at my new Hemophilia Treatment Center, and I'm undergoing two scans next month in February to see how my liver health has improved since being cured of Hepatitis C in 2014. Since I'm a hemophiliac, I cannot undergo a liver biopsy, rather a FibroScan and standard abdominal ultrasound. This will determine if I have any liver issues like fatty liver or scarring that I've inherited over the past 30 years of living with a HCV and liver inflammation. That's all for now, see you soon!

Colonoscopy Procedure and Results

January 7th, 2016 - The official day of my scheduled colonoscopy, with final answers and results.

As some of you know who've kept up with me via my web site, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, I've had a colonoscopy and endoscopy scheduled since finding out the results of a relative who was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since the discovery of the relative's diagnosis, I have been on a personal mission to get the procedure done myself, and finally have a baseline of where I stand. Being a hemophiliac living with HIV, compounded with over thirty years of Hepatitis C (now cured), I was in the high risk category for digestive disease.

I would honestly have to say the most difficult part of this procedure is definitely the procedure prep the day before. Drinking the Golytely solution and not having any solid food, on top of taking diarrhetic pills will make you weak for sure. I powered through January 6th, and kept on my regimen of HIV medications despite only drinking beef broth and Jello. If I can do it, so can you! Let's just say that day was one not to remember.

Click image for larger version of pathology report.

The procedure itself was fast. I checked in to the hospital, and within minutes was in the back, undressing, getting hooked up to IV's and talking with nurses and my anesthesiologist. No more than thirty minutes later, I was wheeled in the back where I met Dr. Baskar, who performed both procedures. My confidence in him grew even more as he asked yet again, "Did you take your factor VIII?" There was an entire hematology checklist I had to follow before, during and after the procedures.

Luckily, I am happy to report I have no colon or bowel disease of any kind. Not even a polyp. The upper endoscopy showed mild gastritis aka GERD, but nothing alarming.  I am totally relieved by the results, and can now take a huge sigh of relief in knowing the final results.

In closing, this journey was no where near as difficult to accomplish as I had initially thought it would be. I was able to get the referrals to the specialists, visit the specialist, schedule the procedures and then have them done all within a two month window. If I can do this, than there's just no excuse or reason why you can't either. Get check out, get a colonoscopy and get the results you need to know about, especially if you have a family history of digestive disease.

Next up for me, getting my joints repaired, starting with the ankles first. Before 2020, I hope to be the bionic man.

Webinar on Blab September 28th, 2015 - 1PM EST

Brett from Next Big Thing Radio, interviewed me last night about my upcoming ‪#‎webinar‬ on ‪#‎Hemophilia‬, ‪#‎HIV‬ and ‪#‎HepatitisC‬. I encourage you to watch this video and join me live on September 28th, 1PM Eastern. Subscribe ➼ https://blab.im/bqetva

Live Educational Interactive Webinar on Blab September 28th, 2015 - 1PM EST

Join “#iStrive2Thrive” founder & advocate for ‪#‎hemophilia‬, ‪#‎HIV‬ and‪#‎HepatitisC‬, Joseph Burke live on ‪#‎Blab‬! WEB ADDRESS : http://BLAB.IM/BQETVA on September 28th, 2015 at 1PM Eastern. Ask the difficult questions in an all new innovative and interactive platform. Get an inside look into the life of living life with multiple chronic illnesses, and how face your giants head on.

Conversations With A Survivor

Join me on July 22nd, 1PM EST live on ‪#‎Periscope‬, as I tackle some of your questions in real time about living with ‪#‎Hemophilia‬, ‪#‎HIV‬ and ‪#‎HepatitisC‬. Periscope is a mobile app, and is totally free to download, no ads or quirky gimmicks. Be sure to add @istrive2thrive as a follower so you'll get a notification that I'm live! Like, follow and help me share this awareness and advocacy event. 

One Year Ago Today, A Reflection of Life

I officially obtained my one year "post liver treatment" lab results early this morning, marking my official one year anniversary of ending treatment on Sovaldi and Ribavirin. I ended treatment on July 7th, 2014. After one year of completing the toxic regimen, the virus remains "Undetected," which means the my Hepatitis C is 100% medically, officially and without question gone for good.

It's a little overwhelming to know that I don't have to face one of my dreaded fears of liver transplant, ESLD (end stage liver disease) or cirrhosis. I always projected my life going downhill in my late 30's based on how many years I actually had Hepatitis C and the estimated pattern of how the virus was attacking my liver, which was pretty regular. But now, God has gave me a new sense of normal, I'm cured. I don't take this cure for granted, and I walk each day with a new fresh perspective, and certainly with a sense of humility for the extended years added.

I remember a deep conversation I had with my wife before we exchanged vows, and in that late night discussion, I told Alexandra some things she should be prepared for concerning my health, age and overall well being. I recall that night being tearful, sorrowful and painful. But true love conquers all barriers that life hurls at us. Thankfully, she stuck with me, and now, the cure has happened. All those dark disturbing things we talked about won't happen the way I envisioned my life to progress. Even though it was my job to inform Alexandra the consequences, she loved me regardless, despite the difficulties and trying times, that's the power of "real love."

Quotes from Joseph Burke

When I first met my wife in 2008, my mind was so fixated on the "what if's" and the "could be's" instead of what God can truly do with a little patience. That was the life lesson I was taught by the Big Man upstairs, patience and forbearance. I treated once in 2006 for 24 weeks on Ribavirin and Interferon injections, to ultimately relapse 3 weeks after treatment ended. I had very little expectation going into this new treatment on Sovaldi, but despite my fears, it worked! No more fixations and daydreaming about my life spiraling out of control as my liver fails. It's pretty overwhelming, even as I write this, as the tears of rejoicing just flow.

I recall my wife telling me often, that she was praying for my cure. She frequently reminded me in church and home that her one main prayer was for the cure to happen. Above all else, she wanted her husband around, and the moment that prayer was answered, and God showed up, was mind blowing.

I'm fortunate, lucky and persevered through the trying times that us hemophiliacs faced in the 1980's and 1990's. It wasn't easy being a bleeder with HIV and Hepatitis C in those days. The stereotypes imprinted from the negative press are still very relevant today, but it's my job through this blog and "I Strive 2 Thrive" to educate the masses, and offer hope to those who suffer with my illnesses. It's enough to have hemophilia alone, but combine HIV, chronic pain and my now my cure of Hepatitis C, I've become empowered to educate those who still have those uneducated beliefs about any of the illnesses I endure daily.

This win may be of science, and the pharmaceutical company Gilead for manufacturing Sovaldi, but the real win here is one for God. He allowed me endure just a little longer, become married, and through that I learned patience and a deeper understanding of who I am, and whose I am. I count my blessings daily, and don't take each breath for granted. This cure has empowered me to help and enrich others lives, and do it with love that only comes from God. Today marks two anniversaries in my life, my parent's 37th wedding anniversary and the one year anniversary of my cure. Funny how God does that right, almost like a wink and pat on the back as I'm reminded how truly awesome He is.

A Video Testimony

Joseph is not only a survivor of the horrors during the dark days of the pharmaceutical industry, but a living miracle by medical standards. Born with severe Hemophilia Type A (less than 1% clotting factor in the bloodstream), the very product used to treat the blood disease (Anti-Hemophiliac Factor VIII) to many became a death sentence in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Plasma pools were riddled with live HIV and Hepatitis C strains from skid-row and prison locations. As a result, Joseph became co-infected (both HIV & HCV) around age 3, trailing a life of extended hospital stays, appointments and never-ending infusions sessions. Today, less than 1.8% of the 12,000 hemophiliacs in the United States are alive. Joseph is one of those fortunate warriors to carry the torch and be that voice for those who no are no longer with us. In 2014, Joseph underwent extensive liver treatment on the new drug called Sovaldi, and within four weeks of a six month therapy, his Hepatitis C virus was no more. Today, Joseph shares his life, struggles and realities of living with debilitating complications resulting from hemophilia related injuries, and maintains a healthy lifestyle with a well controlled HIV anti-viral suppression regimen. He is unique, unfiltered and a survivor; and it's for that reason God is using his life in a major way.

10 Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a super-powered tea that can be consumed many different ways. There are so many reasons why I love green matcha tea, and it wasn't until recently I found out it's true hidden power, and the positive impact it can have on the body, especially for those living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. If you have been diagnosed with HIV, HCV or cancer, than consider this health choice option for your day to day.

Matcha is a type of green tea that is grown only in Japan, and has been consumed by locals for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. By stone grinding down the leaves to a very fine powder, the true power of this tea is unlocked. Here are my top 10 reasons why green matcha can radically help your overall health and vitality.

1. HIGH ANTIOXIDANTS
At some point in this modern world, we've all heard this word one time or another; "antioxidant." But what is it, and why should we be aware of it? Imagine this, we're at a baseball game, and the first baseman is our antioxidant. He's our first line of defense to our immune system, and keeps all the players on the field in check. So let's back up, what is it, and what do antioxidants do for us? Exposure to UV radiation over time breaks down our skin's cellular structure, so the health geeks, like yours truly, seek those vital antioxidants to restore and replenish ours cells. Items like raw fruits and veggies, greens and yes, my favorite, dark chocolate. Matcha is loaded in antioxidants, in fact 5 times as much as the most potent super food, the avocado as tested by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method for blood-oxygen absorption.

2. LOADED WITH CATECHINS & EGCG
Green tea contains about 30% catechins, whereas black tea contains only 4% of theaflavins. Both are powerful antioxidants. But matcha tea has far more in quantity, which explains why it is associated with more health benefits. The most significant phytochemical in green tea is a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short. EGCG promotes brain health, is an anti-cancer fighting agent, increases heart health and promotes weight loss! EGCG naturally increases metabolism safely, burns fat and more importantly, reduces fat storage of cells. There are so many articles on the web about catechins and EGCG benefits, so do the research for yourself and prepare to be blown away at just how powerful these enzymes are for the body.

3. FIGHTS HIV
Speaking of EGCG, The green tea flavonoid has been linked to naturally fighting HIV as true anti-viral. matcha has been proposed to have an anti–HIV-1 effect by preventing the binding of HIV-1 glycoprotein (gp) 120 to the CD4 molecule on T cells. Plants rich in flavonoids such as elderberry, matcha and cinnamon appear to block HIV-1 and can thus help in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. So if you've been diagnosed with HIV, talk with your doctor about matcha, and consider drinking it even while on your HAART anti-viral regimens as an extra line of defense for your immune system.

4. A SENSE OF CALM
For centuries, Buddhist monks have consumed herbal teas like matcha to promote a state of calm while meditating, yet remaining alert; without the "downer" effect of a pharmaceutically induced calm. Research has shown that this is directly due to the amino acid L-Theanine. L-Theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which induces the calmness, while remaining focused, alert and attentive.

5. INCREASED LIVER HEALTH WITH HEPATITIS C
For those of us with liver disease, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis C, or fatty liver, there is hope for us yet! New studies have shown that green tea has antifibrotic effects! Which means it can reverse and heal certain grades of liver fibrosis, improve portal vein function and dissipate the collagen bands around your liver that form during fibrosis. Did I mention it purifies the blood as well? Holy smokes, that's some potent matcha! For more information on matcha and liver disease, click here.

6. FIGHTS CANCER
When scientists injected matcha extracts in tumors, the results were profound. The EGCG extracts we were discussing earlier actually shrunk cancerous tumors in the body. The catechins in green tea are able to break the molecular link between infection and cancer. The EGCG's are also active in breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin and lung cancer and cancer of the oral cavity and oesophagus, tumors in the liver, pancreas, intestines, stomach, bladder and brains. The growth of tumors is slowed down. The EGCG's in matcha stimulate cancer cells to self-destruct. For more information on anti-cancer properties of matcha, click here.

7. INCREASED MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION
The introduction of L-Theanine into the brain causes the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals alone have been shown to enhance mood, increase memory, aid in better concentration and just overall increased motor skill function. I'm pretty sure that's something that we all could probably benefit from, right?

8. FIGHTS BAD CHOLESTEROL 
I'm from a family where elevated cholesterol levels have to be monitored and is something inherited. Even with my HIV regimens, I often have elevated levels of cholesterol, which I have to monitor with proper food intake and nutrition. That's where matcha comes in, Research in various cultural ethnicity groups have shown that men who consume regular 2-4 cups a day of matcha had a lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and an increase HDL (good cholesterol). Matcha even reduces and normalizes blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. WOW!

9. DETOX & IMMUNE BOOSTING
Before matcha is harvested, during the last month of growth, the plants are covered to block out the sunlight, which causes the plants to produce a tremendous amount of chlorophyll. It's been known for a while that chlorophyll is a natural blood detoxing agent and immune system booster. That's why trends like juicing "green drinks" loaded in chlorophyll are so widely popular today. Chlorophyll is stored solar energy. But the camellia sinensis, the plant grown before matcha is made, produces 10 times more chlorophyll than any other plant. Think of it like this, one cup of matcha is equal to 10 cups of traditional green tea.

10. IT JUST TASTES GOOD
I personally consume matcha two ways. I buy the powder locally from a health food store, or sometimes online from Amazon.com. I like the brand "DoMatcha," but you may find your own brand through trial and error. I prefer a typical warm tea, two teaspoons of matcha powder with a 1/4 cup of soy milk and warm water. I also enjoy Starbcuks own Teavana line of green matcha. My favorite drink is a Venti Iced Green Matcha Tea with Soy and light ice. It's so good! I call it the HULK drink, because that's exactly what it is, a powerhouse to good health and strength.

BONUS
Matcha consumed with warm water and just the powder has 0 calories and is loaded in dietary fiber! So... what are you waiting for?

Today, My Life Changed Forever

It's pretty astonishing to think about it, and I'm still attempting to process the real scope of things surrounding the past year of my life.

On January 21st, 2014 I began a journey that would ultimately change my life forever, I treated my Hepatitis C with a new breakthrough drug called Sovaldi. Rapidly within 4 weeks of therapy, my virus went undetected, indicating that treatment was working and I was on my way to 20 more weeks of medication, lab work, doctor visits and a plethora of side effects. By the end of treatment on July 7th, 2014, I was still undetected and on my way to hopes of a possible cure.

My infectious disease doctor told me treating with Sovaldi and Ribavirin, I stood an astounding 94% chance of being cured even co-infected with HIV.

Having previously treated with much more toxic and brutal drugs in 2006, this new therapy was a breath of fresh air, but also had it's own mess of side effects. But in the end, the side effects weren't severe, and I powered through treatment like a iron arrow going through the heart of a dragon. Not just any dragon, the king of all dragons, Hepatitis.

The results are in today January 12th, 2015, 6 months post treatment, and officially I can say I am cured of Hepatitis C once and for all. My dragon has been slain, and my life is forever changed. I'm still sitting here processing the events of the past 24 hours of my life after getting this spectacular news. Sovaldi truly works, and the words cure and HepC can now be uttered in the same breath with confidence. Click on the graphic to see the lab work for yourself.

As I pause in this time of reflecting, evaluation and focusing on God more, I am truly humbled by the events of the past year of my life. Never again will I lie sleepless in my bed pondering my own fate. No more weeping in the pillow of my own mortality, and the fate of my beloved wife. To never fathom again the thought of liver transplant, end stage liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer is for the lack of better terms, new.

But, I can't forget to give credit where credit is rightfully due. If it wasn't for my persistent faith in Jesus Christ, my surrounding band of brothers and church family, my amazing wife and the endless sacrifices of my parents, none of this would be possible today. Thanks to my caregiver Dr. Katherine Smith for treating me, and lastly to Michael J. Sofia who developed this new miracle drug called Sovaldi.

My blogs will continue, as this is just the beginning of a new era for myself and I Strive 2 Thrive. I am working on a new video documentary as we speak, and I hope to share it with you hopefully by Spring of this year. Forever grateful, eternally humbled and delightfully changed, thanks to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey with me the past year.

In His Holy and Blessed Name,
Joe Burke (I Strive 2 Thrive)

A New Dawn

The labs are in for my 3 month post treatment, and remarkably, I'm still undetected! I can't begin to tell you how enthralled I am at the power of these new wave of Hepatitis C drugs; They work!

The proof of seeing cure in black and white is surreal, almost like I'm living a dream in a fantasy world that I never want to wake up from. But of course, it's not fantasy, it's reality and I'm living the life I only dreamed of as a teenager.

Never to worry about liver transplants, end-stage liver disease and all the horrific complications that come from chronic Hepatitis C. It's as if God Himself waved His hand over my life and gave me a second chance to thrive.

My liver is also showing signs of healing, as various levels like platelets, alkaline phosphatase are resolving. My alkaline phosphatase at 6 weeks post treatment was 177, now down to 153 with a normal range of 119. ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, HGB, HCT are all now normal range and have been since the 4th week of treatment.

With the healing of my liver and the second chance on life, it's now time to fix the damage of living with Hemophilia for over 30 years. On Thursday October 16th, I went in for X-rays of my bad right knee. What the doctors saw on the scans (shown to the right) left them speechless. They realistically didn't understand how I was able to even walk or move the knee as good as I did.

The cushion space as shown in the normal leg are unremarkable, while my target joint right knee is all deformed with barnacle like bone structures and literally bone on bone grinding. No wonder I suffer from chronic pain.

Within the next 4 months, I will be seeking a full knee replacement and rebuilding my body since my liver is now healed. My goal, by the time I'm 40 is to have all my injured joints fixed or replaced and push my body to limits never imagined before. I want to compete as an athlete in cycling and running competitions. They say 40 is the new 20, so we'll see! My orthopedic appointment is set for October 27th, 1PM, and I'll be sure to blog the post visit information here on this web site.

On October 10th, oddly enough my wedding anniversary, the FDA approved yet another Gilead Sciences behemoth that is boasting up to 94-99% cure rates for Genotype 1 Hepatitis C patients.

The future is here. Gilead have now combined Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and the newer formulated drug Ledipasvir.

Harvoni is a daily pill that includes Gilead’s NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir plus the company’s nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir. The latter drug was approved in December 2013 under the brand name Sovaldi, which quickly became a blockbuster. As some of you may or may not know, Sovaldi is the drug that cured yours truly.

The future is here, the Dragon Slayer nation rises! Makes me wonder how far away we are from an HIV cure? Months? Years? With my cured healing liver, a possible repaired physical body, all we need now is a cure for HIV, and AIDS will officially be no more.

Finally, here is a song I wrote in 2010 on my second album called "A New Dawn." Little did I know 4 years later, that title would have a lot more significance to me. Hope you enjoy the song, and if you like my music, head over to my iTunes, Amazon or Spotify pages for a listen.

The Uncomfortable Subject; Bullying

Writing this article is very difficult. I'm revisiting old wounds that I've long moved past from, but I'm doing so to raise awareness to stop bullying. My local television station here in Orlando WESH2 is dedicating an entire week to raise awareness of bullying, cyber-bullying and beyond; which is hosted by anchor Jim Payne. In light of this week, I feel it is necessary to open up about my scarred past and encounters with multiple bullies during my elementary and high school years back in Kentucky.

Growing up sickly immediately raises the bar for any child going to school. Being born with Hemophilia Type-A severe, which means less than 1% of clotting factor in my body, I had no idea what was in store for me in the years ahead. By age three I contracted both HIV and Hepatitis C from contaminated Hemophilia blood products from Cutter Pharmaceuticals in the mid 1980's. Much like the stories of national news headlines of Ryan White and Ricky Ray, I too faced mountains of discrimination and bullying.

Being a hemophiliac, I bruise easily, so being like any kid, playing in the dirt, on my bicycle in my back yard at home, I acquired tiny bruises all over my arms and legs. There were times my parent's own care at home was questioned by the school board, but thankfully they quickly realized I was a hemophiliac and understood. But some of my fellow peers in school didn't understand the term bleeder or hemophiliac, and in that misunderstanding, lashed out at me because of my differences.

By age 8, I developed what doctors called a target joint as a hemophiliac, my right knee was injured around 3rd grade and I formed a noticeable limp. I was mocked, pushed out the way, butted out line in the cafeteria, and nicknamed "bruise." I will not mention names, nor will I ever, but about five of my male classmates developed a sport of mocking me in front of my entire class when the teacher would leave the classroom for any manner of time. Trash was thrown at me, and yet I kept going.

Bruise, cripple, peg-leg, hop-a-long were just a few of the names. But then, later in high school, the bullying increased, and verbal mockery became physical mockery. My books were knocked out of my hands, thrown down the hallways, purposely tripped and I was slammed in lockers. At one point, my entire right arm from shoulder to elbow was one massive bruise from the physical bullying. The only solace I found was in a handful of friends who were all girls. I found out that girls didn't mock or bully, so I hung around them as much as I could to escape any interactions with those that bully me.

Many nights, I would come home from school, close the door to my bedroom and cry silently in the pillow so my parents wouldn't hear my pain. I cried out to God, "Why do I have to be so different? Why did you make me a cripple to be made fun of?" The pain of those moments was incomprehensible. The dichotomy of my life from a loving home life, to being bullied waged a mental war within me that took me years to decipher.

There were moments in which I questioned the value of my own life. Why do I have to suffer so much pain mentally and physically? Why do people not understand me? Why does my body hurt and bruise every single day of my life? Why do my joints swell four times their normal size? Why do I bruise at the simple bump or flick of a finger? There were many times, I just wanted it all to end, my life included. For some reason, death didn't scare me, mainly because I encountered so much hate and anger in my own life. The only thing that kept me sane during all of this was the love of my parents.

The veracity of the situation molded me into the man I am today. I know what it's like being "that kid" in school. I know what it's like soaking your pillow with tears from not understanding life. As a man today, I see that God had a perfect plan for my life.

Looking back now, as an adult, I forgive each and every one of those individuals that did wrong to me. I don't hold grudges against any of them, and I pray they find the goodness of God and feel the joy that I have in my soul if they haven't already.

Unfortunately for me, I had to be thrown into an adult world at a very early age, and the responsibilities of taking my medicine on time, keeping up with my home IV's and being extremely cautious of my surroundings at all times molded me to become the very observant person I am today. Name bashing get's one nowhere in life, it only lowers us to the level of expectations of the source. What's the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me?” So true.

My message to those bullied, your life is so precious. God crafted you perfectly for a purpose, and even though right now you may not know that purpose, you're still one of His. We all have to live with the choices we make, good and bad, but you also have the power to change lives and do good. Sure I cried in pillows and questioned my creator for the hand He dealt me. Don't be bullied into silence, and left to deal with this alone, and never allow yourself to be the victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, thus do not be defined by what others say you are. I was called cripple so many times, but I realized I am not my disease.

It's estimated that over 160,000 children stay home from school daily, simply to avoid the bullying. Don't let small people reduce your great worth. Reach out, talk to a teacher, talk to a counselor or church pastor. You will get through this season of life, and shine brighter than any star the heavens have ever seen. You can do it if I can do it. I'm not defined by words, rather by my Savior Jesus Christ who molded me perfectly. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." I am not my disease, I am a child of the one true King. I am Joe Burke.

7 Weeks Post Treatment

In 2006 I treated my Hepatitis C for the first time with PEG-Interferon and Ribavirin. Through a grueling six months I endured side effects no human should suffer, with a less than satisfying outcome. It took me roughly 16-17 weeks to go undetected on a 24 week therapy that should have been 48 weeks, with only a 34% chance of a cure. In just 3 weeks post treatment, I had relapsed. Emotionally I was drained. Physically I was pushed to my limits.

Fast forwarding 7 years later, and the drug Sovaldi was approved by the FDA in December 2013. By January 21st, 2014 I was on treatment with the new drug, and in just 4 weeks my Hepatitis C was gone! Not only was I a rapid responder to the new drug, but I remained undetected for the duration of my 24 weeks to July 7th.

On August 18th, 2014 I was due for 6 week "post treatment" labs to be drawn. Given my previous history in 2006, I was more than just anxious, I was on edge. The results are to your left (click image). 6 weeks post treatment, and I'm still undetected.

I can't begin to tell you the feeling deep inside. Pure joy, and knowing that God is always in control. It's easy sometimes to loose sight of Him, and it just takes a split second to look down. Not only does this serve as a reminder to me that God is still in control of my life, but He still is in the healing business. Psalm 41:3 says, "The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."

Clinically, my status cannot be called a cure until 6 months post treatment, which is January 2015. But, I'm off to one heck of a start, and I know "God's Got This."

On a side note, I had reported a few weeks ago that I was experiencing some digestive issues post treatment, especially with diarrhea. After talking with my doctor, she recommended I try a daily probiotic to balance out my stomach and restore the good bacteria in my digestive system. She explained that Hepatitis C treatment often can kill or damage the good bacteria needed to break down foods.

After just two days in taking this supplement, my diarrhea had resolved, and I was back to some sense of normal again. So if any of my fellow dragon slayers are experiencing digestive issues during or after treatment, I highly recommend starting a daily probiotic. I still have random occurrences, but usually it's based on my diet.

The Cold Stare - Chronic Pain From Hemophilia

I am going to open up about something very few know about. Only my parents, wife and a small handful of close friends have seen the real “Joe Burke.”

There is a generation of hemophiliacs alive today who are modern day anomalies of science, and the fact some of us are still alive and well remains nothing short of a miracle. This era of hemophilia born individuals has not only suffered through the era of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980′s and 90′s, but are now facing challenges even more serious with age.

Being a co-infected hemophiliac myself, which means having both HIV and Hepatitis C from contaminated blood products of the early 80′s, I am now facing a giant even more towering than HIV, AIDS or HCV: chronic pain.

Long before today’s standard of prophylactic treatment to prevent joint bleeds in hemophiliacs, patients were given factor VIII infusions on an “as needed” basis. Which means, when a joint bleed occurs, we didn't have preventative measures to stop the episodes. Until my move to Florida in 2009, I was never placed on prophylactic therapy to treat hemophilia due to its cost; often times a bill of $25,000 a month for factor VIII injections and supplies.

Often times the bleeds would stop after a couple doses of factor VIII, but more often than not, many would require more than just 2 dosages to control the bleed. Not only did this style of “as needed” treatment result in severe joint damage, but permanent joint immobility and function.

The pictures to the right show my own body and the damage done to it over the past 30 years. Pictured is my right knee, which is severely and permanently enlarged, my right elbow, right ankle and what a small bruise to a normal person would look like on a hemophiliac.

Not only over time do the joints lose mobility, but managing the pain of something as simple as standing in a shower can be extremely difficult.

Where am I going with this? I was reading a column in National Pain Report recently about a young lady who suffered from muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease and other auto immune related disorders.

Her story of being humiliated by her pharmacist in her hometown echoed many horrors I've experienced personally in requesting proper medications to treat hemophilia related episodes and pain.

Every time I visit my doctor that treats my hemophilia, it gets to the point in the visit where I must bring up the refill of my pain medication. I can’t help but feel somewhat humiliated. Not by the fact I’m asking for pain medication, but that in my asking, I’m being compared to those who abuse the system fraudulently.

I've been okay with my Hemophilia Treatment Center in asking for pain medication and receiving it — although the stigma is still there. But when I ask my pharmacist to fill the prescription, I’m often greeted with a cold stare and told, “We are all out, you’ll have to come back later.”

The cold stare translates into anger in me. And the anger manifests into resentment towards those who abuse the pharmaceutical system to get “a fix.” As a Christian man, I must love everyone, but the drug seekers are making it extremely difficult for those who truly need the medications, thus testing my patience on a daily basis. The Apostle Paul wrote about thorns in the side, and this is a big thorn for me.

Let me be real for a second. There are moments, as a man with severe hemophilia, that something as simple as showering can be excruciating. It’s hard for me to stand in front of a toilet to go #1. I can’t physically reach my back when I shower and often ask my wife to assist. Getting out of bed is a 20-30 minute daily routine for me of just standing at my dresser while holding on so my ankles, knees and hips get used to my weight. And I don’t weigh much at all, just 170 lbs.

I hate the feeling I get as the prescription leaves my hands into the pharmacist’s, and that moment when he reads the script and then the glance upward at me. It’s always degrading to some extent. Automatically, I’m considered “One of Those” types. It’s humiliating that I have to feel this way when all I want is a way to at least relieve some of the pain caused by a hemophilia related injury and permanent joint damage.

When an occurring bleed is happening, not only do we have to rest the joint and pack it with ice, but often times I’m awake all hours of the night without sleep due to sheer pain. Things like muscle creams, joint gels, icy hot etc. don’t even phase a hemophiliac. We bleed internally in the joint.

To all my blood brothers and sisters out there who are the older generation of hemophiliacs with pain and permanent joint damage, we must continue to fight and hold our heads high. We have a medical condition that causes lifetime pain and stress, and we must never feel humiliated or dismayed when asking for help to manage our pain.

Usually it only takes a moment for a pharmacist to see the damage to our bodies and the look on a worried patient’s face. Then they realize that we’re not junkies, we’re not scammers, and we’re not a threat. We are just a hemophiliac who needs help.

They have been conditioned by the DEA to think “druggie.” They are scared. They can lose their job, their career, their assets and their freedom if they make one small mistake. The paperwork, the time and the risk are just not worth it.

The misguided, insensitive and inhumane policies of our government, and the DEA in particular, have led us to create a Facebook page called Patients United for DEA Reform. It’s for people like hemophiliacs who need a voice and the support of family, friends and community. People living with pain and chronic illness.

You can learn more about Hemophilia by watching this video:

I'm Rebooting

Today, July 28th, is #WorldHepatitisDay, and as we mark today with global awareness, I want to share some pretty awesome news from a visit to my liver doctor today. I had a follow up visit with my Hepatitis C physician Dr. Katherine Smith in Orlando, Florida. It's been over a month since I last seen in her clinic, and this visit was my "post treatment" visit. The virus still remains undetected at the end of therapy, and I will follow up with Dr. Smith on October 20th for my 3 month post treatment visit. Here is a look at my recent lab sheet from the viral analysis.

I told the doctor about a few symptoms I've been having; restlessness, insomnia (mind going a million MPH), and, not to be too informative on this one, but for the sake of the #HCV community I'll list it, diarrhea. She said it was not uncommon for patients who have totally cleared the virus to experience waves of energy, motivation and strive. and the restlessness and energy at night is my body attempting to adjust to a new normal. For so long my body has been used to fatigue, lethargy and a general run down sluggish feeling that I haven't had much energy to do much day to day. Now, I'm hard wired to and ready to plow ahead. As for the random moments of dysentery, same thing applies in my digestive tract as well. My body is rebooting from the inside out. My liver is regenerating, my metabolism is rebuilding itself, my digestive tract is adjusting to a new function of normality, something I'm not used to. Dr. Smith stated that over time, the body will eventually level out, and my symptoms will become less and less enhanced as the weeks go on post treatment. Pretty amazing stuff. I never fathomed my body literally healing and regenerating, but now, it's really happening. I'm a new man, walking in a light and a new victory, leaving my dragon to nothing more than ashes of ruin and a vague memory in the vastness of the future that lies ahead.

As if my life couldn't get any better, this research was published on July 21st, 2014 about a possible upcoming cure in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As if my life couldn't get any more fantastic, the actual word cure and HIV are now being spoken in the same sentence, and the research is under way. Take a moment to watch this amazing and informative video on the new science that could possibly make HIV a thing of the past. To read the official release from the research at Temple University, click here.

30 years, 9 months, 17 days

Hard to believe when looking back, but 30 years, 9 months, and 17 days ago I was diagnosed as having HIV. It wasn't until years later in 1988 that I found out I had Hepatitis Non-A, Non-B, which at the time there were no conclusive tests or discovery of Hepatitis C.

It wasn't until roughly 1992, blood tests were available for patients to confirm Hepatitis C. It all goes back to November, 14th 1983, when my mother got a letter in the mail no parent should be expected to receive [click the letter to the right to read].

According to my mother's account, she was instructed to check the LOT numbers on my Factor VIII concentrates to the numbers they provided to be contaminated batches riddled with HIV and various forms of Hepatitis. Sure enough, the numbers matched, and so began my 30 year journey into co-infection living with HIV and Hepatitis C.

Using www.timeanddate.com, I was able to determine something pretty astonishing; I've been living with co-infection for over 30 years. But, something this past Winter happened on February 11th, 2014 that changed my life forever. I started a new drug treatment on Sovaldi and Ribavirin, and within just 4 short weeks, my Hepatitis C was gone. When I say gone, I'm referring to "Undetected" Status. Clinical protocols require a Sustained Virologic Response [SVR] of 6 months post treatment to be 100% certain; which means if the virus remains undetected 6 months after treatment, it is in fact a cure.

The picture is of me and my father in Winter 1983, and as you can tell from my pajamas, E.T. was a huge hit the summer before. I was roughly 4 years old in this picture, and based on the date of the Hemophilia LOT numbers being contaminated, I was just 3 years old when I become co-infected. It's strange saying I've lived with two deadly viral illnesses for over 30 years of my life. This November I'll 35 years old, and hopefully, by God's grace, I'll still be Hepatitis C free and thrive to see 35 more years in 2049. I'm certain within this decade we'll see huge leaps forward in treatment and cures for HIV/AIDS once and for all. It's been a long time coming.

Funny feeling it is... seeing loved ones and friends pass away, living through the crisis of the 80's of the AIDS epidemic to this point today. I can only believe and know for certain I'm here for one reason, to be a witness of the miraculous hand of a True and Living God.

I don't have to search the world over 100 times for mysterious signs and wonders of miracles... the fact is, I already am one. I say that with boldness and confidence, not with pride. My family has endured enough trauma and heartache from this wretched disease Hemophilia. But if I'm the one to survive, then I'll be the one to testify of how awesome my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ truly is. Think about it, how many people do you know that has survived 30 years, 9 months, 17 days with Hemophilia, HIV and Hepatitis C whom are alive to share their story? Not many...

Day 168, Final Day of Liver Treatment on Sovaldi & Ribavirin

Sitting down with my lovely wife, we reflect on the past 6 months of treatment, offer words of hope and encouragement to those on treatment or soon to be; and celebrate as I take my final pill.

The Final Day

My final day of liver treatment, holding the final pill of ‪#‎Sovaldi‬. 6 months completed, and my ‪#‎hepatitisc‬ is gone. ‪#‎dragonslayer‬ ‪#‎hcv‬ ‪#‎hepc‬ ‪#‎hiv‬‪#‎hemophilia‬ ‪#‎hemo‬ ‪#‎ribavirin‬