My current lab results:
• ALT: 44
• AST: 22
• Total Bilirubin: 1.9 mg/dL
• HBV-DNA: ~1300–1500 IU/mL (5–6 months ago)
• Liver ultrasound (10–12 months ago): normal, F0
• No antiviral therapy
Iron panel:
• Serum Iron: 217 µg/dL
• UIBC: 42 µg/dL
• TIBC: 259 µg/dL
• Transferrin Saturation: 84%
• Ferritin: 55 ng/mL
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Hello everyone, I truly need your support.
Until recently, I was just beginning to come to terms with my chronic hepatitis B and started monitoring it more carefully.
Then I got hit with something unexpected — a high iron panel, especially transferrin saturation at 84%. This was my first-ever iron test, so I have no previous values to compare.
I haven’t seen a doctor yet (my appointment is in 2 weeks), and I haven’t done a genetic test for hemochromatosis yet.
But these results have pushed me into deep anxiety and even depression. I’m 32, and I keep thinking this adds a massive new risk to my liver and health overall. I’m overwhelmed and afraid that my chances for a long life are now much lower.
It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve started trying to limit iron in my diet. I’ve lost weight due to stress and fear of eating anything “wrong.”
I’m the kind of person who takes every abnormal result very hard, and this has really shaken me.
Please, if anyone has experience with iron overload and hepatitis B — or has faced something similar — I would be incredibly grateful to hear from you.
• How dangerous is this combination?
• Can both conditions be managed safely in the long term?
• Does this drastically reduce life expectancy?
• How serious is this situation really?
Thank you for reading. Any advice, support, or shared experience would mean a lot to me.