Hi @vera,
Just to clarify some of the issues here:
- a viral load of log 2.234 (which means 10^2.234 or, in other words, 174) is low and your risk of transmission is minimal. Lower hbv dna levels are also generally linked with better outcomes, so that’s good!
- your higher alts of 78 indicate there is some liver inflammation. If it is caused by the virus, then antivirals would help reduce this.
- varicose veins have not generally been reported as a side effect of antivirals and may be due to other changes in your life at the moment (see this thread- Possible side-effects from antiviral therapy. Given the liver inflammation, you might want to consider changing how you take antivirals (with our without food, different times of day) or other antivirals (e.g. entecavir) to minimise any other effects. This is worth discussing with your doctor.
- if you have been prescribed antivirals, you should keep taking them as per your doctor’s advice (even if you feel better), as reactivation of the virus can occur and could lead to severe liver injury.
Thomas