INTRODUCTION THREAD: People affected by Hep B

[ThomasTu]

@hopefulone

I’ve been silent until I had more to share. In short, I reviewed new test results with my doctor and he is a lot less sure of his earlier explanations as I shared in my earlier post. Of course, his change in attitude causes more stress and disappointment. Here is what I have now learned:

1. Hep A Ab, Igm: Negative.
2. HBsAg Screen: Confirmed “positive abnormal” from the blood bank results.
3. Hep B Core Ab, Igm: Negative
4. Hep C Virus Ab: <0.1 (I am not really sure what this means but doctor said I do not have help C.)
5. Hep B Surf Ab Quant: <3.1. (Low). Not sure what this means but it seems like it is “inconsistent with immunity” – again, not sure what this means.
6. Hep B Core Ab, Tot: Positive Abnormal (reference range: negative)

My doctor started out saying that I was infected in past 3-4 months which really freaked me out but I could at least pinpoint possible sources. But as we kept talking, he apologized and said that I am actually “Chronic” which is consistent with the blood bank results.

But my doctor explained that “chronic” could be any time period of more than 4 months or so to possibly more than 20 years ago. I am so angry right now that I am in that “unlucky” small percentage that ends up being “chronic.”

Last doctor’s visit, I asked if was was contagious and he said “no.” Now, he is saying that he is “unsure” because I need to now get tested for viral load (HBV DNA QNT – QHBV).

On the upside, my doctor reviewed previous results of blood work: liver enzymes looked good in past two test (2020, 2019). No red flags in any previous blood tests. Also, he was pleased that I’ve had no symptoms in past three years since being under his care. Of course, I can be asymptomatic.

Lastly, my doctor offered me the option (not required) of seeing the gastroenterologist who recently conducted my colonoscopy. I plan to wait for the viral load results first.

So now, I feel like my prayers are not working. I feel unlucky. I feel targeted by “the universe.” I feel like I am being punished. So, of course, I am stressed all over again while I wait for yet another test. (I am disappointed my doctor did not think of viral load test before now.)

At this point, I have decided not to share my story with anyone until I learn more. But I am thinking about asking my daughter to get vaccinated before stating college in the fall.

At some point, I will need to tell my wife for her safety. If she is positive, then we both will be stressed and confused. But if she is not positive, then she can get vaccinated.

Any thoughts or feedback on my latest story?
Any thing I should be asking my doctor?
Should I meet with gastroenterologist?

Thank you everyone for listening, responding, and sharing.

Dear @hopefulone, thanks for updating us all on your most recent results. Sorry to hear about your experiences, it must be such a shock to you.

Just to give you a bit more background on your lab results:
Hep C Virus Ab: this tells you if you have been exposed to Hep C before, it is negative so your body has not encountered Hep C
Hep B Surf Ab : measures your protection against Hep B. It is high when you have been successfully vaccinated, and low when you have a Hep B infection.
Hep B Core Ab, Igm: This is only high if you have been exposed recently to Hep B, so this is the reason why your doctor said that you have been exposed a while ago (could be even just after you were born).

For this reason, there is no good reason to think that you are being targeted or punished. About 300 million other people around the world have chronic Hep B; it’s hard to say that all of them are deserving to be punished, particularly those that have been exposed at birth as newborn children. Some events just happen and we are no more targeted by Hep B than we are the rain when it falls.

You should remember that you are not alone in this, even if you don’t share your story with anyone around you. Many of us here are here to support you and know how you feel (including the anxiety of waiting for test results).

It might be helpful to read some of the other stories people have shared on this board, and know that in many instances your family can be the best support during this time and will not think worse of you because of your hep B:

• Dealing with the diagnosis in a relationship
• How have you dealt with discrimination because of your HBV status?
• How do i talk to my family about hepb

For the future, I think it would be good to see the gastroenterologist, particularly if they have good experience in Hep B. Otherwise you can see a hepatologist (liver specialist) which might be more specific. It is also advisable to get a fibroscan or ultrasound to see if your liver is damaged.

Take your time during this period. It can be very overwhelming and it’s important to be kind to yourself.

All the best,
Thomas