Hi I was just diagnosed and I am a little confused.
I got a call to say I am hep b positive and to come in for further testing. I was really anxious so I called them back and they said it chronic to me over the phone after one test. The nurse said it could be a past infection but she is sure I am chronic and then took my blood for further testing she also scanned my liver and all my results were fine and the levels were really low.
No one in my immediate family has hep b and the only way I can think I contracted it was from unsafe sex in the past as I have not had any sex in the last 18 months. I have kissed someone and got a tattoo in march 30th but it is most likely not from that. I am 29 male live in Ireland and was born in the UK.
She did not explain much to me about a follow up or treatment I have another appointment in 3 weeks time to discuss the results but she is sure it’s not acute as I have no symptoms currently although I went to the emergency the week prior because of chest pain and pain in my heart.
I don’t know how to feel about it as now I am thinking of my life and how long I have left
Hi @Kenneth_Barnsley,
I want to welcome you to the community despite the circumstances. I empathize with you, because that is not how you want to find out you have a virus on a day where you probably have plans in your head and are working on it. This is how most patients find out about their status. This virus is common, but the issue is because we do not test enough and also people who have it do not get sick or have any symptoms, it complicates stuff.
Many people have had it for many years without knowing about it. I didn’t find out until I was about 35, some people even at an older age. HBV is very prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, so if you were born or have a parent from any of these areas your chances of having it increases.
Expect emotions such as anger, shame, guilt, frustration, anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. are common during the early phase of diagnosis. I hope your follow-up test can help clear things up for you a bit. If you have questions please bring them to your provider and ask them. There is nothing like a stupid question. Please know that you are not alone, you got our support.
Your life is not ending, HBV is not a death sentence if managed well. It is just like other chronic health issues. Having a positive attitude and thinking, and remaining optimistic is the right way to go. What you think is what happens, so please remember to live your life despite this diagnosis if confirmed. This diagnosis should not be the end of life for you. It is scary I get it, but you are also stronger that you think. Take it easy. One step at a time. Best, Bansah1
I’m just really confused as initially she said it could be a resolved infection that is still in my system and then she said resolved infections do not exist and said it must be chronic so I don’t know and will wait for the tests results in 3 weeks to see how chronic it is and how advanced it is.
I can’t imagine how confusing how this might be for you. Hopefully, when you see the doctor he can provide an accurate picture of your case. Thank you, Bansah1
Bansah’s a great person to help you with the emotional roller coaster. Keep in mind that in most countries results from specialists are. S. L. O W. coming.
I had an acute attack and there was nothing “cute” about it. Thought I’d never see light at the end of the tunnel but a year later, there it was, waiting for me. It’ll be there for you, too…try not to beat yourself up too much. If you get lonely, reach out…
Good luck
Denny
“I had an acute attack and there was nothing “cute” about it. Thought I’d never see light at the end of the tunnel but a year later, there it was, waiting for me. It’ll be there for you, too…try not to beat yourself up too much. If you get lonely, reach out…”
Wow… I will be very much interested in your story.
Sorry to hear about your situation and the stress that you’re under. I hope you are getting the support that you need from close ones in your life.
Regarding your results, it is difficult to say anything definite without the hep B lab results. Have you got these handy? The results you have posted have more to do with liver health and the marker of those appear to be within normal range, suggestive of no liver inflammation.
Thank you for your reply, no I don’t have any lab results I got called by the clinic doctor saying it was positive and then asked to come back a week later for further testing yesterday and I have not gotten the results for those yet.
She suggested that it’s chronic and I will have it for life even if it was a past infection and did not show me any of the lab results so I do not know. We did a fibro scan and my liver is non fatty and the hardness is normal range.
My parents and siblings do not have it as they had been tested for work, after giving birth etc so I probably got it from somewhere else.
This forum is helping accept the diagnosis though.
Great to hear, @Kenneth_Barnsley. Hope you get some clarity soon, it is difficult to wait for these things, but just know there is a community here to help support you no matter what the outcome.
My apologies for all the questions but is it possible to tell if someone is chronic or acute from just one test being done?
The test was done as I went into the ER for high blood pressure and chest pains and a persistent cough and headaches.
I had also had a tattoo 6 months before, and gone to barber shops that server predominantly an African clientele and whose sanitary practices are questionable, I had also kissed someone on 2 occasions, could this have lead to possible transmission?
A single test cannot definitely determine if someone has chronic or acute infection.
The risk of transmission through kissing is negligible. The most likely transmission route from barbers are from razors that are not new or sterilized between clients.
Just an update so my second test confirmed a chronic diagnosis, I think the first doctor was trying to settle me into the diagnosis so when it was confirmed it wasn’t as bad.
All my liver function is normal, my liver is very good according to them it’s the best they have seen for someone that didn’t know they had the virus.
My viral load is 1300 or 1E3 as they said I don’t know what that means for now.
No treatment yet as I am young, doctor did say since I’m MSM I should consider prep but it could affect my hep b so I don’t know.
Overall I’m sad about it and it has brought on depressive thoughts but I’m sure that will fade with time. I let me friends know and they have been supportive and one of them is going to be a doctor so they sent me some helpful information.
It has made me consider getting into some advocacy so that you gay and queer people know that they should be vaccinated as it is totally preventable and again thank you to everyone that has answered my panic questions, I know it’s not a death sentence but an adjustment to my life and maybe even the beginning. I would have hated to not know I had this and then found out when it was too late
Luckily for me I quit drinking and smoking 18 months ago and became much more health conscious and also did not engage in any sexual contact with anyone. I don’t know if that was divine intervention or just good luck.
Again thanks to everyone in this community and all the experts especially @ThomasTu
With treatment that’s available and potential functional cure, I am sure those with HepB that caught it at early stages will live a good fruitful life and leave this earth due to other ailments or of old age. Enjoy your time on this earth and be good to those around you. As one comedian once joked, " it’s not death i fear , it how I get there.". We all were put on this earth and we all will leave this earth one day.
Hi @Kenneth_Barnsley,
We appreciate the update. I understand it is not the results you have hoped for, but it is what it is. Life sometimes sends a storm our way not to destroy us but to strengthen and make us wiser. Just as you mentioned that this diagnosis has already made you change some habits.
I am glad to hear that your friends have been supportive which is a plus. We need all the support we can get in our journey with this disease. Take it easy on yourself, one step forward at a time. We shall overcome all this one day soon. Keep up with that positive attitude and thinking. Best, Bansah1
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, @Kenneth_Barnsley, but it is admirable how you have chosen to use it to propel you into action. I hope you continue to get the support you need to get you through this (if not here, then elsewhere in your networks). Please keep us up to date and let us know if we can help you with your advocacy efforts.
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