Just found out I have Hep B

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2006

Posts : 153

Posted 10/19/2006 2:49 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone,

I just found out two weeks ago that I have chronic Hep B. I'm still struggling to understand all of this and am devastated to say the least. What makes it more difficult is that I was vaccinated 5 yrs ago but unfortunately my doctor never checked whether it worked. I was also vaccinated for Hep A but apparently don't have antibodies for that either. It seems my body is unable to produce the necessary antibodies. This may be in part to the fact that I also have Crohn's Disease and my immune system is shot. But it could also be genetic as my brother was recently tested and he doesn't have antibodies either after being vaccinated for both A and B.

I have an appointment with a Hepatologist in Jan 2007 but in the mean time I'm trying to learn as much as I can. Any advice would be appreciated. I would also appreciate advice on how one goes about dating. I'm 30 yrs old and still looking for Mr. Right. How do you tell someone that you like that you have a contagious virus? I know that it's possible to get vaccinated but they would really have to like me to go through that! I can't imagine being intimate with anyone ever again. And I feel like my dream of having children one day just went out the window.

Feeling sad and lost,

wheredidigo

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2006

Posts : 605

Posted 10/19/2006 3:47 AM (GMT 0)

welcome rk,you are not alone ,,my hubby has chronic hep b too,,,,,a few things to think about,,,,first of all,in this day and age,do you really want to have sex with someone who doesnt really like you alot?? just make sure they are vaccinated,AND it works,have them take blood tests to confirm,,i too was vaccinatd and it didnt wor,i contracted from hubby on our wedding weekend,,was hospitalized with a very serious case of acute hep b,,,,,,eventually my body kicked it,after 6 mths,,,,,my husband did 7 mths of interferon treatments,,,which didnt help him,,,and he just started on Baraclude last week to treat it,,,,,,one BIG word of advice,,,,,NO DRINKING,,drinking will add fuel to the fire in your liver,,,,also,maybe try to get into another GI before jan if possible,,,and make sure your family dr is knowledgeable about hep b,,,,and if the GI doesnt answer your questions,,,,or your just not comfortable with his advice,,,seek another,,,,your not lost right now,just scared and you were blindsided,give it time and try not to dwell on this ,,,you CAN live a normal life:) good luck

needs support hbv

New Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 2

Posted 1/6/2007 6:56 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for that good advice for RK Trish! I am 29 and I have been diagnosed since i was 22. I recently started on baraclude, 0.5mg po qd. My last pill was taken right before the new year and I am due for blood work on the 19th. I must confess I still drink a glass of wine occassionally and i really should not. I dated somone the other night and then told him that I have chronic hep b. It scared him away. Never heard from him again. It's all good. It is a fact of my life now. I am glad i stumbled on to this site. I feel...not so alone. :)
RK, I feel for you. I am sending you good thoughts and healing vibrations.
One love,
:)

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