Is there such a thing as non-infectious Hep B??

I had the standard blood tests in 2000.  I have no drug, or alcohol habits.  Had not had sex for 10 years after a divorce.
I had no previous tests reflecting any Hep.  I had surgery in 1999 requiring transfusions.  The results showed
              2000                             2004
         HEP B SUR AB      REACTIVE            reactive
         HEP B SUR AG      NONE DETECTED       none detected
         AST SGOT              13                24
         ALT SGPT              34                38
         A/g ratio             --                1.4
The DR. advised all numbers were in acceptable range and that I had had a bout and was now immune to it.  I was non-infectious.
When I asked about sex and infecting someone, he advised me as long as my numbers were like they are, I should not.  Sound reasonable to everyone?? Don't know how I got this, but I am feeling like a contaminated body.

taybabe

[litecloud]

Am sorry I have hep c but I found this on the net:although individuals with healthy immune systems usually recover from HBV after about 6 months, 5% to 10% of those who are infected develop the chronic (long-term) form of the disease. Often those with long-term infection have no symptoms, or they may suffer from fatigue, malaise, and periods of jaundice. If left untreated, these individuals may be at risk for serious complications of liver damage such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
There are many sites with info on the net. When I was first diagnosed with Hep C, I went to the library and took every book out, I saw alot of books on hep B, so I know the info is out there. Good luck hope all stays well. Just think if you had it and now you do not, then you probably never will get it again.Do not think any less of your self, be thankful for everyday and enjoy your life.

[layla]

Hope it's ok to tag onto this post. I've had a couple rashes on tx and one has come back and I can't remember what it's from.  It doesn't hurt or even itch. They are like red dots, they look like little blood blisters. I've always had a few of them but now there are many more the last couple days. Not a big problem, but I am just wondering what they are from, which drug and maybe why we get them if anyone here knows. LL

[oldhippiechick67]

I have them too.  Doc told me its from old age lol, Ive had um since I was in my 20's and just keep getting more.  Not tx related.  Someone commented on here they were called something else, think it was Galen.  oh well.

[layla]

When I said I always had them I meant always as since on tx. They just increased in the last two days. Maybe I am aging overnight! Talk about progression. lol There is no texture to them like the other rash which itches. Fortunately neither is severe. Just red dots like blood blisters. I do think I read something about this but can't remember what or where. Man I sure will be glad to be done with this. If it's not one rash it's another. ha ha Ok I know that was bad.... LL

[honey1616]

I think I know exactly what you are talking about.  Looks just like a red dot on your skin right?  I noticed having a couple of these even before I started tx so wondering if you just happen to have gotten them on tx.

[layla]

Hmmm... could be, they are a red dot. About the size of the head of a pin. Pretty much on my midsection front and back. I just never heard of that. I think this is going to be the year of falling apart. LL

[honey1616]

Yep thats it because my husband has about 3 on his stomach and got before tx sooooo...could be ughhhh...we are getting old. LOL Of course since starting tx...I do feel like I'm falling apart LOL and noticing everything now and wondering...Was that caused by tx or already there?  hahaha

[jonihs]

The 1st time I read Hepatitisdoctor.com I didn't know my genotype or hardly anything about the disease. I just re-read some of it, mostly what he says about types 2&3, becauce I am a 2b. He says that 2's & 3's w/ cirrhosis have a high rate of relapse w/ only 24 weeks of tx. He suggests 2 yrs. of tx. What insurance comp. would approve that, even if I COULD take it. Please give me some comments/advice about this as I'm almost done w/ my 24 weeks and the thought of relapsing w/ cirrhosis as bad as mine feels like a death sentence.    Thanks, Joni

[oldhippiechick67]

Well, for those who know, I missed my 37th Pegasys shot, no biggie, but if I didnt get any from the mail order pharmacy by this weekend, it would be 2 shots missed.  I called my Liver doc, and the guy covering for him said to stop treatment now and he wants to see me next Wed.  Well, I am not gonna quit tx!
Anyone have any good arguments that I can fire at him? Maybe he isnt too up on Hep C?  I just cant see quitting at this point, I am probably going to get my meds tomorrow.  That would be 12 maybe 13 days between shots.

[jonihs]

Not to get personal, but where are the dots located? One of the things my docs have always checked for, but the ones I had were in my upper chest area and shoulders. Mine weren't round, they were more web looking, but they were one of the many symptoms of liver problems. It doesn't sound like yours are the same, but it couldn't hurt to find out.   TC Joni

[thanbey]

Yes, joni, I understood that when I wrote to you.

Compensated is compensated and it is a plus.

best to you,

thanbey

[thanbey]

Hi Joni,

I am concerned about you and want to let you know that a viral load (SVR) and death from cirrhosis for you are probably totally independent of one another.

I try to post this sparingly because of the reactions, but this time, it is too important. Do not lose hope and do not think that if you do not realize an SVR, it is a death sentence. Far from it. For people in your circumstance, low dose maintenance interferon, even intermittently, can help stop progression. It isn't a perfect solution. Even a liver transplant is a treatment and not a cure, and that may also be an option for you, I hope, if all else fails you.

Histological improvement, or staying where you are now and limiting progression is the name of the game for those with cirrhosis (and really, anyone) Viral load is just not as important.

Sure, it is good to be SVR. And for those who can tolerate it, it is worth doing. But there are unrealistic expectations of interferon therapy when statements about reversal of liver disease and cure is bandied about. The liver does not recover fully in people with moderate liver damage or more, and in those that do have some regression, it still isn't clear whether it is a differential in biopsy methods between biopsies or true reversal. In either case, it happens in only a small number of instances.

What bothers me most about the weight and importance given to the almighty SVR is that it does tend to give those who respond a sense that they are hepatitis C free forever (and I hope that is true, honest. I just wouldn't put all my pennies on that square.) and those who do not, that they are doomed to have their livers eaten up slowly over time. Both are true in a small number of a cases, but these are not statements that can be generalized to everyone.

Unfortunately, they often are.

If you achieve an SVR, you are not going to be home free. And if you do not, it will not be a death sentence. Being a candidate for interferon treatment is a very good sign, all on its own, win... lose... or draw.

I hope this helps,

thanbey

[DebbieDo]

Hi Joni, I havent heard from you in sometime.  I have been keeping up with all your postings and i pray that you will get your meds.  I'm so sorry that you are going through this difficult time.. My prayers are with you sweetie.....DEB

[LvdByGod]

i for the life of me can't figure out why the dr. would do that. do you have any idea why he told you to stop. is he crazy? i pray you will get your meds soon...

[jonihs]

I had liver failure 7/02. I now have what my Dr. called "barely" compensated cirrhsois. That' why I worry!
                Joni

[cuteus]

A positive viral load indicates the presence of hcv, hcv presence increases the chances of further liver damage, so lowering or attaining svr is a valid concern, and vl plays a significant part in assessing the potential of progression.
I guess you can still progress in the absence of hcv, but the risk is higher in its presence.   I would worry  also if damage was already significant.
Is so easy to comment when we are not faced with Others odds of survival.

[jonihs]

Hi back. I've been thinkng about you too. I was off line for awhile and then hospital, then I had to come stay w/ my Dad so I'm not alone anymore.My hubby was only home week-ends and is a real worrier, so I didn't let him know how bad I was doing until it was almost too late. I was on verge of liver failure again. But I've done 7 weeks since them, platelettes are staying stable and I'm feeling much, much better.  How are you doing?      Joni

[ts2010]

From your question:
The DR. advised all numbers were in acceptable range and that I had had a bout and was now immune to it. I was non-infectious.
When I asked about sex and infecting someone, he advised me as long as my numbers were like they are, I should not.

What does "I should not" mean?  Do you mean to say that the doctor said you should not infect someone (can not infect someone) or that you should not have sex?  If he meant that you can not infect someone that sounds correct to me.  If he meant that you should not have sex my observations would be:

1-The doctor said that you were immune.
2-Your antigen tests came back negative twice over a four year period.

In my opinion, if you are immune that means that you will not get it again.  If your antigen tests are negative, that means that you are not infected.  So, I don't think that you can pass on to someone else something that you do not have.  If you are uneasy with what your doctor said maybe a second opinion from a knowledgeable doctor would put you at ease.

[willing]

taybabe: testing positive for the surface antibody and negative for the antigen is the signature of anyone who either successfully self-cleared the virus or was vaccinated (were you ever vaccinated against HBV?) Those two tests alone aren't enough to tell the whole story: I'd suggest seeing another Dr. and getting a full hepB panel (<a href="http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4090.htm">see</a>) and an HBV DNA test to set your mind at ease. Chances are you have long cleared the virus and present no risk to anyone.

joni: glad to hear your doing better. If you expect an insurance co. fight it might be easier to justify the extra meds as anti-fibrotic maintenance therapy than as anti-HCV. There are lots of studies  showing SVR odds for 2/3s don't increase with more than 24 weeks but there's preliminary evidence that maintenance IFN may lower fibrosis. Thus going that route might make it harder for them to deny the meds. Also,  a while back someone posted a link to a board devoted to those already at cirrhosis (anyone remember that link?). You may get more focused advice there. All the best.

[taybabe]

Thanks for your input.  I have also been treated and on meds for high blood pressure, diabetes Type 2, & cholesterol for 4 years now.  Everything is under perfect control according to the test results.

The statement about "that I should not" in the original post was meant to tell me that I would not pass the Hep B on to a sexual partner, not that I should not have sex....  Brain and fingers did not connect, I guess.

I too was told not to give blood through the Red Cross drives.
Will I ever be able to give again????

[madbyron]

It

[layla]

They seem to be just above my hips but below my breast, front and back but definately round. I actually think they are getting lighter but I'm not sure. I think I looked at them to much. haha I'll keep and eye and mention it when I talk to the RN Monday. I hope your having a nice weekend. Thanks. LL

[soffies]

Hi I was infected by an ex about 5yrs ago with Hep B. I was very ill for about 2months, after 3months I was retested and told that it was amazing and that all my numbers showed that I was completely clear. I was very happy and as my new parter was with me he was immunised and we carried on life as normal.
I have recently had the fear of still having the virus, I booked myself into have a blood test tomorrow. I´m terrified of needles but I have to do it as I feel dirty inside. I can´t have physical contact with my partner as I feel like I´m gonna infect him even if we use condoms I just feel awful, it´s crazy that this should affect me so late on after my doctor told me I have the all clear.
Is it really possible to become completely clear of the virus and not be contagious?

Thanks soffie