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Risk of transmission according to viral load

I have just a general question on the risks of transmission of the virus to people around you according to your viral load because my viral load is >100 million IU/ml and i know that is a high level but exactly how easy is it for me to transfer the virus because ever since my diagnosis i have been wrapping myself in cotton wool so to speak and only hanging out with the people who know of my illness and i know i cant keep on doing this until my viral load goes down.

On a different note i want to ask you guys how many other people know of your disease because ive told my closest mates because its hard to get someone off your back after they bought you a drink or want to share something of yours (or with you) and a 'no thanks' just wont suffice, how do you deal with those type of situations?
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Avatar universal
So true, transuster.

You know, my dad had a massive stroke over 20 years ago.  I know how hard that can be.  They know so much more now.  If they'd known that back then he'd be so much better off today.  Have you joined a stroke support group?
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Avatar universal
That's great news about your children, zellyf.

We love them so much and would do anything to protect them.  I will let you know;-)
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Avatar universal
All 3 of my children were vaccinated at birth and they all have antibodies and are surface antigen negative!  That's why they screen during pregnancy now.  I'm so lucky to have had my children after that started.

Will be looking forward to hearing the test results which I have a feeling will go the way you want them to.
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Avatar universal
That's very encouraging, zellyf:

Was your child ok?  That's the type of result for him that I am praying for.  We will know by Friday afternoon.  I will keep you informed.  
An informative site for determining results is located here:

http://www.fpnotebook.com/GI/Lab/HptsBSrlgy.htm
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Avatar universal
No apologies necessary.  I didn't even see any.

I was pregnant when I learned my chronic status and had been with my husband for a few years.  He was negative.  In fact, in my travels I have yet to meet a woman who managed to give the virus to her husband even after years of marriage.  Its not scientific but just from the group of people I know it seems that woman-to-man sexual transmission is not that effective.

My husband and I had even shared the occasional toothbrush, razor and tweezers which are big no-no's, right.  Like I said, he was and remains fine.
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Avatar universal
My apologies to everyone for use of any inappropriate language.
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181575 tn?1250198786
Even those in the medical field are not immune to ignorance.  Remember my favoriate nurse, my annual physical is due next month ;)

I am very careful with who I tell.  I tell those directly involved in my medical care (including my dentist), close friends so I don't have to keep saying no to their beer offers, those who I have close contact with, like relatives.  But do keep in mind that my brothers and I fought like cats and dogs growing up, bumps, bruises, bloody nose, you name it.  After I was diagnosed they tested negative.  So it's not that easy to transmit with normal activities.  Still I try to be more careful like making sure any opened cut is bandaged up.
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Avatar universal
But, even if I were infected in the hospital ( by glucose stick or other device ), I could have given it to my husband. It's been months!  Typically, one doesn't have protected sex with a 25-year spouse.   I am so frightened for him.  But he never complains.  He's the best husband in the world.  And he never leaves my side.  I've always complained about him being under foot and now this.  People insinuating that he 'shopped around.'  Poor guy never took the opportunity.  He's a real 'stay-at-home', watch-tv type.
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Avatar universal
Oops! Sorry...I just looked at your little blue guy there by your name.

I think  its far more likely that you picked up in the hospital following your stroke, personally.  Now that your husband is being tested then you can put the doctors minds at ease that you are not just a naive woman.  Won't that be nice?
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Avatar universal
Well, you know, zellyf,  
I am a woman and my husband was tested today -- results by Friday.  I am African-American, and I'm getting this "stuff" maybe because I kept myself looking attractive.  You know, fit.  I don't look my age, yet.  Maybe 20 years younger.  So even though I am a grandmother, now for the first time in my life I am treated like a "****."  It is very disconcerting.  I had a stroke last year and have been in and out of the hospital for a year -- and that's where I think I contracted the hepB.  But no doctor will consider the possibly.  I have never injected drugs and have had the same partner for 25 years;-)  I was tested Monday for HIV - NEgative;-)  Thanks for your thoughts.
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Avatar universal
Its hard isn't it?  People have insinuated that I might have been slutty or an IV drug user.   And you know, what if I was?  But I wasn't and the insinuation bugs even if it shouldn't.

What is your wife's HBV status?  That could clear that up right away.  Do you have any other risk factors?

Truth is, you may never know how you got this and it doesn't matter.  The doctors don't have to live your life so they can't know what is right for you.  I know a lot of doctors socially and trust me, they don't have their stuff together all the time.  I would take their medical advice but not the marital advice.  And definitely not their business/financial advice but that's another thread.
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Avatar universal
Thankfully, they were already vaccinated, and new baby was vaccinated quickly, even before I knew.  

I am still very embarrassed, since I just learned this past week.  The doctors keep insinuating that my spouse is disloyal, and that I am naive.  It's all a bit overwhelming.  Any suggestions on how to cope would be appreciated.  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Having your grandchildren vaccinated and following the advice of your doctor are both very wise.

Best.
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Avatar universal
I tell all of my health care providers.

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Avatar universal
I told my children and of course my spouse.  They all know and have been very supportive emotionally.  And very concerned of course.  But don't you have to tell your dentist if you're having work done?  I guess you don't have to tell family members that don't live in your household, but I wanted to make sure all my grandchildren were vaccinated.  Because I would like to hold them.

Also, I was/am taking statins that one doctor says inflamed the hepB infection and may affect how fast my body clears (if ever).  Also she said that I must NOT take prednisone because it also is contraindicated!  Trying to wean as fast as possible without going into to shock.

All the best,
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Avatar universal
A higher viral load and/or e-antigen positivity does make one more infectious.  Caution with blood product/saliva is a good measure but don't isolate yourself.  Casual contact is not going to spread the disease.

After 10 years I haven't told many people. My children don't know so I'm careful about who I tell.  I have told people with whom I have lived and some close friends.
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Avatar universal
Your questions are very valid and show that you care about people around you.

When your VL is high, you could be at an acute stage or you could be at a stage where there is much activity in your liver, both of which require close attention and monitoring by your doctor.  Is your doctor monitoring you?  What did he tell you about the stage of your liver based on your lab readings?  What were your other lab readings?  Your concern for people around you is valid and you should also be liver friendly, like avoiding drinking, any drinking.

Best.
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