am I infected?

[wminla]

Hi to everybody. I have puzzling lab results and need help interpreting them. I am complaining about right upper quadrant pain (which is subsiding) and have light yellow stool. My doctor ran many blood tests, ultrasound, X-rays, pancreatis, bile, occult blood, Hep tests, etc. Everything was normal except that I tested positive for Hep B core AB but the Hep B Surface AB, Hepatitis Be, HCV AB Riba, HBV DNA PCR, were all negative. I also have elvated ALT level (85) and higher Ferritin (365). My wife tested only positive for Hep A ! My endoscopy/colonoscopy also reveals I have gastritis since I had the H.Pyliory bacteria a few years ago but no longer. What does all that mean? I read that there are four different ways to interprete positive Hep B Core AB, but my liver specialist believes I am chronically infected with Hep B. Of course I will repeat the blood results in a few months but until then I will be very worried about those readings. Can it be that I only have Hep A (I was not tested for it), and am showing the symptoms like B or C and that the test was a false positive? Or am I in a "window period" ?Please try to make sense of this. Thank you very much!

[mikesimon]

This is a difficult question and beyond the scope of most of us here (we're not doctors - just patients for the most part). I could take a stab at it but it would be just that - a stab. I'd follow up with your doctor's advice and try mot to worry in the meantime if that's possible. Anyway - good luck. Mike

[Tony-z]

I would also like to say that we are not DR's, and therefore we don't or should not try to diagnose.
If your liver specialist belive you to be Chronic Hep B, then Is there a reason you dont trust his diagnosis?
If you did not fully understand him, call the office and try to get clarifacation.

      Good Luck,

            Tony

[jevs2]

Just wanted to let you know that I got the result of my 24 week pcr today.
I'm undetectable!
I finished tx 3 weeks ago and feel half way human now. Though not 100%.
Thanks to every one on this brilliant forum, I couldn't have done it without you!
Love to you all.
Best wishes
Joanna

[Tony-z]

Congratulation... I wish you the best, and will pray for a SVR. It takes time for the drugs to get out of your system.

                    God Bless

                         Tony

[britgirl]

Joanna, I am so happy for you. I know you found it tough at the end. How were the Cotswolds? I am pleased you're feeling a bit better _ I am sure this news will help. All the best.

[mikesimon]

That is such wonderful news. Congratulations and thanks for sharing with us. Stay well and be happy. Mike

[louisep]

Joanna,
I'm absolutely thrilled for you!  Well done!
I remember when I was about to start tx, & you told me about getting some Diprobase Cream for the Riba Rash.....What a lifesaver it is!  Couldn't cope without it now!  Thanks for telling me.
Wishing you all the very best,
Louise

[BethUK]

Well done Joanna!  Enjoy every minute of basking in your good news!

[layla]

Congrats! Hope you get all the way to human quickly. LL

[cindee]

Hi and GREAT NEWS!!!!! Congrats!!!!!! Cindee