Dr. Hook, well you are right on! My HBV and HCV were negative (she did antibody and various antigen tests to test for HBV). I do have HAV anitbodies, which I think might be related to the fact that I think I had one shot of the vaccine in 2008 (not sure if there are multiple shots). Its a bit fuzzy as I was going to travel to Thailand and I went for an appointment but can't remember what injections I got. I was suppose to get the 2 shots for HBV vaccine but I think I only got 1 shot and then I missed the second appointment due to work travel and forgot to re-do. So I'm not vaccinated for HBV.
In any case, she also tested for celiac antibody, which was negative so thats good news. She did say that my liver tests (AST) was mildly elevated and the ALT was normal. She wants to recheck in 2 weeks but suspects that they will be normal then. I'm in good hands with this doctor as she is very thorough and takes the time to discuss and explain things to me.
Once again I thank you for your help and truly appreciate the wonderful work you and Dr. Handsfield do here. Keep up the great job!
Great. I am confident the tests will be negative. I hope that your doctor will be able to help you with your symptoms. EWH
Thank you Dr. Hook. I appreciate your assessment. I have an appointment with my primary doctor this Thursday and will ask for hep testing and her guidance. Thank you very much.
Welcome to the Forum. In preparing to comment on your concerns, I reviewed your other 17 posts on our community site before this one and agree with much of what was said there. Of the various forms of hepatitis, the only one which is sexually transmitted with any meaningful frequency between adults is hepatitis B and that is not transmitted all that often. Hepatitis A is transmitted through ingestion (swallowing) of material (usually food) contaminated with stool from an infected person and hepatitis C is transmitted through transfer of blood deep into tissue (sexual transmission does rarely occur in persons with receptive rectal intercourse but that is not relevant to you). That leaves hepatitis B. to my knowledge there has NEVER been a case of hepatitis B or any other form of hepatitis transmitted through receipt of masturbation or through transfer of infected material from one person to another one someone's hands. Your circumcision status makes no difference.
Further, your symptoms could be due to any number of gastrointestinal processes and are unlikely to be hepatitis.
I am quite doubtful that this is hepatitis of any sort, much less hepatitis that you acquired through the sexual encounter you describe. You have been expressing concern about this on our site now however for over a month. I advise you to go and be seen by a physician. He/she may choose to carry out hepatitis testing and if your problems are due to hepatitis, the tests will be positive. On the other hand, if tests are negative, you should look for another cause. I am confident that your tests will be negative.
I hope my assessment and comments are helpful to you. EWH
Dear Doctor,
I also forgot to mention that I am also burping/belching a lot - all day, everyday. Its related to the GI symptons of acid reflex, gas, bloating and yellow-ish loose stools.
Thank you.