Hepatitis B Positive Results

[biobrain]

I had given my blood, urine and swab test on May 22, 2009 in a GUM clinic to test STDs (I was not referred by any one; I did this as a general health checkup).  Two weeks after I have been told that they messed up the samples and I have to give the samples again.
I gave my samples again on June 19, 2009.
Today I was called by the Doctor at GUM clinic. I visited the doctor and I have told that my all tests are negative except Hep B which is positive.
Just after listening this I am very much depressed, very anxious as I have never did anything from which I could have acquired this infection.
What those results mean that I am Hep B positive?  I have no apparent symptoms I am a healthy person, I have no loss of appetite but infect I am very good at appetite .


What next I should do?

Can these results be false positive?

[stevenNYer]

This a good place to get your feet wet:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/HepB-Introduction--Welcome-Page/show/34?cid=153

[EmilyBaker]

I would never thought this could happen to me too. I never use drug or have crazy lifestyle. The first call from the nurse was like a death sentence to me. I cannot sleep. I cried for the second time of my entire life. I felt like a walking disease. I understand your worries and fear.

No matter how clean our lifestyle is. We cannot control our fate. The doctor could give you a flue shot with unsterilized needles. Your past partner is infected but do not know about it. Or, you can get it since childbirth. I gave up finding the cause after one month. You might have a hard time finding that answer.

Many people are still able to live a long lasting healthy lifestyle. If you are recently infected, you have 95% to 99% chance that your body will clear it for you. After 6 months, people will consider be chronic Hep B. From that point, there will be a very chance to clearing the virus yourself.  Most infected babies do not have a strong immunity to cure the virus and become chronic. The second test will give you more indept information on what stage you are in.

This disease have health and social concern. After all, it is STD. I believe things happen for a reason. I have more positive than bad from this experience. I learned that your body have a limit no matter how young you are. I learn to treasure family and friends that matter. On personal level, i learned to trash unworthy boys so easily hehe. But there are many wonderful one. Stay positive. I hope it is a good experience for you.

[biobrain]

Dear Emily,

Thanks for your reply.

Just after listening this I am very much depressed, very anxious as I have never did anything from which I could have acquired this infection.

I am still in a similar situation. I tried to settle down myself but i could not. I am now looking the world in an other perspective and feel myself very disappointed.

Actually I have seen three deaths in young age from hepatitis B.

I am not sure in routine STD test would they do for a complete Hep B panel test or just anti HBc. Actually just after listing that I am positive for Hep B I got very panic and left the gum clinic. I did not had a detailed discussion with my doctor yet. I will talk to him on monday.

I am thankful for your reply. I am still very scared and because of emotional upset my thinking is also disturbed and having no charm in life

I am just asking these questions from myself

Where from I got this?

I have been advising others to avoid un-sterilized things but why i have caught this myself?

Why medical science can not fight this disease ?

[EmilyBaker]

First test normally indicate that your body know of this virus. It could be current or past infection. The doctor will request for another blood test and/or scan for further investigate of your current condition. I hope that it is a past infection.

Many people with hep do not know they have the virus because they are feeling healthy. Some find out from normal blood checkup. The first few month diagnosed, I was trying to find how did i get virus. It's possible you have it since birth. Some question doesn't have an answer. I hope you will feel better after your initial shock.

With current medicine, blood test is pretty accurate. Of course, there is a small chance for error. What you should do next is getting another blood test and/or scan. Talk to your doctor for complete set of test and information. Secondly, find a good doctor with experience with hep B in your area.  Find book or resource online for more understanding of Hep B. I have had 2 doctor, and 2 registered nurse. Each explain Hep B result differently. It's important for you to understand your own condition. I agree with my hepatologist explanation. Not to offend anyone, registered nurse in hepatologist may not have enough understand of Hep B. Check with a specialist. With modern medicine, you may interact more with registered nurse or physician assistant than the real doctor.

Please try not to over react. It could be that it is a past infection. Or, healthy carrier (inactive) like myself :)