The more I know, has made me afraid...

[BnTher2]

2 weeks ago I tested HBsAg positve. Thinking it was an error I wanted to take a second blood test, and was told a second one was taken. I am single and have withdrawn from family and friends feeling no one cares when no one knows. The more research I do makes me plan to die instead of fighting. Can someone point me in the direction of hope instead of feeling this hopelessness? This is so NOT me. Please someone show me the way some more. Can this still be false positve for this? I feel I'm making myself sick.
Ms Bob

[NikoS]

I was diagnosed 8 yrs ago & those closest to me freaked out right along with me... At the time it was lack of education, these days I have found that people barely blink ! Even after 8 years I isolate... It's what I need to do but there is a fine line with taking time out & taking it too far.

So do some research for yourself, allow yourself some time to freak out, but also understand that with everyday the technology gets a little better as do the results...

In all honesty - a lot more good has come into my life from getting ill than bad...

I have just been approved for a 6mth treatment program... it was my 4th time trying to get approved despite having ALT's above 390 every 3 mths for most of the 8 yrs. The reason that I have been approved is that I am know facing some extremely serious problems & it looks like the liver is now facing some serious damage.

Anyway I guess now I am struggling with how to handle the treatment. I have no family or friends that are able to offer any support & that makes me all the more scared. I plan to continue working & I will be taking meds once a week on a Friday... I would appreciate any words of encouragement.

[nanniegea]

Oh Yes, the panic and dread. I do know how you are feeling but please...listen to the people who have spoken before me...it is NOT a death sentence and you can overcome this. I too felt like making my final arrangements but have since come to the conclusion that I am NOT ready to go just yet. I just told my daughter and although she is upset she was glad I told her. Please get yourself some help and talk to people, especially the kind people here. I am just starting this journey and they have already made me feel much better about the whole situation. Please let us know how you are doing....we do care and will listen. God bless and Happy New Year.

[Laika]

I have been where you are too.  I have a very isolated life, and isolated myself further by not telling anyone.  After the initial freakout at diagnosis, I slowly got myself together and was dealing with life ok.  With one exception: I really wasn't dealing with the illness, other than working at taking good care of myself: no alcohol, good diet, sufficient sleep, low stress.  Every year I would get a blood test to see how I was doing.  One year it would be good, the next year it would be bad.  Every year at blood test time, I would get depressed and stay there for months, just not knowing what to do.  I had no trust for my doctors, who I regarded as strangers with their own agenda.

When I came to this forum, things changed.  I had my first biopsy, and am waiting for the results.  I expect to begin treatment soon.  I have gone from fear and denial, based on insufficient knowledge and isolation, to being as at-peace with the deal as can be expected.  The people here helped me get there.  I come here once or twice a day to enlarge my knowledge of the hepatitis experience, to make sure I have my feet on the ground and my head in the right place as I proceed toward treatment.  Coming here and just listening helps you figure out what to do, and to do it with courage.

[jonihs]

Check out this web-site. I hope it helps. There is no need to panic. Take a deep breath and look for answers.   www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hepatitisb.html
          Joni

[jonihs]

People are thinking you have C which most of us here do. That is why I gave you that web-site, but there are people on here that have B. Hopefully they come along soon.   Joni

[cigaso]

Hey, take it easy. I have recently been diagnosed with Hep C genotype 1b. I had a liver biopsy Wednesday. I am most likely looking at treatment for 48 weeks. I found out in November that I had it. No symptoms, just took a routine blood test and only one liver enzyme was slightly above normal. I won't lie to you. It is a little scary, but this is a great forum to get most of your answers and information. The people here are very knowledgeable and supportive. If they don't know the answers, they will give you websites to find them. You can find support groups in your area to help you go through the tough times. Read some of the posts here and get as much information as you can. It can only help you.