Hello everyone
As a background, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis B for 20 years. Only in 2020 did my HBsAG become negative.
I’ve been testing HBsAG negative and HBV DNA undetectable for the past 4 years. But my Anti HBs was below 10, only rising to 12 this year.
My question is this considered functional cure?
Hi @Exit336,
Welcome to the community. Yes, that is considered a functional cure. Patients who clear HBV through treatment do not have to rely on Anti-HBs tests. HBsAg and HBV DNA, with normal liver function tests and liver imaging, are required to determine whether a functional cure is achieved. Congratulations on achieving a functional cure. Best, Bansah1
Hello
Great news
If you don’t mind me asking, what and how have you been doing it for 20 years to have such good results, what changes did you make in your life, we all hope for such results, kindly share with us.
Thank you Bansah for the clarification. Much appreciated and thanks for the well wishes.
Thanks Lilbet. I wish the same to all here as well and to all to remain hopeful.
Nothing specific, I would say I don’t eat fast food at all. Diet is Mediterranean. Besides that, average lifestyle.
Hi,
May I know from when you started your anti virals and in which load ,if you share your journey it may help for few when they have to start r something related to medication because in country like India many doctors don’t have good knowledge about this so please share your experience
Hi Harini
I did not start antivirals or take medications. I am as well living in a country with not sophisticated health system. I was getting negative results for 5 years but the doctors did not inform me it was a functional cure. I happened to know that this is functional cure only this month through online research and this forum . I am thankful to everyone here
I pray and wish for all of you, especially those in countries with limited health care, the best outcomes in this difficult journey.
Is there anything we can specifically do for functional cure??
Hello All,
I have been reading this forum for a few years now, I was one of the silent ones until today I finally decided to join. I would like to thank you all of those who contribute and help people! I am at the stage now that I would love some help and better understanding of my current state.
I am 39 yo male from UK. I was first diagnosed with Chronic Hep B back in 2011. After initial diagnoses, I was told I was in Inactive State with consistent undetectable Viral Load and Normal LFTs. I had blood work done initially every 6 months after a few years my doctor decided do the tests annually as my results were consistently normal.
Fast forward June 2024 my viral load went up to 2300, September 2024; it was 2023. At this point I had a Fibroscan (October 2024), results were 3.2 KPI, normal. Next viral load test done June 2025 and my viral load was 1095. Between 2024-and now I had following tests;
· 3-4 Private ultrasounds with normal results, apart from last 2 with concerning blood flow on Portal Vein; June 2025 it was 14.2cm/sec and September 2025 (today) 10cm/sec both with normal direction of flow. Neither of this result have been highlighted by private radiologist. I actually contacted him again asked for clarification why these results weren’t highlighted and waiting to hear from him.
· Full Blood Testing April 2025; all normal apart from a bit raised cholesterol.
· Private endoscopyin July 2025; Sliding Hiatus Hernia (I knew that since 2013 from NHS Endoscopy) and Superficial Pangastritis. No mention of Esophageal Varices or anything else.
Over the years I had some vague, some concerning symptoms pointing towards Liver issues such as;
I am very worried about the Ultrasound result showing Portal Vein blood flow of 10cm/sec as I searched this result it comes up as clinical finding of Portal Hypertension which can be caused by Cirrhosis. Although I have Fibroscan result of 3.2KPI back in October 2024 and normal LFT I am worried that I might progress towards Cirrhosis. I am not on any treatment.
My question is, Is it possible I have an Advance Fibrosis or Cirrhosis? Is it possible to be inactive for many years and suddenly have an advance liver damage with normal LFT, normal Fibroscan?
I would greatly appreciate some insights from experts, my mental health have been dealing with the worries and I cannot live my life fully with all the worries I have! @ThomasTu @john.tavis
Thank you!
Dear @Renx,
Thank you for sharing your story with us and I’m sorry to hear about your symptoms and anxieties. The symptoms you mention cannot be used to rule in or rule out liver disease such as cirrhosis. This can only come from specific tests such as fibroscan.
These signs could also be caused by other changes (e.g. changes in diet or metabolism). Moreover, it would be quite unusual to have cirrhosis or any progression of liver diseas within a year of a normal reading, no changes in LFT, and such low HBV DNA levels.
I would suggest that you talk to your doctor to talk about potential causes of your other symptoms and ease your concerns about liver disease progression.
Hope this helps,
Thomas
Thank you @ThomasTu After asking review of my blood flow measurements, I have been told that it was 11.06 cm/sec, still very low. I don’t think private radiologist is very experienced in this subject as he never highlighted 14.06 cm/sec velocity back in June or 11.06 cm/sec now.
See his full report below;
“Ultrasound Scan Liver:
Liver appears normal in size and echotexture. No evidence of focal lesion. Portal vein flow appears in normal direction, measures 10 cm/sec.
There are no stones or sludge in the gallbladder. Wall thickening or peri-GB collection were not observed.
There is no dilation of the intra-hepatic bile ducts or CBD.
No evidence of ascites.
If his readings are correct, would that mean I have progressed to Cirrhosis? Also if that’s the case how Fibroscan can show 3.2kpi back in October 2024, never had elevated LFT throughout my entire journey.
I am going back tonight again for ultrasound scan again. Any advice will be highly appreciated and helpful.
Thank you.
Hello everyone,
I’m on medication (Tenofovir) since April last year. Today I had my first Fibroscan. Below you can the results. It says I have a fatty liver. It surprised me because I’m a slim person. However, for years I periodically took antidepressants (Sertraline). Might it be related? And how to heal?
Hi @Arb,
I have to laugh a little about the slim part. Being slim has no bearing on whether you develop fatty liver or not. Anyone can develop a fatty liver, no matter their size. Our diet, lack of exercise, unhealthy lifestyle, stress, etc, can lead to developing this condition. Limiting greasy and oily foods, getting enough quality sleep, avoiding high-sugar foods, etc., can all help. I hope this helps. Bansah1
Hello again,
I would like to a share an update. I got a second ultrasound last Sunday and the updated results as below;
Liver is normal in size and echo pattern, measures 13.7 cm. No focal lesion seen in the liver. Portal vein flow appears in normal direction, measures 16.7 cm/sec. GB contains no stones or sludge. GB wall is not thickened. CBD and intra- hepatic bile ducts are not dilated. Spleen is not enlarged, measures 11 cm. No ascites noted.
I really don’t understand how a measurement of blood flow velocity differ significantly in 3 days. (11.06cm/sec to 16.7cm/sec) Value of 16.7cm still worries me a lot though!
As I previously mention my fibroscan from October 2024 showed 3.2kpi cannot remember the cap score but to was under the limits as well and my LFT were always normal in last 12 years. April 2025 blood results were;
Platelet Count 234.
Total Bilirubin 20 umol\L
ALT 24
AST 21
Albumin 49 g/L
Gamma GT 56 u/L
I never been put on a medication but my symptoms and some the results worrying me sick! Is it likely that I might have Cirrhossis?
Thank you,
Hi @Renx,
None of these lab results are consistent with cirrhosis at all. In fact, they all confirm that your liver is minimally damaged.
Thomas
Thank you for your comments Thomas, it is very reassuring to hear another voice saying it is looking okay because voices in my head making my life miserable! I will have bloods on 25th September, I can provide an update once I got the results. Thank you again!
Why does someone die of hapetites b with normal LFT, ABDOMINAL LIVER SCAN AND VIRAL LOAD.
Does makes me think that this figure just keep us hopeful for just two to 5 years before we are gone.
Hi @Opa,
If someone dies as you describe, then they did not die from hepatitis B. It is then possible that they died from something else while living with hepatitis B. The people I know who died from hepatitis B did not have normal LFTs or imaging, nor a viral load. So if someone dies with hepatitis B, it does not mean that it was the hepatitis virus that killed them. “Dying with” and “dying from” mean different things.
I hear you, but I doubt your conclusion is accurate. I have been on treatment for 10 years now, and I am still here. Others have been on it even longer, and they are still alive. Some patients who are not on treatment for longer periods are still alive, including my own siblings. We must remain hopeful, live our lives, and see what the future brings. Best, Bansah1
