Thank you for your reply, sir Thomas. Do you think having a Hep B is a hindrance to work abroad? That is the only thing that scares me to go out of my comfort zone, my health condition.
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I think where you are hoping to work makes a big difference to this question. My experiences in Australia and Europe have been generally very positive, and it hasn’t really affected my ability to work at all.
In general, compared to someone without hep B, you will probably have to put a little more effort into finding a GP and/or specialist to monitor your status and provide you with appropriate prescriptions if you’re on treatment. This can be challenging, but is not impossible and many patient advocacy groups have made this a lot easier. I think if you already speak the language with any fluency (which you do), then you are in a much better situation than many others.
Cheers,
Thomas
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Hello, i reside in the UK. My friends call me Leroy ( I’m female by the way)…loved the movie, Fame, and decided to christen myself Leroy after one of the dancers in the movie; 11or 12 yrs old at the time.
I found out I had CHB during my routine pregnancy blood test 17yrs ago. I was shocked, in denial and I think I may have asked for repeat blood tests. I had never heard of HB prior.
My husband at the time, stated he didn’t have it. I did mention to my siblings and very close friends and I’ve been quite fortunate that I’ve not been made to feel an outcast within that circle, to the point of forgetting i have CHB.
I started becoming very conscious of my CHBV status after my marriage ended and I eventually ventured into the dating scene; I felt like an outcast, insecure within myself, and very upset that I’ll be judged by what I have and not who I am.
Now, I own what I have, CHB; it’s not going anywhere i’m stuck with it, although not by choice and feel more confident within myself than I did. It’s a health condition i wish I never had, but hey.
My viral load fluctuates, but not at an alarming rate. When I read some posts, I count myself lucky; I’m not on any medication ( I pray it remains so), my liver scans have been ok so far. I now go for blood tests once or twice a year.
I’m glad to be part of this community
Best wishes to everyone on here.
Kind regards
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Dear @Leroy,
Welcome to the forum! Thank you for sharing your experiences and your positive attitude you have developed to living life.
Wishing you all the best and I hope this community supports you as you need.
Cheers,
TT
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Hi Thomas,
Thank you for the warm welcome and well wishes.
Kind regards
Hey @Leroy it feels good just to read your post. Keep up the good spirits 
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Thanks @Leroy for being such a positive voice on this forum. Sounds like you worked through a lot of stuff and it will be great to have you share more of your journey in response to others who post. We can all learn from each other! Always, Joan
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Hi @Leroy ,
I have a 16 yo but have known since 2001. My viral load fluctuates so every time its above 2 or 3000, I think my dr will start med but so far they haven’t. I am e antigen neg e antibody pos. I see a new dr in Nov. I used to dread the thought of starting med but reading comments here, I kinda want to start soon as I rather take the med even if there are possible side effects than find out I have cirrhosis or cancer. But so far my fibroscan and ultrasounds are ok and I haven’t need a biopsy.
I am proud of the courage you have to date again and to accept yourself and this condition. I wish confidence for us all. It is fear that stigmatizes even tho they will most likely never have to deal with this chronically like we do. Plus there is vaccine to prevent this. I still have not told anyone besides immediate family and this group. Best wishes.
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Good morning @CGNepal, apologies for not responding in time, I literally just read your response.
I’m pleased my post had an impact on you. CHBV can be daunting, I’m work in progress, but better than I was years ago.
Do take care.
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Good morning @Joan_Block, my apologies for the late response, just seeing your response.
Thank you, it’s mind over matter. Now, I try not to get overwhelmed emotionally and just forge ahead; I’m work in progress though, but better than some years ago.
Kind regards
Good morning @hope4us, thanks for your response and so nice to hear from you. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
I’ve had blood tests and fibroscan and they’ve all been ok so far. I’m assuming if there was a sign of cirrhosis, it would have been picked up by the blood tests, no? I’ll have to speak with my HB Nurse.
Glad all your results have been ok so far and I wish for you they remain so.
Although I’ve been on dates, I’m not in a a relationship at the moment (been single for a while); that’s down to not settling for just anyone ( HepB or not).
I see the dating scene as a journey with bumpy roads, but hopeful that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m relieved there’s a vaccine for preventing HBV, so relieved! It makes the dating journey somewhat less daunting and gives me that confidence.
Best wishes and do take care.
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Hello, I’m new here, my name is Hector, and I’d like some advice on how to cope with fears. Thank you very much, Joan Thomas, and everyone.
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Hello, I hope you’re doing well. I’m new here too, and I’d love to share our experiences with everyone in the group. It’s great to have this group. Greetings and blessings to all.
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Welcome to the forum, Hector, and thank you for the kind words. I hope this community will help you. Just for your information, there are a couple of other Spanish speakers on this board (@georget and @Luis).
All the best,
Thomas
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Hi Hector,
Welcome to this group, it’s really great to be able to share our experiences and knowledge with everyone. I speak Spanish and English and can help translate any questions or comments you might have. Welcome!
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Hello Thomas, thanks for getting in touch. I wanted to let you know I’m from Peru, I’m 39, and I was only diagnosed a few weeks ago. As I mentioned, it really helps me to be able to share my concerns with you all and get some guidance, as I tend to get a bit anxious. I’d like to know if it’s possible to live and work normally, especially as my job involves a lot of walking. Honestly, I don’t have much information about Hepatitis B, and I’d really appreciate your help. Thank you all very much, you’re so kind. And how close are we to new treatments, a cure? Blessings to everyone, and thank you.
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Hi Georget, good morning, thanks for replying to me. Yes, this forum and community really are a great help, I hope we always stay united and willing to listen to each other. As I mentioned, I’m new, only recently diagnosed a few weeks ago and I’ve been really shocked. To be honest, I’m a bit anxious and I have fears about not achieving my goals with my family, my wife, my daughter. My doubts are: can you have a long, productive life with this hepatitis B condition? Are the medicines safe? I can tell you that here in Peru, I’ve already found out that the treatment is free, it seems. Thank you very much for reading me, and I hope everyone is very well.
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Thank you so much for sharing your story, Hector.
Having hepatitis B should not stop you from any of your physical exercise. In fact, exercise is probably one of the best things you can do to prevent further stress on your liver from fatty liver disease. I myself do “boot-camp” classes and used to do quite a bit of martial arts. Others on this forum do body building. Others still choose to go for hikes.
As long as you are getting appropriate regular medical monitoring (a check up and blood test every 6 months) to deal with any problems before they get serious, you can live a normal and productive life. Many here on this forum are doing exactly that.
It’s great to hear also that treatment is free in Peru. I know it can make a lot of difference.
I hope this helps,
Thomas
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Hi Thomas, I really appreciate you replying to me; you’ve put my mind at ease, as I’m new to the condition. I hope you’re doing very well, as are the other friends on the forum. Let’s hope a cure is found soon so we can all celebrate together. Thanks Thomas, blessings to all.
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Hi Hector, I’m really glad Thomas already replied to you, apologies for my delay in responding. Please don’t feel down about your diagnosis; with the right treatment and consultations with your doctor, you can live a normal life and enjoy your family. I’m extremely happy to hear that treatment in Peru is free of charge. I wish you all the best and please don’t hesitate to ask questions and keep in touch. Blessings to you all too. Georget
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