Hi @Piotr_L, welcome to the community! I totally understand that it’s overwhelming. Hep B is a complicated disease. The people on this community are truly so helpful, so don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions. Please do keep fighting and don’t give up hope 
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Welcome @Piotr_L
Happy you found us. Have a look at some topics that may interest you.
Keep fighting one foot in front of the other
Any questions we are here for you.
Just being diagnosed can be overwhelming. We’ve all been there.
You can live a long healthy life, have a family and do what most people do.
Just need to get tested every six months to stay healthy.
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Regarding the regular test, I have boycotted testing now for one year reason I would like to see after that period what would happen so that I share on the plat form for further discussions between thank you very much for always helping us from third world countries.
Hello everyone 
First of all, I’m really glad I found this community. I want to thank those who created it and everyone here who offers support.
I just can’t stop reading other people’s stories in this community… Here’s mine…
I’m a 22-year-old male living in Italy, originally from the Balkans. About a year and a half ago, I found out I was positive for hepatitis B. It happened right after I arrived here to study in pharmaceutical field—I had even already booked the vaccine. But during the blood tests required by the university for lab access, I discovered I already had the virus. It was a huge shock, something I never expected. Since then, it hasn’t been easy.
I put my studies on hold for a while and started researching more about the condition, constantly going back and forth between fear and hope. The first six months were especially difficult, waiting to confirm whether it had become chronic. After all the check-ups, I’m grateful that everything is okay with my liver and enzymes.
The hardest part has been feeling alone in this. In Italy the virus has very low prevalence (1%). But the doctors have been very friendly and supportive.
For a few months around the New Year, I thought I was doing better after talking with my doctor and taking some supplements and medication to calm myself. I felt like I had made some peace with it( maybe i was just avoiding all this out of fear). But recently, I’ve been feeling mentally low again—especially because I’m struggling with whether or not to tell my parents. They have no idea what I’m going through. They just ask about my studies, but they don’t know the real situation.
I keep asking myself: why me? When did I get the virus, at birth or later? Talking to my parents would be i huge relief for me – i hope. Even though I know it wouldn’t change anything, I still feel the need to share this with them.
I made sure my siblings were vaccinated against hepatitis B—my sister got the vaccine last year (she’s 20 and was not previously infected).
I’m also stressed about my studies since I’ve fallen behind. I’m having trouble concentrating, with racing thoughts all the time. I feel hope when I read about new treatments being studied, but also fear—fear of the virus becoming active, of treatment resistance, or things not working. Even doing check-ups every 6–12 months feels stressful, like waiting for something to happen.
I had heard about this community before but didn’t participate because I thought it wasn’t very active. Now, reading your stories, I can’t explain how it feels—it’s emotional in a good way, realizing I’m not alone. I’m writing this in tears.
Sorry for the long post. I’d really love to hear your stories too.
People at my age, those who found out young, or anyone dealing with hepB. Maybe living in Italy? How did you tell your parents or your partner? Even just a short reply would mean a lot to me.
Thank you <3
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My name is Joy from Nigeria
I got diagnosed last month, I went for medical checkups for the first time in my life and I was told im positive.
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Hi @Joedoe,
Welcome to the community. I am sorry to hear about your situation. What you describe is a normal experience after diagnosis. We have all been through it, and some of us still struggle with it after all these years.
I will encourage you to find a way to fulfil your goal of being in Italy. This diagnosis is a bump in that journey; do not let it stop you. Going to school has been helpful. It keeps me occupied; those assignments keep me busy and take my mind away from thinking about hepatitis B. I hope you can find a balance to manage this. You can do it. I am rooting strongly for you.
I agree with your assessment that your parents will understand and provide much-needed support. You will feel better telling them than feeling down from carrying the weight of your diagnosis and education alone. There is no one way to tell them. You can share that during your admission process, they found that you have hepatitis B. It is a common virus, but many people infected are unaware because they do not have symptoms. However, you recommend that they get tested and, if negative, get vaccinated to protect them against it. You can add that it was a struggle, so you took some time away from school, but you plan to go back as soon as possible. This is a guide and suggestion. I hope it helps.
Please know that you are not alone, and we do understand what you are going through. Let us know if there is any way we can support you as you navigate these challenges. Keep us posted. Bansah1
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Hi @Newlife,
Welcome to the community, and thank you for sharing your experience with us all. Bansah1
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Thank you so much for being so supportive:)
Right now, I can’t stop thinking about telling them. I keep imagining all the possible reactions.
These are my first days in this community, i’m still learning. Idk if i should post the same sotry in the ‘relationships and living w hepB’ or should i just create a new topic for my story so that i could reach more poeple.
I’ve read almost all the 1k stories and replies of this thread, i noticed it’s not as active as in the beginning.
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You are doing well, reaching out and sharing your experience is a sign of strength. You don’t have to tell your parents until you feel comfortable and ready, but hope they don’t find out before you tell them as that could make the talk challenging.
No, your message is seen. The platform is not similar to social media. Here when you post, all the members see it and will respond if they want to. Posting under a different section is not going to make much difference, but hopefully you can get some extra perspectives on this subject.
I hope it helps. Bansah1
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Hi there, im a 23y male, Albanian living in Italy. I read your story and i’m sorry to hear how you discovered it. I guess most of us here have discovered during routine check-ups and unexcpeted ways. U can read my story here: INTRODUCTION THREAD: People affected by Hep B - #1278 by Joedoe . It has been almost 2 years of living w it, i’m still keeping it to myself, nobody knows except my doctors, been struggling lately since i’m trying to confess to my parents, idk why but i feel this shame, weakness ab myself even though it all might have happened at birth or early childhood. I’d love to hear how u managed to confess/keep it secret to others.
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Shame here. I have equally tried to keep my status a secret not only to my relatives but my workmates as well.
But all I know, keeping it a secret is a wastage of time Since the the symptoms will eventually show up which Includes yellowish eyes, big belly etc and the secret will have been broken. At this point my world would have become too small to live in. Am right now 45 years with too young beautiful daughters that I see becoming orphans after this monster has finally taken me.
What pains me more is not knowing how I got this virus
Welcome @Joedoe
I understand how you feel with the anxiety and the fear and getting tested every six months bringing it all up again. One minute you’ve dealt with it the next minute it’s time to get tested and you have to relieve it all over again.
If you have a strong desire to tell your parents then you should tell them.
I discovered in my 20s that I had the virus but back in those days not much of known about it and I wasn’t told anything by my doctor. I thought it would go away.
Gradually over the years I started to learn how serious it was and now. take care of my Liver and have my six monthly test. I’m also at the stage of whatever it is it is and it’s far more illness and diseases out there. This one is actually quite, not too much of life changing.
I met my husband and told him because he loved me. He did not react at all and then had the vaccination as my following three children did.
I am now 65 and on treatment which is one tablet a day with no side-effects so you can live long life with family and have a family. I must stress. I didn’t tell my husband until we knew each other better. I wouldn’t come out on the first date and say oh by the way I’ve got hepatitis B that would be a dealbreaker I think.
Try not to dwell on the disease because there is treatment and I haven’t heard of many people being resistant to the drugs and there is other medication you can take if you are resistant.
Stay in touch someone’s always here to answer any questions.
I’m in Australia. My grandparents were from Italy Milan.
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@Joedoe Dear Joeedoe, I completely understand the frustration you felt when you first found out that you were infected with HBV, but please don’t be too pessimistic.
You can continue to monitor your viral markers, such as HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), HBsAb (hepatitis B surface antibody), HBeAg (hepatitis B e antigen), HBeAb (hepatitis B e antibody), and HBcAb (hepatitis B core antibody), as well as liver function markers such as ALT and AST. You should also consult a qualified doctor. Sometimes, AI can also help you better understand your condition.
I don’t think you should give up your studies because of HBV infection. As far as I know, in many countries and regions, people with HBV are not excluded from entering the workplace. You are still very young. If you are interested, you could even get involved in learning about and researching HBV. Biochemistry, pharmacology, virology, and immunology are all great fields.
Stay strong. Things will get better. Please don’t give up on your studies!
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Hi Caraline, i’m so happy to hear positive stories like yours, where you overcame this first diagnosis feeling, freaking out, shame, rushing thoughts, isolation.
Yes, i really do want them to know, that’s why i’m freaking out lately thinking what the reaction would be, especially after keeping this a secret for so long. I did it just to understand better my condition and what it means living w it. I really need someone close to me to know what i discovered and hopefully support me!
I’m glad for you doing good with this condition and your lovely family. Thanks for sharing this!
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Hi there nicklib!
Thank you so much for all the advices! I really am trying to get myself in one piece and then continue studying as needed.
Let’s say the frustration of this condition is not the same as when i firstly found out.It’s softer. But now i have another fear. i can no longer bear this alone. I want my family, my lovely ones to know and support me! It’s like i’m living two different worlds: the guy who is all healthy and going on w his studies without facing challenges, and another where i spent weeks and months with fear of what would the first check ups say ab my infection, the feelings of being radioactive around others. I want this to stop, i just don’t know how to open up to them, after all this time, idk what to say!
Again, thanks for this, i really appreciate it!
Hi @Joedoe,
I’m sorry you’re struggling with this. I found out that I had hepatitis B when I was 12, so when the test results came back, the doctor called my parents first. Yes, they were initially shocked, but that was more because they were scared that it was something really serious, and they wanted me to be able to live a healthy, normal life. I think most parents would be supportive, because they just want the best for you. Also, hep B does NOT make you radioactive. I’ve been sharing my story more publicly in recent months, and I’ve been very grateful for all of the support I’ve gotten from those around me.
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Dear @Opa
I’m 66 years old this year. My adult children now have children of their own. I was diagnosed when 20 years old. Went on to have 3 children, vaccinated at birth.
I don’t see my life ending as you described unless I start drinking alcohol, stopping treatment and not getting monitored.
There’s so many other diseases out there I could get.
A lot of us dont really know where we got the virus from.
Enjoy your life and your beautiful daughters. Live life so they remember what a wonderful father you are.
Every one in the world has to die at some time. By what or when we do not know.
I’m glad about this virus because it has made me aware how limited our time on earth is and to make the most of it.
I don’t share with anyone although my sisters know I don’t discuss with them. I don’t want to become a person who complains about illnesses.
That’s why I’m grateful for this community that I can voice my frustrations, questions, results whatever, and they understand.
My sisters don’t.
Stay hopeful. I’ve heard cure is in the pipeline too.
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Hi @Joedoe
Just be honest. Tell them the truth. Just what you told us.
Make sure you tell them you are not going to die.
I think that’s most parents thoughts when a child comes to them to say they have a disease that they probably know nothing about.
Maybe you could find some pamphlets to give them so they can have some insight or a hotline to call and ask questions.
Or they may say, oh uncle so and so has that.
Stay in touch
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Dear, @Joedoe I think there is no problem to tell your parents, and they will always love you and support you. If you want to learn more about HBV, I recommend this book: Immunopathogenesis of HBV Infection | Springer Nature Link the name is “Hepatitis B Virus Infection”, and it is very systematic and detailed, wishing you all the best! Also, I think what @Caraline said it very well, I agree with her, and her experience is very inspiring to us.
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Hi everyone, my name is Joy from Nigeria. I was diagnosed with hepatitis B last month during a routine check-up. The first two weeks were honestly very hard for me emotionally, but I think I’m gradually learning to make peace with it now.
I did all the necessary tests, but my doctor didn’t really explain the results well to me. He only said it is likely chronic hepatitis B because if it were acute, I would probably have fallen seriously sick at some point.
My ultrasound says my liver is fine, which gave me some relief, but I still have so many questions and I’m trying to understand everything better.
I would really appreciate if anyone here could help enlighten me more about chronic hepatitis B, what the tests usually mean, and how people cope mentally and physically with it. Thank you
