Hi @Newlife, nice to meet you. I actually disagree with your doctor’s interpretation, and I think that this is likely an acute infection, because your test is showing positive for core IgM. This type of antibody shows up soon after a new infection, and then goes away within a few months. I’m glad that your ultrasound is normal. I am not a doctor, but the recommended monitoring is every 6 months, so you would get re-tested in 6 months time. Also, the test results you shared don’t show any results for HBsAg and HBsAb. When you get your follow up testing, it’s very important to have those markers tested. Around 90-95% of otherwise healthy adults clear an acute infection on their own, so hopefully your follow-up testing will show that.
I also disagree with what your doctor said about acute hepatitis B causing serious illness. I have heard from many people that it sometimes causes no symptoms, or the person just feels kind of unwell for a couple of days/weeks.
@et5656 Thank you so much for explaining this to me. Honestly, my doctor didn’t really break the results down properly, so reading your explanation gave me a bit more clarity and relief.
Yes, my result showed positive core IgM, and my HBsAg was also positive, so I was wondering about that because I kept reading that IgM can indicate a recent infection. I’m definitely going to do follow-up testing in a few months and ask specifically about HBsAg and HBsAb too.
I really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything kindly. The first few weeks after my diagnosis were very overwhelming emotionally, so hearing different experiences and perspectives from people here helps a lot
Hello everyone, my name is Adebola and I’m from Nigeria. I’m really happy to have found this community because for the first time in a long while, I feel like I’m in a space where people understand each other and are not ashamed of their Hepatitis B status.
I got to know about my Hepatitis B status about 5 years ago, and honestly it has been a difficult journey emotionally and mentally. There have been times I felt invisible and discouraged because despite working very hard academically and graduating with a good result, I still felt denied from certain opportunities globally because of my condition.
Sometimes it made me question myself and feel heartbroken, especially when opportunities I truly wanted seemed to slip away after medical screenings or health requirements. But seeing people here openly sharing their stories, supporting one another, and living boldly is giving me hope and making me feel less alone.
I’m grateful to be here, and I hope to learn from everyone, connect with others, and continue growing stronger mentally and emotionally.
Thank you all for creating such a safe and supportive community.
I found this community by chance, and I am really happy that I did. I would like to thank the people who created and manage this group for providing such a helpful and respectful space for people living with Hepatitis B.
I was diagnosed in 2014, and thankfully my condition has been inactive for many years. I have never needed treatment so far.
I currently live in Germany, and I joined to learn more, connect with good people, share experiences, and hopefully support newly diagnosed members who may feel worried or alone in the beginning.
Hello I am from Philippines.
I know I have hepa b since 2014, maybe since birth.
I got myselft tested yesterday to check again.
I am not doing medication.
my alt and ast is normal
then my hbv dna is 330.
Please help me lessen the stress I’m feeling right now.
I am planning to Study in Spain from Philippines.
Is there anyone here with my same condition but has granted a Student or Work Visa?
One of the agency discuss it during an orientation that if you have hepa B, it may be a reason for visa refusal.
Please enlighten me anyone please @ThomasTu or anyone with experience in Spain from Philippines please
Dear Caraline, I share your sentiment where you state that you saw the positive side of the virus. Sometimes we need a jolt from life to understand the true value of time, that health is non-negotiable, and that every day counts. When you understand that time is the most valuable resource you have, you stop wasting it on fears and start investing it in what truly matters: excelling professionally, taking care of your body, and being an example for your loved ones. That virus that once scared us is today a daily reminder that we became more conscious, more disciplined, and to live our lives with purpose.
