Hi everyone!
Sometime in December 2023, I had a nail appointment just like any other day. While the nail technician was filing my nails, I got cut. Since it was a public salon, I knew I needed to request PEP from my primary health centre. As part of their normal procedure, they conducted HIV, HBV and HCV tests. When my results came back, I was told that I had acute Hepatitis B. They were short on medication at the health centre, which meant I had to get the medication from a private pharmacy. I tried to get it but, unfortunately, I couldn’t.
In my head, I thought, “Well, it’s not HIV, so I’m cleared. I just need to keep taking my PEP.” I honestly had no idea what my Hepatitis B diagnosis meant. The doctor reached out to me personally and told me that I needed to get the medication somehow. I tried my best to obtain it, but I still couldn’t, and eventually, I gave up.
I went online and briefly read about Hepatitis B. Most of what I saw said that Hepatitis B can clear naturally, especially in healthy adults, and that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol and staying hydrated were important. I thought my immune system was strong enough to fight it off, so I stopped looking into it. Fast-forward almost three years later without follow ups. I started noticing that I was getting fatigued very easily, along with some other symptoms, so I went to a different hospital. I told them that I had tested positive for Hepatitis B in 2023 and needed to be tested again. The doctor was shocked that I had taken my previous diagnosis so lightly.
Long story short, my new test came back positive. My liver function tests were okay, but I was referred to another hospital to see a gastroenterologist. I’m based in Nigeria, so accessing a specialist can be quite difficult. I’ve now been waiting for over two months and still haven’t been able to start any treatment or medication.
I’m honestly very worried and scared. I eventually broke the news to my siblings, and they’ve been incredibly supportive. I’ve been celibate since 2024, so I’m not currently worried about sexual transmission to a partner.
My biggest fear, however, is still the nail technician at the salon. I feel so guilty because I worry that I may have unknowingly put other people at risk, especially people who may have used the same nail file after me. At the time, I genuinely didn’t understand how serious Hepatitis B could be. I’ve struggled to forgive myself since I found out that I am still positive.
My loved ones are now vaccinated because, before I understood how Hepatitis B is transmitted, I started isolating myself from them out of fear of infecting them. I know now that Hepatitis B isn’t spread through ordinary casual contact, but I was terrified of putting the people I love at risk.
I’m currently trying to understand what my diagnosis means, what tests I should be asking for, and whether I need treatment. My lab result shows that my current viral load is 234.
I’d also be happy to share my laboratory results if that’s allowed. Thank you for reading. 