Hello everyone.
I’d like to ask question,
What are the important things or rules you made as a diagnosed HBV person for yourself and as well as the people around you?
I would gladly appreciate your thoughts, answer and suggestions.
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Make sure your A1c near 5.6 . I find it the hard way . I thought maintaining good blood chem. Tumor marker AFP <3 all virus undetected. Monitor your surface antigen <100 all in perfect condition , I still get HCC . Now I am on metformin to lower my A1c from 6.2 to 6.0 more to go to get to 5.6. Weight lost 10 lbs is needed . Good luck
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Hi @Platwooo,
This is a great question. From my end, I wouldn’t say these were rules, just some changes I made. I did make sure to avoid alcohol; I only drink occasionally, which can be once or twice a year. No hard liquor, only a glass of red wine. I don’t smoke or do any drugs, which I have maintained.
Diet: I have limited the amount of oily/fried foods; I avoid restaurant foods unless I travel. I have reduced my red meat intake and try to eat healthy.
I am extra careful, especially when using sharp tools or objects, so I don’t get injured and expose others. I act normal around others, and my diagnosis does not interfere with me being around others.
I made it a point not to think too much about my condition. I live my life as best I can. Positive thinking, gratitude, and optimism about life, and not let the struggles drag me down.
I encouraged others to get tested and vaccinated by sharing my status and experience.
I didn’t plan all these changes; they happened over time and are now part of my life.
I hope this helps. Bansah1
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As I grew older, I slowly made changes to clean up my lifestyle to give myself the best possible of chance of not developing liver cancer. My mother and all of her siblings had hep b and developed HCC in their 60s. I eliminated alcohol altogether in my 30s and I’ve always engaged in some form of consistent exercise since my early 20s. First it was running but now it’s weight lifting and walking. I have what I thought was a relatively healthy diet (mostly unprocessed foods, I don’t eat out) but recently discovered I have high cholesterol. I also have high Lp(a) which makes me genetically more inclined to developing heart disease and it won’t improve with diet/exercise. If I’m not mistaken, TAF might also be a reason for increasing LDL but I managed to bring my numbers down considerably by making some changes to my diet (more soluble fiber, less saturated fat). I’m getting retested in Oct so fingers crossed that my results are even better but my doctor will still likely want to be more aggressive with my treatment because of the genetic marker. We’ll see!
I definitely agree with @Bansah1 about not dwelling on my condition. I learned through experience not to attributing every ache and pain to it. For example, over the past year I have noticed a deep fatigue in my muscles and in the past I might have attributed it to TAF or my liver in general but it turns out my ferritin (long term iron storage) was 12 mg/dL. From what I’ve read, most females feel best between 50-100! I’ve been supplementing for a month now and feel noticeably better. Good health is definitely taken for granted and I certainly value it more and more as I get older.
I am definitely much more vocal about having hep B, especially after I found this community. Hearing your voices and the differences in the accessibility to care all over the world made me want to put my face to this disease. Luckily for me, it has been received well and my only regret is that I did not do it sooner.
Best to all!
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That’s a good question Platwooo. I know Im not functionally cured and I don’t know how things will play out. For all I know the situation remains indefinite or worsen(touch wood it doesn’t). I remember a story about soldier that stayed on the outpost waiting for the enemy to attack. But the day never arrived, but this worry consumed his whole life. Life passed before his eyes. So I try to minimise the effects this illness has on my life has and not to think too much about the future. Basically just to try to live in the moment and not think too far ahead. It does require being on top of things, such as adhering to prescribed protocols.
When I started medication I quit alcohol immediately and I don’t miss it. About a few months later I went on a vegetarian diet(close to it) for about 18 months. Weight reduction wasn’t actually the goal, but I lost about 8kgs. To be honest I struggled with it. I found exercise recovery was difficult without the animal protein, but also animal protein made me feel satiated/full so that was missing. Behaviour wise I knew that I over consumed on carbs like bread. I reintroduced animal protein - mainly skinless chicken breast and eggs. But I continue to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. How I see food now is that it provides sustenance through healthy eating and it’s good for morale with having the occasional treat/cheat meals. Most meals are homecooked. I avoid processed foods. Bad fats/oils and have been minimised to a low level. Of course the exception are the treats/cheat meals. I know when I overdo it on the treats etc when I develop acid reflux. So back to healthy eating and antiacids. Overall I think for the most part I think I got the balance about right.
In terms of fitness I’m in new surroundings. With the early start and being outdoors. The heat and humidity is already a challenge. I’m also trying new things. Right now things feel like being out of sync and a real struggle. But I know need to be patient and give it time.
My immediate family are aware of my illness. I’m not comfortable telling other people. I avoid telling with the view I try to avoid situations that maybe deemed risky.
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Since I found out I have Hepatitis B, in late 2025, I’ve been having check-ups every 6 months. That was the most radical change caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It seems there’s a lot of prejudice in many countries, but I’ve never experienced that in Brazil and I have no problem telling other people.
I don’t drink alcohol, take drugs, or smoke. My rule is to consume more good things than bad (I avoid fried and ultra-processed foods) so that my liver doesn’t suffer unnecessary damage, especially since the poor thing is fiercely fighting against the Hepatitis B monster.
But my diet isn’t radical. I eat bread every day and sweets when I feel like it. All in all, I lead a normal life.
I avoid using a car and use my legs a lot. I really enjoy walking. The only physical exercise I do is walking for 3 hours every day.
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I think the most important thing is to maintain a healthy weight and avoid alcohol totally
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Great thread idea!
I’ve made sure to be very organized with my day and taking medications (I depend a lot on Google Calendar!)
Like others, I’m pretty focused on exercise.
And I start talking to strangers about hepatitis B. It’s acting locally, but it may be the difference of someone in the future experiencing stigma/discrimination and having an ally.
TT
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