Hep B treatment and a very stresfull hospital appointment

Hi all... I went today today to see my Hepatologist. Last time I saw him he expressed his concern about my continuous increase of Hep B load over 18month. As my liver function is good and there is no scaring in my liver we agreed that he will seek 2nd opinion as my virus level was 15k.

Today , when I went to the clinic I was greated by a junior Dr who did not know anything about the 2nd opinion. My virus levels are now 5k so 10k less than last time.

She offered me to prescribe a treatment as usually people should get treatment when their virus levels are 2k.

I told her that I was not sure as situation has changed now, my virus levels are not going up anymore. She still insisted that I should have a treatment. And during the conversation I realised that she does not know that antiviral have to be taken for rest of the life!!!!! She looked at a leaflet and said it states that tablets should be taken "as long as needed"!!! Unbelievable! I asked for second opinion and left the clinic!!!!

[GrandmaDylan]

It's scary sometimes to think that totally inept doctors can have a huge impact on our health. We're not talking putting the wrong fuse in a plug here, we're talking about someone causing serious damage to our already compromised bodies. I hope you get the right treatment soon. Take care. Deb

[Hidden in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Thank you x x x

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NHS Extract:-

“Hepatitis B medications can help keep the virus under control and stop it damaging your liver, although they won't necessarily cure the infection and some people need lifelong treatment.”

Some people - perhaps you are not the “some people”. 😁 mDid she say?

Miles

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[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. You made me smile 😀

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I do my best, I like people smiling, doesn’t everyone 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

Miles

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Hi

Looking at your previous posts, I'm a little confused as to what exactly you're looking for. Tenofovir aims to keep the viral load undetectable or at least within safe levels whereas interferon aims to get rid of the virus altogether, albeit with a very low success rate. If I was you, I'd definitely give interferon a go, then if that doesn't work, go for the tablets.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I am very confused about everything. I have seen the same consultant for many years and he has been happy for me to live as I am with slightly rised viral load. He was concerned because for 18 months my viral load was going up. It reached 11k not 15... so he though it could be time to start medications. But he was not 100% sure because my liver function is fine and there is no scaring in the liver. He told me that both medications are life changing... I really do not know what to do.. I am feeling stressed out and lost....

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi BlackMamba,

It sounds to me like you really want a sit down with your regular consultant, the one you have seen most, to have a more in depth conversation about your treatment.

I have no experience with Hep B, but I do know that different doctors can have different ideas on treatment and also that they might have different opinions as to what is a more important course of treatment to pursue for each patient.

It seems to me that it would benefit you to talk more with your long term consultant.

Best Wishes,

Mary

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Mary. I agree with you. I have had the same Dr for many years and I trust him. Having a change of a Dr has stressed me out and confused me. I am planning to contact hospital, when it gets closer to my next appointment and ask if I can see the same consultant I have seen for many years. I hope they will not get funny with me. I do understand that new Drs need to start somewhere.... But I do not want to be a mistake they reflect on later. It is my health after all. I am just grateful that I have guts to question their decisions... so many people don't... thanks again Mary for taking time to answer to my post. It means a lot x x x