Hi everyone,
I'm new here just wanted to introduce myself. I am 26 years old and I have have had Hep B since I was about 6 months old. I was infected in a hospital whilst receiving treatment for something else. (This was in Uzbekistan, where I was born).
Because Hep B is a silent prowler, my parents did not know until I started showing symptoms. Babies cannot tell you what is wrong and it took a long time to get diagnosed. I was hospitalised in a cot with my mum by my side 24/7. Even after we were allowed back home the treatment continued and my earliest memories are of getting daily injections.
Once the virus was under control, they started monitoring my viral load with blood tests and ultrasounds every six to twelve months. Since that initial treatment I have only been a carrier, but the risk of passing it on has always been there.
I found that being open with people in a relationship from the beginning is the best possible thing you can do. And once they realise that there are ways to protect themselves like the vaccine and condoms, people are genuinely understanding of the situation and grateful that you were honest. I have never been rejected by anyone after telling them about my diagnosis and explaining what it means.
I do disclose that I am a carrier when necessary, but I do not tell everybody I come across. In that sense, Hepatitis B is isolating, I would like to change that. Change the stigma. That is why I joined this forum, and why I am telling my story now. Under a fake name, however, not any less meaningful.
Up until today, I had never met anyone else like me and this evening I met six others in a HBV support group. British Liver Trust have actually just started it and it would be amazing if more people wanted to join. I think you can sign up on their website, but I can also pass details along to anyone that might be interested.
I don't really have any questions, I just thought that its nice to not feel so isolated any more. And this online community is a fantastic idea.
Nice to meet you,
M
