Re: shirlf3542@... hepatitis B

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/22/2003 10:42:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

roachy55@... writes:

> Hi,

> I am home recovering from the Whipple surgery which I

> had done about 5 weeks ago. All is well, so far!

> My question is, I have never heard of CHRONIC

> HEPATITIS B! I contracted hepatitis B back in 1973

> when I went to an old country doctor for a terrible

> case of the " hives. " I guess it was the needle!

> Can you tell me what the symptoms are and how you were

> diagnosed? I am having problems with jaundice!

> Thanks

> Donna

> Hermon, Maine

>

>

Hi Donna, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B when I went to my doctor feeling

very tired, no stamina, and had flu like symptoms. I am chronic because I have

never developed antibodies. I don't believe I will ever develop antibodies

since I have had the disease for thirty years. You should have your liver

checked for antibodies and for liver damage. Hepatitis can be a silent

destroyer

of the liver. If

the enzymes are elevated it can cause cirrhosis of the liver. When you have

the blood work done for your liver then you will know if you have antibodies,

if you have cirrhosis, if you need a liver biopsy or need to go on medicine.

There are many medicines now available for chronic hepatitis. You really need

to know which is the right medicine for your particular stage of illness. I

will give you a support group for hepatitis B. Take care. Shirley

hepatitis-b@...