TOPIC:

Thank you Dr Freeman for your quick response.

My GP was always telling me that I was exposed at some point in my life, but my body have cleared it so that is why I have antibodies.

I am not sure have he done any other tests, but he told me that this is nothing to worry about.

Now I'm thinking, should I try to get tested for this once again?

If I had exposure and now virus is cleared, what is the chance for it to come back? I have read that someone is offering to get vaccinated for hepB before treatment to prevent from reacuring.

What if is is not cleared does that mean that I am not going to be able to have a treatmen now or in the future?

Hey akiniai
I contracted Hep B in the mid 70s. Have not been vaccinated.
Had Harvoni treatment last year for HCV gen 1a. Got cured. Liver functions still normal one year out.
That may give you some comfort, I hope it does.

Thank you Beaches so much.

I feel calmer now and not afraid to go through the treatment. I do not have anyone else to ask about all these things as my doctor told me if I will buy treatment on-line she will not look after me. In this case I can come back after I will finish my meds and only then she will do tests if everything have cleared. Feels very scary to do it without any support from my doctor.

I am very gratefull for any advice I can get.

I don't know if you need support.
The only medical assistance I got was a test at week 4, plus chats with my local pharmacist who put up the $22,000 up front so I could get my meds that the government is funding (I'm in Australia and HCV drugs are being funded but the pharmacist has to pay up front and then get refunded).
A week 4 test would be good, for your peace of mind, but if you are feeling good, my non professional thought would be to just continue.

Hello Akiniai,

If you can find a blood test that says "Hepatitis B surface antibody positive" or a number > 10 (ie not <10) or > 12 then you have protective immunity from Hep B and will not be at risk of reactivation.

I have hep b antibodies in my blood but it is because I had the vaccine back in the 90s when I worked in a mental ward. A series of three shots over a few months so I should have been protected. Antigens mean you have the virus; antibodies mean you've been exposed to that virus and may or may not have it.

Yes

If you have Hep B surface antibodies, either from immunisation or past infection you are immune.

Past infection is marked by Hep B core antibodies.

If you have Hep B antigen that is part of the virus so you have active Hep B