Email 153: On HIV and Hepatitis B

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 6:25 AM

Hi,

Good day to you Pozzie, I was exploring the net for possible solution to my problems until I hit your page. By the way you can call me XXX, I was diagnosed as HIV positive last October and currently taking oral prophylaxis together with my ARVs.

As of the moment, I'm not having any problems with my medications except for the flu like feeling which the doctor said is normal and just an effect of my ARVs but my body will eventually adjust to it as time goes on.


But what actually concerns me is that, I was also diagnosed as reactive to HEPATITIS B. I told my infectious disease doctor about it and he said that one of my ARVS which is LAMIVUDINE is also a drug use to treat Hepatitis B. I looked at up and had a research on the internet and it's true.

My questions are:

1. Is Hepatitis B curable? I'm a little bit confused since I saw a lot of blogs that say it is not, and some says it is. What I mean is that, will it come a time that I will be Hepa B free? or the virus will be in my body for the rest of my life?

2. Will it harm my liver since I am taking oral prophylaxis and ARVs at the same time considering I have Hepatitis B? My doctor said that I should take my oral prophylaxis for 6 months. I am concern though since I am also taking multivitamins to help boost my immune system.

3. What foods/drinks should I avoid that may worsen my condition? which foods/drinks would be beneficial?

4. What activities should I avoid? and what would be beneficial?

5. Will I be able to get another job when I am now Hepa B positive? I am resigning to my current job since I feel that working at night will not be good for my body. However, I have second thoughts though since I'm afraid that no employer will hire me due to my Hepa B condition, because I believe it will reflect on my pre-employment medical exam if ever. I really need to have a stable job since I have a housing loan that I'm paying every month.


I do apologize for my questions Pozzie, I know you're not a doctor, but since you have a broad knowledge and has a constant communication with a doctor, I believe you can give me an advise regarding this matter.

I appreciate your time reading my message and looking forward to your response.

Thank you! (",)


CONTRIBUTOR'S RESPONSE


 Hi there,

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver, and is of two types: acute or chronic. People who have acute hepatitis B could recover completely, while whose with chronic hepatitis B will have the infection for life. There are medicines, however, that can help manage the disease.

It is true that everything that we eat or drink (including medicines) passes through our liver. Does your HIV specialist know that you have Hepatitis B as well? For sure, everything has been considered (including your baseline lab tests and CD4), before your doctor decided that you take your ARVs, prophylaxis meds, and multivitamins. It is important that we have to disclose our whole medical condition so that we would receive proper treatment, and avoid any untoward drug-to-drug or drug-to-food interactions.

With regards to diet, a hepatitis B diet contains the same elements as a diet for an average, healthy person. However, it is recommended that people with hepatitis B should eat heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They should limit their fat intake, and should maintain a healthy weight. And most importantly, those with hepatitis B should completely avoid alcohol.

Healthy lifestyle for those living with hepatitis B includes avoiding bad habits that can directly affect the liver. This means that drinking alcohol should be avoided, smoking, and exposure to environmental pollutants such as fumes from paints or other aerosols.

There are companies that do not require hepatitis B exam as a prerequisite for employment. If you are working in a healthcare industry, however, it is required. I know of an HIV-positive person who both have HIV and Hepatitis B, yet still continues to work in a call center industry. The key there is to live a healthy lifestyle, compliance to your medications, and getting sufficient amount of sleep.

It would be best that in your next consultation in your HIV hub, you can also air your concerns to your HIV specialist because they are still the best persons to ask especially about this matter. Thank you and God bless.

I wish you all the best. Take care.


Sincerely yours, 

Pinoy Positive
Philippine Contributor




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