Hep B...

[Lotsofquestionsneedanswers]

My new partner has chronic Hep B. I'm totally in love with her and we try not to let it get in the way of our relationship, but she is very self conscious of it, and most people she knows don't know she has it.

I am having a course of vaccinations so will hopefully be immune to it within the next few weeks. We have both talked about it lots and we know the score and what we need to do to be safe until then.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has Hep B or has a partner with it. I think she'd benefit from a forum or group to talk to others in the same sitution, but I can only find US ones when I search online - any ideas?

Lastly, does anyone use / has researched alternative ways of controlling their Hep B other than having frequent injections? Perhaps there is no other way and just wishful thinking on my part - but I thought I'd ask as she hates the injections and needs to have them every few days else she gets so sick she can't even sit up or talk.

Sorry, quite few questions there, guess I'm just generally looking for some guidance or support from those who know more about it than me...

x

"I'd love to hear from anyone who has Hep B or has a partner with it. I think she'd benefit from a forum or group to talk to others in the same sitution, but I can only find US ones when I search online - any ideas?"

You may find the British Liver Trust helpful. They are a charity aimed at providing information and support to patients with liver disease as well as supporting research. The support includes a telephone support service as well as information on more local groups (via phone I think). Here is their website: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/home.aspx

Also, is your partner under hospital care? If so then many specialist units for liver disease and/or infectious disease (depending on which specialty cares for patients with Hep B in your area) have specialist nurses and support which may include local groups so you could access thosethat way. The GP should also either know about or be able to find out about those services for your partner. And your partner should be able to ask about treatment options that way too.

Hope this helps and good luck!