 Image by Waltteri Paulaharju from Pixabay First published on Hepatitis Australia's website in September 2019. If you’ve just been diagnosed with hepatitis B, it might help to know you’re not alone. In 2018 there were 226,612 people in Australia (257 million people worldwide) living with hepatitis B. Emotional reactionsAfter being diagnosed with hepatitis, people can experience a range of reactions including shock and uncertainty, even if they had been expecting a positive test result. It’s not uncommon to feel depressed, anxious, fearful, or worry about possible stigma. In addition, there may also be self-blame, guilt, or embarrassment. Take your time working through difficult thoughts and emotions. Try to be patient and have self-compassion. Sometimes talking things through with your doctor or a counsellor can help. StigmaStigma can arise in society or even within yourself. It can isolate you or interfere with you receiving treatment. For instance, a person may feel apprehensive about being seen attending an infectious diseases clinic if they are worried about what others might think. A great way of reducing stigma is by learning more about hepatitis B. This will empower you to manage your condition together with your doctor, plus it’s helpful if you want to educate others. The learning processBe open to learning about hepatitis B at your own pace. Feel free to explore the huge range of resources available such as via Hepatitis Australia. Information is available in other languages, audio/video formats including podcasts. There are also personal stories here and here about real people living with hepatitis B. SupportHaving the right support is invaluable. Who you share your diagnosis with is a very personal decision. No matter who your trusted person(s) is; you should reflect on the pros and cons of disclosure to each one. You can also join a support group through your local hepatitis organisation or online forums like Hep Forums. Do keep in mind that forums may include people from other countries who have differing access to healthcare and medications, and that any health information should be discussed with your doctor. Finally, these tips might be useful when you see your doctor. Come prepared Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Having a set of questions ready is a great way for you to get the information you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions Here are some common questions others ask:
Make notes for later Research shows that people who are anxious or stressed are more likely to forget or incorrectly recall information later. So, it’s good to make notes during the appointment. Alternatively, ask your doctor for a written list of what you will both do after the appointment. The right doctor for you Because hepatitis B can be a lifelong condition, it’s ideal if you have a good and honest relationship with your doctor. Consider the following:
If you answered no to a few of these questions, then seeking a second opinion might be reasonable. If you need help to find a doctor with experience treating hepatitis B, you can call the National Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 437 222. If you think this article might help someone else too, please like and share References
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Dr Alice LamI'm a doctor who is passionate about writing quality health content. Archives
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