I just tested positive for HIV and hepatitis B

[justfoundout]

is there anyone on here that has the same co-infection?  I feel lost- any information regarding treatments and more would be greatly appreciated. I am feeling really scared and overwhelmed- i don't know where to start.  Thanks

[PositivelyYours]

Hello,

I am sorry that you tested positive for HIV and Hep B.  I tested positive for Hep B in 1995 at which time I was not HIV Positive.  I tested Positive for HIV on August 10, 2006.  Although both of these diseases are frightening, You can live.  Just remember to take care of yourself and listening to what your doctor tell you.  Do you have an Infectious Disease Doctor?  Have you started treatment for the Hep B?

[bkrason]

gg

[Poz Brit]

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, Where to start? It already has, you can and will live with it, take one step at a time, and things will work out.
I will arrive at my first year after diagnosis at the end of November, it’s still not good, but it’s getting better.

All the best to you.

John(UK)

[Andy Velez]

Just, you've come to the right place. Welcome!

Most importantly you need to have a doctor you who is watching your numbers regarding HIV. As far as Hep B is concerned treatment for it is not given for most self-limiting infections when symptoms last for only a few months. The best thing you can do is to rest and eat well. For chronic cases, alpha-interferon injections are the standard of treatment for approximately four months. Get your doctor's opinion as to where you are at.

As for HIV, it takes time to get adjusted to having it in your life, but you will. Gradually you'll learn everything you need to know about staying healthy. Your partnership with your doctor is a very important tool. You want someone who's up on HIV and with whom you can talk and ask questions when you need to.

There are several lessons on this site which you may find useful, including the one about disclosure. I urge you to take your time with making decisions. Often so many feelings are stirred up after being diagnosed that people feel impelled to "do something," when in fact the best thing is to take your time to take it in and be with yourself.

You're always welcome here to ask questions and to discuss anything that's on your mind.

Cheers,

[poet]

I will offer that you might try to address each medical situation separately, at least in your mind.  Work with a medical professional, certainly, but think/talk through treatment for hiv and think/talk through treatment for hep B, one at a time, rather than being overwhelmed by all of this, the two, that is, at the same time.  Win

[Eldon]

Hey Justfoundout,

I wish to extend to you a warm WELCOME here at the forums. Here you will find the encouragement, communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.

We have a great group of Real people who will listen as well as answer you.

Talking to other people helps us see that we are not the only ones with problems. Feel free to come and vent with whatever is on your mind from time-to-time as it is highly therapeutic.

In the interim,eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy and avoid processed foods, saturated and trans fats. This will also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Make the BEST of each Day!

[Boo Radley]

I tested positive for HIV in late 1990 and had the great luck of contracting chronic Hepatitis B in November of 2001.  For the better part of 2002 and 2003 I slept 12 - 18 hours daily and had no energy at all.   

First, are you sure your Hep infection is chronic?  It takes at least 6 months and 2 to 3 blood draws to make the determination.  If your infection is chronic but your liver enzymes are OK (i.e., maybe a little above normal but not too high) then you can probably wait to treat the infection unless you are going to begin treating the HIV infection soon.

If you will be starting HAART soon it's important to include one ARV drug that is also effective against hepatitis.  In my case I began taking Trizivir, which contains 3TC, in October of 2004.  In January of this year my blood work showed hep antibodies for the first time and a hepatitis viral load came back undetectable.  In other words, the 3TC cured the hepatitis. 

I wish you the very best of luck!

Boo