Hepatitis B e antigen reactive?

Question

I found that I have the chronic hepatits B e antigen. After I check a doctor with symptoms the Doctor told me that I am a carrier.
So, I don't know what to do. I will have more tests. I would like to know what kind of help and treatement is out there. One more question is that considered SSI Disability for financial benefits?

thank you

Answer 1

if you have hep B e antigen reactive then you have active hepatitis B quite likely and you are quite infective. You definitely need more tests like Hep B core antibody, e antibody, surface antigen etc. Yes this is treatable with interferon etc, treatment is not guaranteed to remove all the virus from the body, you will live with it and unfortunately it carries some risks of hepatocellular carcinoma too. SSI and siability are considerations if your disease is causing effects all over your body and you are unable to work, your doctor has to certify that and a disability doctor will evaluate all that. try to read more on webmd.com, mayoclini.com etc. good luck

Answer 2

There are several treatments for HBV (Hep B virus), some may be able to make the virus undetectable. Some treatments are for one year (Pegasys is a drug recently approved for HBV treatment; there are other meds such as encantavir, & lamivudine). You cannot reverse the transmission of the virus; once you have it, you have it. Many of the drug companies have patient assistance programs where they will either give you the medication or charge you on a sliding scale. You will have to check around your area to see if there are clinics or agencies that offer medical care. It is unlikely that you will get disability for HBV; many people have hep b or c and still work, even while on treatment. Best wishes to you.