I have had hep B since I was a child what are ways I can help prevent major damage?

Question

I'm a 23 year old white male I live in Nor Cal. I contracted hep B when I was about 3 years old by drinking out of the milk carton just like my dad did. He unknowingly had hep b at the time and spread it to me and my fam via the milk or juice. I got a shot short after ehich I think made me unable to spread it but this was in '88 or so and medical science only was so far.
Now I am a social smoker and I honestly do drink maybe every other weekend not too heavily.
Thing is now that I'm married I need to watch myself and live for her also.
I take omega-3, selenium, vit C pretty regularly (3x a week) and have been eating healthy for about 3 months now (no fast food at all).

Anyways, any suggestions of what I should do or try...I know I have to quit smoking and drinking so please dont state the obvious. 

Thanks everyone!

Moxie · Accepted Answer

First to protect your liver you should not take any drugs your doctor has not approved for you to take.  
Second do not drink alcohol
Third do not smoke
Four limit the eating of red meats, and stay away from barbeque meats
Five do not let yourself become overweight
Six eat healthy meals, and limit your sugar intake to help prevent diabetes
Seven exercise regularly
Eight sleep regularly and try and get at least 7 hours a night
Nine try to enjoy your life and limit unnecessary stress.

It is rare that you will get cirrhosis, but possible.  If you follow what I have suggested your risk level will be low.

I suggest yearly or every 6 months checks of blood work for your liver so that if anything is abnormal it is caught early.  There are treatments that can knock out the virus, but they are somewhat risky.  Doctors will only try them if you have a sharp increase of liver enzymes.  

I wish you well.

Registered Nurse

Trending News

I have had hep B since I was a child what are ways I can help prevent major damage?

1 Answer