How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hepatitis

Unfortunately, hepatitis has somewhat of a stigma in our society. What other people think about you or your health should not stop you from speaking to your doctor about the disease. If you feel you have been exposed to hepatitis, are experiencing symptoms or feel you are at risk, talk to your doctor right away. Your health is more important than what others think. Here's how to start the conversation and get the answers you need about risk, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about contracting hepatitis. She can discuss the risk factors with you and decide whether you should be tested.

2. Ask about being vaccinated. If you are planning to travel to a region where hepatitis is common, are living with a family member who has hepatitis or are involved in any high-risk activities, you should consider having the vaccinations. Keep in mind, however, that there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

3. Speak to your doctor to learn about the possible treatment options available if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis. You may wish to wait until symptoms or liver damage are present, or you may want to fight the disease head-on without delay.

4. Discuss the possible side effects of any prescribed therapy. Sometimes the side effects of medication can be worse than the actual symptoms of the disease. Your doctor should make you aware of the possible side effects before you start any new treatment.

5. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed of your diagnosis. Your doctor may be able to recommend a support group or mental-health professional to speak with you and assist you with handling the mental and emotional aspects of the disease.

6. Continue to talk to your doctor during treatment. She will monitor the levels of hepatitis in your blood and the health of your liver. She will also need to know if you are experiencing any new symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis and are trying to conceive or become pregnant. Your doctor may change the course of your treatment and will recommend treatment for the infant if necessary.
• If your partner or a family member has been diagnosed with hepatitis, you should discuss prevention measures with your doctor.

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