Talking to Your Doctor About Viral Hepatitis
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You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with hepatitis. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know .
Specific Questions to Ask Your doctor
About Hepatitis
- What type of hepatitis do I have?
- Is it possible to have more than one type of hepatitis?
- How might I have contracted hepatitis?
- What medications, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations should I avoid that may worsen hepatitis?
- Are there other substances I should avoid (such as alcohol)?
- What can I do to avoid passing hepatitis on to other people?
- What are some of the short term and long term complications of hepatitis?
- What symptoms should I watch out for and should I report?
About Your Risk of Developing Hepatitis
- Based on my medical history, lifestyle, and family background, am I at risk for hepatitis?
- How do I best prevent hepatitis?
- Does my job put me at risk for hepatitis?
- What can I do to decrease my risk for hepatitis?
- Should I be vaccinated?
- Should I be screened for hepatitis?
- How often should I be screened if I do not have any symptoms?
About Treatment Options
- How do I best treat hepatitis?
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What medication options are available to help me?
- What are the benefits and side effects of these medications?
- Will these medications interact with other medications, over-the-counter products, or dietary or herbal supplements I am already taking for other conditions?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that will help me?
About Lifestyle Changes
- Is it safe for me to have a baby?
- What kind of protection should my sexual partner(s) and I use?
- Are there habits I should develop in order to avoid passing hepatitis to people with whom I live?
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Why do I need to avoid alcohol?
- How do I find help to stop drinking?
- Should I engage in exercise?
About Outlook
- When will I stop feeling so tired?
- Will my hepatitis go away?
- Will it become a chronic problem?
- Will I develop long-term liver problems?
- Will I develop liver cancer?
- Will I need a liver transplant?
- How will I know that my treatment program is effective?
- Am I now immune to hepatitis viruses?
- What types of hepatitis viruses am I now immune to (A, B, C, D, or E)?
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Nissen D. Mosby’s Drug Consult . St. Louis, MI: Mosby Inc; 2002.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed January 2010 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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