Espi's Story
English
Tagalog
Espi found out that she had hepatitis B when she was 64. For some time, she was monitored every six months, but eventually a doctor told her she could die if she didn’t begin treatment. Instead of automatically taking his advice, she researched her options. She also kept active, ate well, and tried not to worry. Finding a support group helped her decide on her own terms to take medication when she had all the information she needed.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
Espi had a good experience with her first doctor. What was it that he told her, and what did she decide to do? (He told her that hepatitis B doesn’t have to be a “big deal” and explained her options: medication or monitoring. Whe decided to be monitored every six months.)
Espi’s next experience with a provider was not positive; what happened, and what was the result? (He told her, “you’ll die from this” and insisted she take medication. She did not go back and instead continued her healthy lifestyle and researched the possible side effects of treatment)
How did Espi eventually make the decision to go on medication? Why is support so important, for those living with hepatitis B? (She researched side effects and discussed the situation with her support group. Support is important as part of the process of understanding information, weighing options, and making decisions that feel right.)
Espi's story is available in English and Tagalog.