Trieu’s Story

As both a doctor and a patient, Trieu’s journey with chronic hepatitis B has been marked by decades of silent symptoms, life-threatening complications, and ultimately, a life-saving liver transplant. Diagnosed after immigrating to the U.S., Trieu tried to move on—but the virus didn’t stay quiet. Years later, internal bleeding and rare complications brought him to the brink of death. In this powerful and emotional story, he shares how treatment, advocacy, and resilience gave him another chance at life. Trieu hopes his experience empowers others living with hepatitis B to speak up and seek the care they deserve. 

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. What does Trieu’s story teach us about the importance of self-advocacy in managing chronic illnesses like hepatitis B?

(It shows that advocating for yourself can be life-saving. Trieu insisted on treatment when others were still debating it, and that helped prolong his life. His story highlights how important it is to stay informed and speak up, even when it's difficult.)

2. How did Trieu’s role as both a doctor and a patient shape his experience and choices?

(Being a doctor gave him the knowledge and confidence to demand treatment, but he still avoided thinking about his illness for years. It shows that even medical professionals can struggle emotionally and culturally with a chronic illness.)

3. What emotional or cultural factors may have influenced Trieu’s decision to “try to ignore hepatitis B for years”?

(He may have felt fear, shame, or stigma. As an immigrant focused on work and survival, it might have been easier to push it aside. In some cultures, illness can be seen as a weakness or something to hide.)

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