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I Love My Liver
by Thi Ninh Nguyet Nguyen
Let me begin by sharing a little about my early life.
I was born and raised in Vietnam and migrated to Australia in 1990. During my childhood and school years, I often heard my grandparents, parents, and teachers talk about the three most important organs in the body: the liver, the heart, and the kidneys. Of course, all organs are important, but these three were spoken of with special reverence.
According to their wisdom, the kidneys are like an “energy bank,” gifted to a baby by the mother during pregnancy. If the mother is not healthy or happy during that time, the baby may receive a weaker deposit into this energy bank.
The heart is the engine of the body—pumping blood and life through every part of us. It needs warmth, love, and strong blood to function well.
And then, there is the liver—a fascinating and powerful organ. In Vietnamese culture, the liver is also linked to a person’s character. Someone with a “big liver” is brave, daring, and resilient. Emotionally, it can also reflect sensitivity and vulnerability. Medically, I later learned the liver performs over 500 vital functions and helps provide clean, healthy blood to the heart.
From a young age, I came to love my liver deeply. I believe it was my strong liver that gave me the courage to escape Vietnam by boat, a journey that nearly cost me my life. We ran out of food and water, and for thirteen long days, I fought exhaustion and hunger. My liver helped me survive.
When I arrived in Australia, I visited a GP for a routine health check—something considered a luxury back in Vietnam. To my surprise, I was told I was a hepatitis B carrier. I was confused. I didn’t know how I had gotten it, especially since my younger siblings didn’t have it.
But when the doctor explained that hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, I immediately remembered: in high school, we were all vaccinated—but only one needle was used for every ten students. After each injection, the nurse would dip the needle into a pot of hot water before moving on to the next group. I always tried to be among the first few, because the needle was still sharp and hurt less!
As I mentioned, I’ve always treasured my liver for its role in purifying my blood, fighting disease, and supporting my resilience. That’s why I take my liver health very seriously.
Unfortunately, many in the Vietnamese community are afraid to admit they have hepatitis B. Some simply ignore it. Many worry more about cancer or appearance than liver health. But I’ve seen the consequences of neglect firsthand.
I lost a close friend to liver failure after her hepatitis B became active. Her passing was a wake-up call. Her children lost their mother, her husband lost his wife, and her parents lost a kind, joyful daughter. That loss reminded me to never take liver health for granted.
Today, I manage my condition with regular GP visits, blood tests, ultrasounds, and fibroscans. I also take daily medication to keep the virus under control. Thankfully, I’ve experienced no side effects. I tell my heart and kidneys, “Don’t worry—your partner, the liver, is doing a good job purifying your blood!”
Alongside medication, I also exercise, drink plenty of water, eat leafy green vegetables, and avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications to protect my liver further.
I hope by sharing my story, others will begin to value their liver health too. Please—don’t wait. Go for a check-up, and if hepatitis B is detected, start treatment early.
A healthy liver is brave enough to face a simple test, my dear friend. Do it for yourself—and your loved ones.
You can call our free Hepatitis Infoline to speak to someone about hepatitis B. Call 1800 803 990 today.
