Its been a month

[40something]

Ok its been a month since I got the news that I was POZ.  I think I'm feeling pretty good about my future.  At first I was scared,  and couldn't get it out of my mind,  I went to the internet and did all kinds of searches (big mistake) and overloaded myself with all kinds of info most of which was worst case scenario,  or outdated.
Luckily I found this site with a tip from a friend,  its a LOT better than most and has helped me a lot. And enough can not be said about a good Dr that is educated and up to date on HIV.
  Don't get me wrong,  Id rather not have this,  but I do, and I cant change it.  But I do know that I can live a normal life,  by taking care of myself,  which I pretty much did already,  and possibly taking medication every day.  That's it,  the social aspects arent a huge issue,  I have great friends, and disclosure is something that I am in control of.  I know now that people aren't staring at me,  and I'm not some angel of death,  Im the same person,  with a virus that can be controlled with medication.  I check the news updates every day and I have yet to find really bad news,  on the contrary,  the article on life-span,  and the new discoveries of the bonding proteins  HIV requires and how the Virus "hides" from ones immune system are huge,  who knows I may not have this thing within a couple years! 

[hellrider]

It has been a month for me also I have told my closest friends and my parents, I am glad to see you coping well, I need to do what you have done and stay away from all the bad news. I have issues I need cleared up as well. I am through with the death thing now.

[leatherman]

yes, it can all be overwhelming at first... and at second too. Not only is there digesting the news; but there can be a lot to learn about just what this virus does and how best to deal with it. But you both sound like you're doing the right thing - and that's moving ahead. 

Make sure to take advantage of the great Lessons at this site (under treatment in the gray menu bar, second column). There's just a ton of information in there about what HIV does, what meds there are, what to do about side effects if you have them, how to understand your lab work, etc. And then of course, there are always these forums if you have questions, or issues, or just want to talk.

When you think things are just getting too heavy dealing with HIV, just remember to take one day at a time and deal with things a piece at a time. Silly platitudes, I know; but sometimes "just dealing with today" and not all the hypothetical tomorrows is was got me from my diagnosis almost exactly 18 yrs ago (12/26/92) to today.

Keep your chins up, and best wishes to both you guys!

[hellrider]

Thanks Leatherman I will take that advice, I am a fighter and will fight to the end.

[nychope1]

I dig your upbeat and positive attitude. That has a lot of healing power both physically and mentally.

A little over a month here myself. The meds have been a breeze and I am looking forward to a nice relationship with my new little buddies hanging around inside my body.  If they only new they married a full breed Sicilian they would have chosen another host. They will regret it.

Hang in and be well. Your going to live long enough to be a rusty old man someday

Cheers..

[hellrider]

Thanks Chope, I go to the VA next Wednesday I don't know what to expect. I have a few issues to overcome I am afraid of large groups of people, I don't want to go outside because of the cold, I also don't want to go karaoke much I am a known karaoke whore pardon the word. and last I am afraid of getting ill from the flu etc.. These are my issues, but somewhere I read which is true I don't have I have HIV tatted on my forehead so lastnight I ate at a restaurant and did fine.