POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => I Just Tested Poz => Topic started by: thebird1959 on July 08, 2012, 12:04:18 am
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Had been about a year since I last had an HIV test so I decided to go online and order an HIV-1 Test Kit. Took a blood sample, sent it in, called in a few days later on June 19 and tested positive. It had to be without a doubt the worst day of my life. The first 24 hours after receiving the news was pretty tough to say the least. A person should have somebody with them when they get there test results and for the next day or so if they test positive. I didn't, but wasn't expecting to test positive either. Boy, you talk about something turning your world upside down! Had used a condom at least 95% of the time and never was very promiscuous either. Just goes to show you it doesn't take but one time. Have never experienced any symptoms and haven't even been sick in 3-4 yrs, and then only a cold.
It took me a couple of days, but after I got over the initial shock I called on June 21 and made an appointment to see my Doctor of 20 yrs on June 28. They took a blood sample and sent it off to do a WB Test. Doctor called me on July 3 to give me the news. I could tell that he was stalling and didn't know just how to tell me, so I finally asked him. It came back positive also. He's made an appointment for me with an HIV specialist at UAB on July 23.
I'm over the initial shock now, and I'll be okay. Just trying to research now and learn as much as I can as fast as I can to get up to on treatments and everything.
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Bird,
Welcome. I am glad you found this site, but sorry you have to be here. I am also newly diagnosed. You might want to check around, there might be place to get counseling in your area besides the HIV doctor.
There are plenty of folks here who will give you great advice. Do not be afraid to ask questions. I usually get any answers I need by simply reading older posts.
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bird,
welcome to the forums. sorry for your diagnosis. everytime i read someone's "tested positive" story, i feel quite bad.
but still, you are alive, and you will be alive for many many years. so the only problem you have is life is going to be a little harder.
don't blame yourself or your sex life. this is just a virus. not a curse, or god's punishment. you were just unlucky. (wrong time/wrong people/wrong unprotection)
just go to your doctor visits, check your CD4 levels, use your meds when necessery, and only problem you will get is social discrimination. so know your rights, and don't tell your infection everyone. Especially someone you gave a secret before, and didn't keep it. being a good friends, and being a confidant is two different things. so choose wisely.
you will have questions. you can ask here or you search old topics.
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Thanks for your advice and words of encouragement. As for counseling I think I'm okay. I've been in some tight spots before with my health and I've just about made up my mind that I'm not going to let it get me down and plan on fighting it with everything I've got. My doctor of 20+ years has said before this that I've either got 9 lives or God has got some sort of plan for me, we'll see. One thing that I've had going for me up until now is that with the exception of a few minor problems I'm in excellent health for somebody my age. I think a lot of it has to do with a persons faith and/or attitude. A person has got to have a "want to" if that makes any sense.
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Welcome to the forums. Sorry you are here but glad you found us. Don't forget to take some deep breaths during this process. The good news is that the treatments are excellent and this disease is manageable.
Drew ;)