-
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
-
Hello Cologuy! It sounds like things have been a big rough for you. The first few weeks can be that way. I was diagnosed in January of this year and handled the first two weeks great. Then I about fell apart. So I can understand your feeling. It sounds like the insurance deal was a mess too. Just a few words of advice! It will get better. Just don't give up and don't feel like you have to blame yourself for anything. It sounds like you have some great friends and I've found that sometimes the friends are more devastated than you are... at least at first. In terms of the doctor, just make sure you find one your are comfortable with. I got my news from my general practitioner and I picked a specialist I had heard was great. I got in within 2 weeks. But that turned out to be a disaster. It finally took me 3 months to find one that I was really comfortable with. And she will actually be both my HIV specialist and my general practitioner. So just take it a day at a time. Get the results of your lab work. And then go from there. Life with HIV may not be a picnic, but there are lots of good things and you will find lots of support here on the boards. It was interesting that you mentioned your contact from your state health department. I never recevied any contact from my state health department. I kept being told to expect it... that it would come... that sometimes it just takes a while... well, Saturday it will be 10 months since my diagnosis and I'm still waiting for that follow up. I did take the initiative and contacted anyone I had been with in the past six months.
Finally, just remember that you are important. This is a scary thing. But you can get through it and you can find a lot of support here.
Take care!
-
Welcome Cologuy -
First - go look in the mirror - it is not your fault! And sorry to hear you had such a terrible time on top of learning your status.
Second - Blixer is right of course, there are alot of people here who can help in many ways, so hang in there and take advantage of the years of knowledge they have. I only got diagnosed a couple of months ago and have only been on this site a short time so I am still in the learning stage myself.
I lucked out and when I switched from the doctor who misdiagnosed my HIV symtoms to a specialist - she also became my primary care doc and I am so lucky to have her and the support team their office offers - lab - pharmacy - therapist all in one place. Hope you can find a similar situation so you can avoid future screw ups and concentrate on taking care of yourself and your friends.
Good luck and take advantage of what the veterans here can offer - ask questions - chat with them I think it will make a difference for you.
Kevin
-
Your life has changed. However, the feelings you are experiencing will subside with time. Until then, know that there are people here going through the same experience, take some time to talk with them.
-
Any question I can answer or anytime you need to chat you welcome. thats a promise every time I'm online if you need/want to. I've not been active on this site for a while because of (other family) illness, but If I'm not being 2 overwhelming or intrusive, feel free and just hopefully know you are cared about
-
I finally sucked it up and went to my GP at the beginning of October for the HIV test and the results. As expected, it was postive but he was not sympathetic and referred me to an ID doctor. I called the ID doctor only to find out he's not accepting HIV patients which left me without a referral and to my own devices.
I finally called and made the appointment, met with him and got my labs. The total interaction was less than 15 minutes. Highly impersonal and the only thing I remember was him asking why young guys are getting HIV. I tend to give the benefit of the doubt but honestly this has not been a good experience to date. The only thing that has helped is this forum for the information you folks have posted to questions.
I started my meds the night before thanksgiving but really didn't have a reference. The doctor gave me a script and scheduled me back two months later. My exchanges with Nick have told me this is being totally mishandled and he referred me to his doctor. I plan on making an appointment next week and hopefully will have a physician who gives a damn.
Reading your post just brought all this back and we all should do more to help people out who discovered they're newly positive. Not every doctor is versed in HIV and it's dangerous to think any doctor is capable of managing this disease given the complexities of the meds and the condition.
I can say this, it's not a death sentence and it's just something that has happened. It's not anyone's fault so don't blame yourself. You have to take this experience and learn from it what is necessary to get better and to manage the disease. Read. Ask questions and talk about it. I have been lucky in that someone in Dallas has reached out to me from this forum. I have learned a lot from the conversations and this forum. Education is the best thing you can do at this point. Question everything until you feel comfortable with your decisions.
One thing I have learned is be careful on the posts. I am on Sustiva and Epzicom which if you read everything about side effects, you're expecting the worst. That is not the case. Each of us is unique and reacts differently. What works for one will not work for another. Find a good doctor with a great office staff. They can help you through. This forum can help too. Lot's of good advice.
I wish you the best and know you'll come out of this stronger and better.
-
Hey Cologuy,
First, I agree with what others have said: Find yourself a decent doc. I would have told the guy who questioned why young guys are getting HIV to get a life (or something to that effect).
Is there an ASO (AIDS Service Organization) in your area? If so, it is a good idea to get enrolled. It may be your income may disqualify you from full enrollment (this based on what you said regarding your job) but they may be able to at least refer you to a good doctor.
Another thing, inquire about a support group for the recently diagnosed. The first year is tough because you are adjusting to a new chapter in your life. Having the support of such a group could really help.
Remember we are here for you too. We have old farts (like myself) and young, newly infected as well, so you have a wide range or experience at your disposal.
You have not been wiped of the map. You are not invisible. I am glad you found us and look forward to hearing more from you.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Hey Cologuy!
It is unfortunate that you have tested positive for HIV. However, it is good that you are reaching our for support through all of this. Finding yourself a Doctor is key.
I wish to extend to you a WARM WELCOME here at the AM forums. Here you will find the encouragement, communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/forfun_06/FriendshipHandshake.jpg)
We have a great group of Real People who will listen as well as answer you. We are here to encourage one another and to learn from each other.
With the consideration of implementing a Positive Mental Attitude, it will also assist you on your journey in this life as well as having a Positive Impact on your immune system.
In fact, through your Positive Mental Attitude, it will help you push forward through all of the obstacles on your path that you are now walking on.
Talking to other people helps us see that we are not the only ones with problems. Feel free to come and vent with whatever is on your mind from time-to-time.
Often the act of writing and the ability to “see” your feelings leads to therapeutic insights and solutions. .
In the interim, you may want to start taking a multi-vitamin, Omega 3 and you may want to keep an eye on your diet.
Exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
"Don't Give Up, Don't Give In... cause it is all within you to WIN!"
-
Hey Colo...
You may want to catch up with our forum member "Eric" he is with Dr. Ben in Colorado.
"Don't Give Up, Don't Give In... Cause it is all within you to WIN!"
-
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
-
Hey Colo...
Your numbers are looking good! You will also want to follow up with additional lab work every three months so that you can get a picture of what the virus is doing.
As for the Doctors, you will want to excercise all of your options and gather the facts before making a decision.
"Don't Give Up, Don't Give In... Cause it is all within you to WIN!"
-
nice #'s, hopefully it's a nice relief from some stress.
-
Cologuy, Glad you were tested and I'm sorry to hear about the poz diagnosis but, this does not mean you can not live a full life and control this disease. I hope you have good insurance and that your not dependent on the adap program which fluctuats with funding from one administration to another. I have been positive since 1991... I did not stat meds until 1996 because, there were few if any... my viral load is undectable or less the 50 my cd4 count ranges from 1100 to 1250 consistently... side effects from meds can be numerous. Now at present I am on a great regimen... I exercise to maintain health, I rarely drink alcohol but, I do smoke weed (420) friendly it helps with the meds... I wish you great success... most of it is your mind set (attitude) read everything you can... best of luck.
-
>:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
-
Wow. You really are going through a great deal right now, aren't you? I'm not always good at writing grand statements of comfort and reassurance, and I admit that I am a bit lost for words after reading your posts. What I can offer is a listen...here or through a PM, if you wish. That, and another welcome here to add to this ever-growing list. You are in good company here.
Tim
-
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
-
>:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(