so where do i begin...

[jshort]

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I was diagnosed about 9 months ago. Ive been in a state of denial ever since. Although I know it wasn't the right way to handle things instead of getting treated I chose to ignore my diagnosis and go on as if nothing had ever happened. Well, lately theres been a bunch of things going on that force me to think about my status and I'm considering making an apt with the ID doctor in my area. But until I get there maybe some of you guys can help answer some of my questions. Nobody knows of my status, I'm scared and feel really alone.

A few months back I got really sick. I was ill for about two weeks and for the first time in my life I developed a cold sore. (i didnt know it was a cold sore until the dr told me). I got better but now every 2-3 weeks i develop a cold sore along with canker sores inside my mouth. I cant help but think this is HIV related since Ive never had any of these sores in my life. Lately I also feel extremely tired. I wake up tired and stay tired all day long. I feel like I have no energy i just want to sleep all day. Has anyone experianced these symptoms?? Is this normal? Its begining to effect my employment along with my daily routines in general. I guess I just needed to vent as well as find out if what Im experiancing is normal.

[next2u]

begin with a doctor, preferably an id (infectious disease) doctor. they will monitor your health and give you personalized information that can help you live a healthier lifestyle. every body reacts differently to the disease. you may be experiencing things related to the disease, stress, or a combination of both. this is where the dr comes in. i hope you find what you need. 

best,
d

[27years]

I suggest you go and see the Dr who will tell you exactly whats affecting you.  Its easier to put the blame on HIV when it might be something else.  Even the neg get ill also, hope you will get better soon and pick yourself up again.  Scary as it might look now things will get better, it might take a while but you will find ways of coping and moreover everyone here is happy to listen and help.  You don't have to tell anyone your status if you don't want to.  You have to be comfortable with your status yourself so that you can cope with whatever outcome from anyone you tell, some people can be cruel at times.  Welcome to the forums and wish you a pleasant day 

[YaKaMein]

Welcome to the forums, jshort,
Sounds like a good idea to make that appt with an ID physician and determine what this might be. Getting an idea of your overall health will be beneficial in the long run. We've all had times where we don't feel well ... It's no fun.

hoping you feel better soon, YaKa

[vivyt]

Definitely get to a doctor. I was diagnosed a year ago after many trips to many doctors trying to figure out why I was so sick. Believe me, it can get really bad really fast...take care of yourself.

[aztecan]

Lately I also feel extremely tired. I wake up tired and stay tired all day long. I feel like I have no energy i just want to sleep all day.

Hey JShort,

You should see a doctor to find out whether the HIV is causing your fatigue or it is something else. HIV can certainly cause it.

As far as the cold sores go, they are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Don't freak about the name herpes, just about everyone has been exposed to this virus.

Could a depressed immune system result in frequent outbreaks? I really don't know. I suppose its possible,

This is just another reason for you to start seeing a doctor.

I went into denial when I tested positive as well. The difference was it was 1985 and there wasn't much that could have been done anyway.

Today, there are excellent treatments, good monitoring techniques and every chance you could live a pretty much normal life and die of old age if you take care of yourself.

So, make that appointment and let us know what the doc says.

HUGS,

Mark