Newly Diagnosed

[gloworm]

Good morning,

I am newly diagnosed, doc estimated that I have been infected for about a year and a half. I was having other help problems and the docters had not been able to figure it out for nearly a year.  I still can't believe this.  I know who infected me and I am upset. 

I have been looking for support groups in my area but they are mostly geared towards the LGBT community. 

I just would like to talk to someone who I can relate to in dealing with this. 

[jkinatl2]

Hello!

I am sorry you had to seek out this place, but glad you found us.

It's quite a steep learning curve, living with HIV - but you are up to the task, I am sure.

My only advie right now is to listen to your doctor, get your labs and numbers, and see where you stand regarding medication and treatment. Moving forward from here there's every chance that your health problems will soon be a thing of the past.

[tednlou2]

Gloworm,

I am sorry to hear you have to join us, but welcome to the forums.  The good thing is you know, and you're in care.  So many don't learn their status, until they end up in the hospital. 

I wish you all the best processing this, and moving forward.  Keep in touch.  If you have questions, this is a good place to discuss those issues.  Or, when you just need to vent.  Of course, having a good doc is great.  Besides the physical aspect, be sure to monitor your mental health.  If it is becoming too much, a good therapist is very helpful.  Of course, not everyone has access to a therapist. 

All the best,

Ted

[actonye]

Hey gloworm, wish I didn't have to day this , but welcome. First things first, you are gonna be just fine. Trust me. I found out in feb this year and Thot my life was over. You can read my previous posts somewhere on this forum. It was a grueling first few months, but thanks to loads of the amazing people on here and my prof and therapist, hiv is probably only remembered in the morning when I take my pills. Nothing else has changed with me, really. Believe it when we say you are going to do just fine. 1st get ur mental health in the right state, it goes a long way to helping you overcome this challenge, after that begin to answer all those unanswered questions that make u panic, actively seek out the answers to any questions you have, don't keep them bottled in afraid they might not be what u want to hear, because u know what, there is always an alternative solution.
I've come a long way in a few months and if I could with all my preconceived prejudices any one can.
Buddy ur gonna be just fine. Trust me.

[Andy Velez]

Glow, right now you are still shocked about having tested positive. You're doing one of the most important things at this point and that is to have begun a working partnership with your doctor. Doing that is essential to maintaining your good health.

You may find you will have lots of questions. Keep a little pad with you so you can write them down and not have to depend on your memory when you go for a checkup or otherwise speak with him. There is also a world of experience and support here as you are beginning to find out as you hear from other members. You are welcome to come here about anything that is on your mind.

Gradually you are going to learn everything you need to know to stay well. Yes, HIV is an important reality in your life. But it is not all of what your life is going to be about. "Who" you got infected from is less important than taking good care of yourself now. It's happened and while acknowledging feelings you have, the most important thing is staying healthy. 

We wish you hadn't needed to come here but we're glad you've found your way to the site. Welcome.