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Author Topic: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta  (Read 11383 times)

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Offline optimuseyes

  • Member
  • Posts: 6
Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« on: November 09, 2006, 08:44:25 pm »
My name is Tony and I am 31 y/o living in Atlanta.  I tested positive 3 weeks ago after having a routine (every 6-8 months) test.  Needless to say, I was very surprised and found myself initally distraught.  The logical side of myself quickly took hold and I went immediatetly into survival and information gathering mode.  I found an IM doctor that is considered the best among professional practitioners here in town.  I got my first set of numbers last week and the news was good...718CD4/5,000VL.  I am fortunate to have lived a healthy and active life before my diagnosis and will continue to do the same. 

I have been seeing a therapist for a couple years for issues involving isolation and abandoment. My therapist has been a blessing and having him to talk to openly and honestly about what I am feeling and fearing has been pivotal in keeping my head level and my soul calm. 

I have some concerns involving outreach in this area and my ability to find a peer group that I believe will help me better understand what is to come and what I can do today to live a more meaningful life. So, I am again blessed to have found this forum.  I've been reading through some of the post for the past couple of days and am grateful for the volume of information provide to those of us who are new to this or those who have fought it and survived for years.  I believe the connection between these 2 groups helps us all feel less isolated and more a part of a greater fight.

I do have a fews questions that I hope you guys can help me with:

1. Do any of you take Olive Leaf Extract and if so, have you experienced any significant changes in overall health?

2. Are there any other members from Atlanta?  What groups or organizations have you found support you?

3. How have any of you found dating after being diagnosed poz?  Dating was hard enough for me before and I fear that I may never have the courage to approach a guy again. (btw...2 days after I told the  news to the guy I had been dating for 2 months, he decided things were too serious and broke things off) *remember those abandoment issues I mentioned before? :)

Thanks again to you all for your courage in sharing your experiences, your fears, your stuggles and especially your words of encouragement and success.  They are invaluble to those of us just now learning to live with HIV.

Tony


Offline Eldon

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,664
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2006, 09:24:20 pm »
Hello Tony,

It is unfortunate that you have tested positive for HIV. However, it is good that you are now aware of this so that you can take the proper action with your health. There are several organizations in the Metro Atlanta Area. You can go to:www.aidsatlanta.org and they have several links there on their site.

I wish to extend to you a warm WELCOME here at the forums. Here you will find the encouragement, communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.

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.

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 as it is highly therapeutic.

In the interim, you may want to start taking a multi-vitamin, Omega 3 and eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy and avoid processed foods, saturated and trans fats. This will also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Make the BEST of each Day!

Offline Andy Velez

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 34,126
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2006, 10:10:38 am »
Hi Tony,

Welcome! We're sorry you've tested positive, but now that's a fact in your life, we're glad you found your way to this site.

The first thing I would urge is that you take a good deep breath and give yourself time to start getting accustomed to having HIV in your life. You're not going to suddenly slip through some black hole.  You're under a doctor's care and it's someone you have confidence in. That's great because having a doctor with whom you can develop a good working partnership is one of the best ways to insure that you will stay healthy.

If you haven't already done so, please read the lessons on this site about testing poz, when to start meds and disclosure issues for some useful information.

Gradually you'll be getting answers to some of the questions you've asked. For instance the issue of dating is one that has come up many times and if you comb through the threads you will find some of the conversations that have gone on about it.

You're always welcome to ask questions here and to discuss anything that's on your mind.

Welcome,
Andy Velez

Offline Medazzaman

  • Member
  • Posts: 6
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2006, 04:32:29 pm »
Hey there.

Atlanta here as well.  Also tested poz for first time 3 weeks ago (Oct 26).

Offline Lakis

  • Member
  • Posts: 88
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2006, 04:26:53 pm »
Do yo use icq?skype/tlen?gg?msn?????

Offline atlantabro

  • Member
  • Posts: 31
  • Brand New Day
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #5 on: December 18, 2006, 07:05:54 pm »
Atlanta here as well. Sorry to hear that you tested POZ, but I'm happy that you are taking the necessary steps to get information. There is a ton to learn but you won't feel alone at all. Welcome to the fam.

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #6 on: December 19, 2006, 06:48:58 am »
Hello Tony,

It is unfortunate that you have tested positive for HIV. However, it is good that you are now aware of this so that you can take the proper action with your health. There are several organizations in the Metro Atlanta Area. You can go to:www.aidsatlanta.org and they have several links there on their site.

I wish to extend to you a warm WELCOME here at the forums. Here you will find the encouragement, communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.

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.

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 as it is highly therapeutic.

In the interim, you may want to start taking a multi-vitamin, Omega 3 and eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy and avoid processed foods, saturated and trans fats. This will also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Make the BEST of each Day!

Hey Atlanta,

I know all the stuff you must be going through.   I'm going to answer your 3rd question about dating.   Ironically, I ended up in a relationship less than a month after being diagnosed with a negative partner.   I had told him before we ever went on our first date.   So, things went well and it was new to me cause I was dealing with all the newly diagnosed stuff etc.   We were together for about 6 months give or take.  We moved in together after 2 months and I won't go into that here, but let's just say I broke it off and I'm single again and loving it.

I'm totally open about my status and even have it on my Myspace profile and started a discussion group.   I have I think more date offers now than I ever had before I was diagnosed.   Your dating life is NOT over.   I think your own attitude and how you choose to handle telling individuals are very important, but most of the people I hear complaining they can't get a date because of HIV probably couldn't have before.   They blame all their shortcomings on HIV and claim they got rejected because of HIV status.   

And, for something amusing.   I've actually used the "I have HIV" to get rid of people I had no interest in dating and let me tell you that tactic has backfired almost every time.  ;)  Usually, they don't care or they say so am I  ;)    So, don't use that line!

Wesley
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2006, 06:50:56 am »
Hey Tony,

I know all the stuff you must be going through.   I'm going to answer your 3rd question about dating.   Ironically, I ended up in a relationship less than a month after being diagnosed with a negative partner.   I had told him before we ever went on our first date.   So, things went well and it was new to me cause I was dealing with all the newly diagnosed stuff etc.   We were together for about 6 months give or take.  We moved in together after 2 months and I won't go into that here, but let's just say I broke it off and I'm single again and loving it.

I'm totally open about my status and even have it on my Myspace profile and started a discussion group.   I have I think more date offers now than I ever had before I was diagnosed.   Your dating life is NOT over.   I think your own attitude and how you choose to handle telling individuals are very important, but most of the people I hear complaining they can't get a date because of HIV probably couldn't have before.   They blame all their shortcomings on HIV and claim they got rejected because of HIV status.   

And, for something amusing.   I've actually used the "I have HIV" to get rid of people I had no interest in dating and let me tell you that tactic has backfired almost every time.  ;)  Usually, they don't care or they say so am I  ;)    So, don't use that line!

Wesley

ps.  I have no idea what I did here, but somehow posted this twice I guess?   New to this site so forgive me!
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline thunter34

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,374
  • His name is Carl.
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2006, 06:14:10 pm »
Lordy!  How did I miss this thread?

Atlanta here!

Tim
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline thunter34

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,374
  • His name is Carl.
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #9 on: December 19, 2006, 06:16:23 pm »
And Wesley is right:  that 'Stand back! I have HIV!  Mwah-ha-ha!' routine has been a big, fat failure. 

Now, I'm still just ignored for being a dork. 

Same as it ever was....
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline chadnla

  • Member
  • Posts: 84
  • Relaxed in SoCal
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #10 on: December 19, 2006, 09:07:31 pm »
Welcome to the boards.  When you have a bad day, sign on here...the people here will definately help lift you back up and then some.

As far dating, I was surprised that the first guy I told (we had been on a couple of dates b4 I found out) basically said "ok, so we have to be careful". it didn't last due to other issues, but i have found most people seemed ok with it. i'm still single but that's a whole separate thread. :)

deal with yourself first, then you can deal with others.  good luck and hope to see you here more.

Chad
"I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing."

Offline Nico

  • Member
  • Posts: 262
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #11 on: December 29, 2006, 09:34:35 pm »
Tony,
Live here in Atl since the 90's and hate the traffic, but that is another story us ITP people face.  I will recommend my doc.  Her name is Dr. Zurowski and her office number is 404-351-8873.  She is located in Piedmont Hospital. 

Long story short, she listens, is upfront and gives you options.  I have been through five doc's in Atlanta since 1990.  I have been her patient since my PCP in 2001.  Give her a try and make sure you are in charge of your treatment.  Ask all the questions you want and do not be afraid (as I did) that you are taking up too much time.  This is your life.  Also, call AID Atlanta for a referral since I do not know you entire situation.

Hope this helps.
Roger
Poz since 1990.

Offline rick21007

  • Member
  • Posts: 286
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #12 on: December 30, 2006, 01:11:33 am »
Welcome from another newbie as well.   True Love and Romance  after being diagnosed hiv?   U betcha!!!  Best of luck to ya!  (Cupid, yall just pull back that bow raght now, y'heeer)
                                 Rick in Central Oregon ( but learned to talk in the South)

Offline chris_in_georgia

  • Member
  • Posts: 42
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #13 on: January 28, 2007, 01:18:38 pm »
Hi Tony:

I'm in Atlanta as well, and in my thirties also - been poz a little longer though. I lurk here from time to time, but seldom post.

I think we Atlanta guys should all get together. Feel free to PM me and I'll give give you my email or phone number. (That goes for any Atlanta guys).

As far as the IM doc goes - are they also an ID specialist? I feel more comfortable seeing a specialist.

Poz dating in Atlanta?? I think that you'll find that it's a lot less of an issue than you think. Be it good or bad - it's just pretty common. Very few people run screaming into the night. I guess it really depends on how you approach the subject - and when (earlier is better than later).

Olive leaf extract? Don't know. You can clue me in on that one.

Good luck,
Chris
"I wear my life right on my sleeve. Where I've been has left it's mark on me."http://www.jodeemessina.com/music/index.html

Poz since '88 - in it for the long haul.

Offline indyguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 260
  • Hoosier Boy Single Again.
Re: Tested Positive 3 weeks ago here in Atlanta
« Reply #14 on: January 29, 2007, 07:49:40 am »
Hey dont sweat it. I found out about 2 months ago. I am like you and got tested every 6 months. Catching it early is really a good thing because you can jump on top of it. I had my moments but getting on here and seeing that there are alot of people my own age that is also dealing with this was a big help. People that I have never met were sending me messages saying that hey its going to be ok. I also have gotten more date offers then when I was neg. CRAZY huh? Just remember that this is not the death sentence that it used to be. You are going to live and may or may not have to take a couple of pills every day. Keep the faith and listen to the folks on here. I did and it helped me from going CRAZY! God Bless man You are going to be ok...later from Indy 
Meds doing well so far.

 


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