Just Diagnosed

[sc001]

Hi everyone,

Just been diagnosed positive today and didn't really know who to talk to, so just thought I'd write down my experience here. I'm in my early 20's, and in my final year at university.

So a few weeks ago, a guy I have recently seen told me he had tested positive. I had a strong feeling my result would be the same as I had an awful flu around the same time that didn't feel normal. Today, when I got the positive result, I felt heartbroken but also had a weird sense of relief that I didn't have to speculate anymore. I guess I've come to the conclusion that although it's not an ideal situation by any means, knowledge really is power in this scenario.

I'm back at home now trying to do some research on the virus and the options available to me, getting my results for CD4/viral load etc. next week.

I know this is going to be a rocky road and that there are going to be some times when I feel very down about it, but I'm glad to actually know. The nurses at the clinic were really lovely and told me they have treat all sorts of people there, from doctors to lawyers, and that I could live normally and healthily as long as I look after myself. They said I could go on to do anything I had planned to do before, which was nice to know.

I guess it's worth asking if anyone has any tips on how to get through these first few days/weeks? I'm not yet ready to disclose but am trying to think of someone who I could really trust.

Sorry for the rant, I just needed to get the experience off my chest. Just trying to reassure myself that things will get better and I'll start to feel like my normal self again at some point down the line.

S x

[mecch]

Sorry you got that news.
Always keep in mind the great words you heard from the health care professionals.  Whenever I have had shocking news, I have tended to deal with the shock by focusing on my ongoing projects that are daily weekly and monthly giving good results and positive energy. So perhaps the thing to do is keep your mind on your studies and making this a great school year and getting that well-earned degree...

[wolfter]

Glad you found this forum, but sorry you need it.  I suspect you'll experience a lot of emotional issues.  Since I've been positive for 20+ years, I'm not sure if this still holds true; When I was first diagnosed the counselor said I should not disclose to anyone until I managed to "come to terms" with my diagnosis. 

Continue to share your worries and concerns here as there are a lot of knowledgeable people here.

Take care and best wishes.

Wolfie

[drewm]

Sorry about your news but glad you found us. Take some deep breaths. Try...TRY...to relax your mind, body and spirit as much as you can. Definitive response #1 - this disease is TREATABLE and it is NOT a death sentence. Yes, the road has some chuck-holes but I, personally, have found most of these to be mental as opposed to physical/HIV related. Get some counseling if you can and try not to read too much about this disease. What I mean by that is burdening yourself with a bunch of "what if's" and the like.

I was dxd in 2010 with AIDS. PCP pneumonia, CD4 count of 8 and a VL of a half million. I will be starting school after the first of the year (career change) so yes, life definitely goes on.

See you around the forums 

[tednlou2]

Wanted to welcome you to the forums, but have to say I wish you didn't have to be here.  It sounds like you're well on your way.  I would just keep busy and doing all the things you would normally do, and maybe some you wouldn't.  Of course, alone time and reflection are healthy, too, but in good doses.  And, stay in care.  Many younger folks, like yourself, get their dx and then drop out of care.  But, it sounds like you are hitting this head on. 

Keep in touch.  I look forward to learning more about you.

Ted

[Andy Velez]

Welcome, S. We're sorry you needed to be here but you are and you will find good support here. You've expressed yourself eloquently about how you're feeling and your attitude about this change in your life is a healthy one. Gradually you're going to learn a lot about keeping yourself healthy. It's essential that you have a good working partnership with your doctor to maintain your health.

For instance you might find carrying a little notebook to jot down questions you may have for your doctor to be useful. That way when you have a checkup you won't have to depend on memory to remember everything. 

Right now HIV is probably feeling enormous to you. Gradually as you see that life is going to go on and it's going to be good too, it will become a part of your life but not by all means what your life will be about.

You're always welcome here to ask questions about anything that's of concern to you. There's a wealth of support and experience available to you here.

Best to you.