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Author Topic: Any words of advice to a newbie?  (Read 16159 times)

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Offline shadowfluid

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Any words of advice to a newbie?
« on: July 02, 2007, 05:29:35 am »
So how did you guys get through the first year?

Anyway, I'm a mess of course. Sooo...
Xanax for my anxiety. Thank god it was invented.
St. John's Wort for my depression....even though it's given me slight sunburnt skin which is odd since I'm olive and NEVER burn. It hasn't kicked in yet. My co-infected friend said the depression will "only get worse." I start cognitive-behavioral therapy this week. I'm being pro-active about everything and trying to learn as much as I can. However, reading everything all over the internet and in here has caused a HUGE increase in my anxiety. My metabolism is already high and I'm majoring in dance at my university so I'm already eating A LOT. It's just sooo odd to me. I eat and one hour later I'm shaking from low blood sugar. Then the following week I have NO appetite and don't want to even do laundry or cook.  It goes in waves I guess...both the anxiety and depression.  Ok tangent.

Would anti-depressants be something to try even though the depression is a mixture of the "summer blues" and all the shit that has gone down? If so, has anyone has awful awful side effects from them? Has St. John's Wort worked for anyone? How long will it be before I become addicted to my Xanax? Anyway my brain has run rampant with a gazillion questions. Feel free to answer any of them. Yes I know I should ask my doctor these questions...but he has a gazillion patients and I always feel like we never have time to discuss them over...so any help would be great! :)
Jan 08       321/23%  VL 92,000 (very mild shingles)
Feb 1 08    Start Truvada+Viramune
March 08    470/33%  VL 320
mid-May     Start Reyataz/Norvir/Truvada
June 08      571/ 40%     VL   80
August 08   585/ 33%     VL >50
Nov  Lab error!!!!!!!!wah.
Jan 09        535      Undetectable
March 11     756

Offline Ann

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2007, 06:24:56 am »
Hi Shadow,

You need to be careful with St John's wort - it can interact with other medications and cause problems. I'm not sure if it interacts with Xanax, but from everything I've read about the stuff, it's more trouble than it's worth. (SJW I mean)

Make sure you speak to your therapist about any and all meds you're taking when you have your first appointment this week, including any recreational drugs or alcohol. He or she needs this information in order to do the best work with you - they're not going to judge you or turn you in to the cops over your usage.

If you stick with the CBT and do the home-exercises you're given, you may find that you don't need antidepressants at all. CBT is a fantastic tool against anxiety and depression, so good luck with it. It can take a determined effort to stick with it in the beginning, but any effort you make will be rewarded.

If it is at all possible, try to get an appointment with a licensed nutritionist who is familiar and up-to-date with the needs of hiv positive people - especially one such as yourself who has high nutritional needs due to studying dance. You might find some of your issues improving after fine-tuning your diet. (and check out our Nutrition Forum)

Most of all Shadow, hang in there. It does get better. The first year is a crazy roller-coaster ride of emotions and we all go through it. Keep in mind that it is normal to feel this way and that feeling sad is sometimes just a part of life. Something I tell myself when I'm down - "this too shall pass". (and it does!)

Hugs,
Ann
xxx
Condoms are a girl's best friend

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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2007, 09:07:00 am »
Hello Shadow and welcome to the forums.  Ann gives you very good advice.  As far as Xanax and addiction, please be mindful that there's a difference between addiction and physical dependency.  Xanax is in the benzodiazepine class and as such is VERY effective at taming one's anxiety as I'm sure you have noticed by now.  Many people only stay on it for a brief period, and perhaps once you start having some success with your CBT sessions you will be able to go off of it.  Attention should be paid not to cease a benzodiazepine at one time, but to slowly taper off of the medication.  However, I've known people to be on this class of medication for long periods with no ill effect.  Liver functions should normally be monitored when on this class of drugs initially if you are on HAART which I don't believe you are yet.

Additionally I really must add that if you find yourself being somewhat obsessive with HIV information on the internet and it's aggravating (or even causing?) your anxiety condition why won't you simply turn the thing off?  Go buy a book instead.  Frankly I often thank God that the internet as it currently is was not available to me when I was diagnosed in the early 90's or I would have gone insane.  I realize it's a mixed bag, and can be a positive source of good information as well, but there is such a thing as overload certainly during the first year.  You're asking too much of your brain.  I'm sure you will discuss this "internet" issue with your therapist, as I see that in five AIDSmeds postings you're already mentioned it twice.

Good luck
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline milker

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2007, 11:21:09 am »
I will also say Hang in there, shadow. You're in a OMG OMG OMG!!! state for now and it is normal. Like Ann said, this will pass, and certainly faster than you expect, especially if you use this forum to get better knowledge, and do not rely on internet searches that can lead to any imaginable website. Of course there will be anxiety, and it seems like you have a good plan to work that, so you're on the right track ! And yes, no Saint John Wort. In the forum about Nutrition & Hiv that Ann references, you will find lots of information about supplements, and some good reports from people, but remember that supplements are not a cure for HIV, you should take them as they are: "supplements", to help your body fight. Once you have determined the kind of supplements that you think you want to take, show the list to your ID doctor to get his or her approval.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline dtwpuck

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  • дано мне тело, что мне делать с ним?
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2007, 06:20:05 pm »
Howdy and welcome.

Any words of advice?     Not really.  Just experience, and like all experience, it's different for all of us.  Your life has changed and it's normal to suffer anxiety and depression.  It is a hopeful sign, however, that you have the presence of mind to seek help with a therapist.  (if only I had done the same a decade ago).  There is no roadmap to success on how to deal with a serious disease like HIV.  By reading these forums alone, you will be able to see that the experience with the disease cuts across all genders, classes, orientation and races. 

I can only relate what I have experienced, like I said.  I have come to realize that I am happier when I deal with my emotions honestly, ugly or pretty.  When I forgive myself and others for things that have happened in the past... and allowed it to stay there... I have an easier time healing.  When I stay in shape, pay attention to my health, and actively pursue doing the things I enjoy, I feel like I am alive.  And when I allow depression to smudge my horizon, then I allow it to pass through me, I allow myself to feel sad for a while, and then I let it go. 

Things might seem bleak right now.  The Xanax might help for a while.  I've only ever been able to take such things in small doses, even when I have serious anxiety attacks.  But when they do come, they are briefer and I occupy myself with distracting things.  The bleakness will fade and your life will continue.   

I hope you have many in your life who love you and that you don't attempt to go it alone.  And when you need an 'ear', we are right here.

All the best to you and good luck.

Scott
Floating through the void in the caress of two giant pink lobsters named Esmerelda and Keith.

Offline xyahka

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2007, 11:37:03 pm »
Hi, all my friends have already gave you lot of suggestions so i guess i only want to tell you... you are not alone.

We are here when you need to talk, about this and about anything else... just be patient and the sun will shine again.

Juan Carlos

(who was dating a dancer when diagnosed... )
13/03/07 1er diagnóstico /Peso: 79kg
19/04/07 CD4: 494 /CViral: ?? /Peso: 80kg
19/07/07 CD4: 659 /CViral: ?? /Peso: 79.5kg
06/03/08 CD4: 573 (después de meses muy deprimido) /CViral: ?? /Peso: 79kg
17/09/08 CD4: ?? /CViral: ?? /Peso: 84Kg
06/02/09 CD4: ?? /CViral: ?? /Peso: 85Kg /HCV: Neg /HBV: Neg.
07/03/09 CD4: ?? /CViral: ?? /Peso: 87Kg / Gym 3días/semana y Natación 2días/semana.
12/05/09 CD4: 470 /Cviral: ?? /Peso: 87Kg.
08/07/09 CD4: ? /CViral: ? /Peso: 77Kg.
09/12/09 CD4: 510 /CViral: ? /Peso: 78kg. No medicinas aún
10/01/10 CD4: ? /CViral: ? /Peso: 76Kg.
15/05/10 CD4: 320 /CViral: ? /Peso: 76Kg.
01/02/11 CD4: 291 /CViral: ? /Peso: 78kg.
05/05/11 CD4: 366 /CViral: ? /Peso: 78kg.
27/07/11 CD4: 255 /CViral: 138000 /Peso: 78kg.

Disfrutando y aceptando una nueva vida...

Offline Rockit

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2007, 11:58:15 pm »
hi well i started to write to u my story and how i relate but it started to get long. so i deleted it and decided i will write to u soon on here. as for now get all the info u can get, ask anyhthing and everyting,and talk to alot of peeps like us. who are in the same boat. and u will find comfort in here somwhere. in yourself ,in life etc. 


it will be a year in oct. for me...... i wish i could take back time. but scince i cant i will rely on Jesus/GOD. xoxo
...after the storm, the calm......

Offline Jimrican

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2007, 04:41:46 am »
Shadow my pal, all the postings I have read replying your request worth a million. Definitely, and fortunately, HIV is not the only thing we have in common and IRONIC as it can be, this virus makes you emotionally stronger. You'll soon be saying the same thing.That has being to me a good side effect of the whole process. I have definitely grown, to the point that I've learned to admire myself for being my own hero. If I had only loved myself 15 years ago as I love and respect myself now the outcome would have been different. However, NO REGRETS, life has been good and in the way I've met real friends and supporters.  Hugs!
Screaming for a cure, but in the meantime asking for help with a peaceful attitude, so that all doors be opened.

Offline aztecan

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #8 on: July 03, 2007, 10:45:44 am »
Howdy Shadow,

First, what Ann said regarding St. John's Wort is more or less gospel. I have known many people who tried it and none had much good to say about it.

The first year is a pain, there is no way around it. You are adjusting to a new part in your life. I would try to remember that HIV doesn't deffine your life, it is only a part of it.

My first year was spent in a substance-induced haze, so you are already doing better than I did.

Hang on to those dreams and aspirations and continue with dance. Some folks don't realize what physical work it is to be a pro dancer.

I would also talk to a nutritionist, if possible. It sounds like you are doing a lot of carbs and not enough protein and, as a result, suffering the consequences with low blood sugar. I am no doctor, but that is what happened to me in the past, so now I watch it a bit more closely.

If you can't see a nutritionist, bring it up with your doc. Don't be afraid to ask him/her questions. Make a list, write them down and then hit the doc with them when you have your appointment.

I don't care if he does have a gazillion patients. You have to watch out for yourself and having a good working relationship with a good doc is key for that.

Keep posting and let us know how things go.

HUGS,

Mark

"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline englishgirl

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #9 on: July 03, 2007, 03:33:12 pm »
hello, im glad youve found us, i hope we can be of help while you get your head around all this.

my advice is to take all the support you can get, both internet and face to face. but try not to live and breathe hiv, you will drive yourself insane, and you dont need to find out everything now, there is plenty of time.

and while i dont think you will do yourself any favours reading anything and everything you can find about hiv, one thing i recommend is that if you must read up you try to limit your 'research' to reputable specialist sites such as this one, avert.org, thebody.com, aidsmap.com

personally i take celexa for depression. although i was already taking it before my poz diagnosis i had the dose upped a bit to help me through the extra stresser. but really i find that equally important is trying to find peace and acceptance with the fact of being poz. that way im not wasting energy on anger or other self-destructive emotions but using my situation for positive change (no pun intended)

lastly, your life isnt over, but it has changed. you may find in a few years time that in some ways it has changed for the better in ways that at the moment you just cant comprehend. good luck in your journey.

lots of love
xxx


ACT NOW TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE TRAVEL BAN:
http://campaigning.tht.org.uk/cms/cmsloader?WfJVLp&view=11,301,1385,0,-html

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=17352.0


"I'm not keen on the idea of the afterlife - not without knowing who else will be there and what the entertainment will be. Personally I'd rather just take a rest." Oscar Berger, PWA: Looking AIDS in the Face, 1996. RIP.

Offline shadowfluid

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #10 on: July 04, 2007, 12:42:54 am »
Thanks to everyone who wrote back. I'm printing out all your answers and saving them in a safe place. I'm sure I will need to go back to them all and re-read.   
I start therapy this week.  Let a new life begin...
Jan 08       321/23%  VL 92,000 (very mild shingles)
Feb 1 08    Start Truvada+Viramune
March 08    470/33%  VL 320
mid-May     Start Reyataz/Norvir/Truvada
June 08      571/ 40%     VL   80
August 08   585/ 33%     VL >50
Nov  Lab error!!!!!!!!wah.
Jan 09        535      Undetectable
March 11     756

Offline Ann

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #11 on: July 04, 2007, 08:24:54 am »
Let a new life begin...

Indeed!

Shadow, it's a new chapter in your life - but by no means the ending of the book. To have a positive attitude is priceless - and it is within your power to have a positive attitude. A sense of humour helps plenty as well.

A word of caution - don't be too hard on yourself. Learn to forgive yourself and look to the future, don't dwell on the past. This all takes time but you are heading in the right direction by going to therapy. Stick with it and be kind to yourself.

Sending positive energy your way...

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline grubby

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #12 on: July 04, 2007, 10:26:41 am »
my advice would be dont make hiv the focus of your life....yes you have to look after yourself and change some of your lifestyle,but that can happen anyway for all sorts of reasons.dont make 3 monthly numbers too important deal with it when you have too.once meds start its different........for the first two years apart from hospital appts i never even thought about my diagnosis.......only way to stay sane i believe

Offline scud44

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #13 on: July 04, 2007, 03:05:06 pm »
Hi Shadow,
I echo all that has been said above about St Johns Wart - it is not reccomended fow HIV patients in any form as it has a lasting residual effect that can interract with HIV meds.
With your depression, I can fully understand how you feel , as I had a major bout last year and ended up in a private clinic for nearly 3 months. It is a bugger of a problem that not many people understand and it takes a lot of effort from yourself to overcome the problems involved.
I found that daily walks and visiting galleries and places that I didn't usually go to was a big help - it widened my horizons and changed some of my interests. I also made some kit cars and planes to while away the time and take my mind off things.
Always keep in touch with your GOOD friends - they are the supportive ones.
Good luck, Shadow - keep smiling
Regards
Scud44
CD4 = 110 - 30 July 2007 - 10%
VL = 139000 - 30 July 2007
CD4 = 252 - 6th August 2007
VL = 16400 - 23rd August 2007
CD4 = 240 - 23rd August 2007
VL = 400 4th Sept 2007
CD4 = 96 - 4th Sept 2007
CD4 = 120 18th Sept 2007
VL = 386000 19th Nov 2007
CD4 = 160 19th Nov 2007
CD4 = 110 10th Jan 2008
CD4 = 311 29th Jan 2008
VL = <50 29th Jan 2008
CD4 = 148 2nd April 2008
VL = 110,000 2nd April 2008
June 2010 and nothing has improved

Offline PJC0510

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #14 on: July 06, 2007, 04:19:26 pm »
Hi! 

It is a hard time when you first are diagnosed.  I had a hard time the first 2 - 3 months and decided I was wasting to much time worrying about it.

I have adjusted very well with my meds (Kaletra and Truvada) My numbers keep going up, in March of 2006 TCells were around 130 and the VL was 9000.  My last exam was 4/2007 and my numbers rose to 470 TCells and VL is undetectable.  And the best thing is that I am pretty much still doing the same things I did prior to diagnosis.
 
As far as emotionally, I am so living my life! 

But the hardest part was telling people.  If you get a chance read my post titled NEW START in the Living with HIV section, it pretty much explains the last 16 months of my life. 

I just recently told 3 female friends and they were cool.

Biggest fear?  Telling potential partners...

Just remember that this is not the 80's where all of society was scared.  Medical advances are totally awesome these days with meds, and you are not alone.

Keep smiling! 
I may never beat HIV, but then again, it will NEVER beat me!

Offline shadowfluid

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #15 on: July 06, 2007, 05:27:05 pm »
Wow people keep replying to my post! Thanks again to all...I'm sick right now with a throat infection! Ugh.
Hopefully I can look back on this and say, "Gosh I was such a mess!" :)  Time to go drink some tea and run out and retrieve my netflix from the mailman. :)
Jan 08       321/23%  VL 92,000 (very mild shingles)
Feb 1 08    Start Truvada+Viramune
March 08    470/33%  VL 320
mid-May     Start Reyataz/Norvir/Truvada
June 08      571/ 40%     VL   80
August 08   585/ 33%     VL >50
Nov  Lab error!!!!!!!!wah.
Jan 09        535      Undetectable
March 11     756

Offline milker

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #16 on: July 06, 2007, 05:31:53 pm »
.. and retrieve my netflix from the mailman. :)
Ouch. That must hurt. Poor mailman !

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #17 on: July 07, 2007, 07:37:14 pm »
Milker you're a trip.  :D Hope the movie was good, shadowfluid. 
« Last Edit: July 07, 2007, 07:43:07 pm by RapidRod »

Offline LT

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2007, 05:25:50 am »
Ok, here's my silly pedestrian piece of advice.

Take care of your teeth.

I'm sure you've all seen interviews with 90 or 100 year old people who always say, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of my teeth."

Back just before Christmas 85 when I was diagnosed, I was told not to expect to see Christmas 86.  Though most of the rest of the 80's I saw no point in pouring money into my mouth when I would be dead shortly.

I 89 I had a better job, had not had any health problems, and a future seemed possible.  I spent thousands cleaning up the decay from my inaction.

With various ups and down in financial and emotional tides since then, I've gone through bouts of inaction, and then expensive care.

Having just had three more teeth pulled last week, and gotten a recommendation of pulling the rest of my "picket fence" uppers, replacing them with a denture, and adding a plate to the lower -- well lets just say it makes me feel like an toothless ugly old fart.

So as trivial and stupid as it sounds - take care of your teeth.  You never know how many more years you'll need them.

Offline raroy273

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Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2007, 03:56:37 pm »
Hey Shadow, I to am a newbie, diagnoised May 8th, started meds May 18th, so I am working on 2 months knowing right now.  It is a LOT of information out there, and I know that I have only scraped the surface.  I went and got the book by Brett Grodeck "The first year HIV An essential guide for the newly diagnosed."  It has been very helpful to me, breaking down the confusing medical language, what the tests mean, feeling angry, distant, depressed, etc are all normal feelings that need to be expressed when they come upon you. 

I am blessed that before my diganosis I was going to one of the premier HIV practices in the Denver area, so I have been given lots of attention.  It is worth every penny, and it is also very cool that most everyone that works there is gay.  They also have a councelor in house that I have been seeing and one thing that he said has stuck with me; "With HIV you have been given a chance to create the life that you want.  It is time to stop surviving, and time to thrive." 

I keep hearing that it gets better, still waiting for that.  The people on here are great and dont treat your questions and fears as trivial.  If you have a support group of family/friends they will be your best asset, I know that my family has become a tower of strength and support for me.  Without my faith, I dont know if I would be here today.  Use these things to support you and to guide you.  Educate yourself, get a good heathcare team and keep active here.

Goodluck man, we are all in this together!
6/8/07 VL = 86,000 CD4 = 135
6/14/07 Started Combivir/Kaletra
6/29/07 VL = 364 CD4 = 351
8/30/07 VL =<50 CD4 = 156
9/19/07 VL=<50 CD4 = 361
12/3/07 VL = <50 CD4 = 250 14.3%
5/2/08 VL = <50 CD4 = 491 25%
8/4/08 VL = <50 CD4 = 292 21%
9/8/08 VL = <50 CD4= 331

Offline Rockit

  • Member
  • Posts: 71
  • i want it all - i will shine
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #20 on: August 20, 2007, 11:15:36 am »
after the storm , the calm.... :o
« Last Edit: August 20, 2007, 11:18:28 am by Rockit »
...after the storm, the calm......

Offline NYCguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 181
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #21 on: August 21, 2007, 01:22:36 am »
hey shadow - like everyone else siad, it DOES get better. It also sounds like you're taking care of yourself and doing all the right things.  I've been telling everyone and maybe already you in another thread (sorry if repeating myself) but, Join a support group!  My GMHC newly-diagnosed group is really what brought me back to the land of the living and now I have great friends from that group - there's no one that understands like someone in the same boat.  since you're in school, if it's a big university, maybe they have something there? otherwise, look around.
11/9/06 = #$%^&!
sometime early Dec 2006:
CD4 530 20%/VL >250,000 (&*$$%!!)
started Reyataz300mg/Norvir/Truvada 12-27-06.
1/30/07 CD4 540 30%/VL <400
4/07 CD4 600+ 33%/VL <50
6/9/07 CD4 720 37%/VL <50
10/15/07 CD4 891 (!) %? VL <50
1/2010 CD4 599 (37%) VL<50 (drop due to acute HCV)
9/2010 - looks like HCV is gone for good! And I'm finally drinking again, thank GOD
2013 - considering a switch to Stribild. but I love my Kidneys (but I hate farting all the time!)...
June 2013 - switched to Stribild.  so far so good...

Offline puertorico2006

  • Member
  • Posts: 957
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #22 on: August 21, 2007, 01:29:58 am »
Hey Shadow...It does get easier at least for me it has. I was diagnosed in october this year and at first it can be overwhelming because its the only pretty much the only thing that runs through your mind for the first few months... I have gotten used to the idea now about being positive and well i dont think about it nearly as much as i did at first, and when i do think about it i am rarely bothered by it (but i am on occasion)....

Its good that you are seeing a therapist about your anxiety and hopefully it will help...As far as antidepressants go i would try to see if therapy helps you because once you start antidepressants it can be difficult to stop taking them without falling back into depression (for me anyways)...

As far as the blood sugar is concerned have you ever been tested for hypoglycemia?? If you eat a lot of HIGH SUGAR foods instead of complex carbs and then start dancing/exercising then your sugar may drop rapidly...Your body is fighting off the HIV and you burn a lot of calories while dancing so your body needs even more food than usual, so low blood sugar/weakness could mean your running on a caloric deficit...

Anyways welcome to the forums :-D

-josh
Infected Probably: may 2005
Diagnosed: 11/2006

11/28/2006 CD4:309 / VL: 1907 No meds yet
12/27/2006 CD4:339/  VL:1649 No meds yet
  4/28/2007 CD4:550/  VL:1800 No meds :-)

Offline shadowfluid

  • Member
  • Posts: 398
  • Mike
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #23 on: August 21, 2007, 07:54:43 pm »
Hey Shadow...It does get easier at least for me it has. I was diagnosed in october this year and at first it can be overwhelming because its the only pretty much the only thing that runs through your mind for the first few months... I have gotten used to the idea now about being positive and well i dont think about it nearly as much as i did at first, and when i do think about it i am rarely bothered by it (but i am on occasion)....

Its good that you are seeing a therapist about your anxiety and hopefully it will help...As far as antidepressants go i would try to see if therapy helps you because once you start antidepressants it can be difficult to stop taking them without falling back into depression (for me anyways)...

As far as the blood sugar is concerned have you ever been tested for hypoglycemia?? If you eat a lot of HIGH SUGAR foods instead of complex carbs and then start dancing/exercising then your sugar may drop rapidly...Your body is fighting off the HIV and you burn a lot of calories while dancing so your body needs even more food than usual, so low blood sugar/weakness could mean your running on a caloric deficit...

Anyways welcome to the forums :-D

-josh

Hey Josh,

Thanks for the great advice.  My anxiety has been affecting my appetite still but I'm dancing on top of it. So I just have to make sure I eat a lot.  I've been on Celexa for 2 days and want to go off of it.  Making me really agitated.  My heart is racing and I can't stop wiggling my legs.  I don't have a history of depression, so I feel like this can be worked out with therapy.  I don't think the side effects are worth it.  Well for me anyways.  The anxiety is a bitch, but I'm hoping I get better through time.
Jan 08       321/23%  VL 92,000 (very mild shingles)
Feb 1 08    Start Truvada+Viramune
March 08    470/33%  VL 320
mid-May     Start Reyataz/Norvir/Truvada
June 08      571/ 40%     VL   80
August 08   585/ 33%     VL >50
Nov  Lab error!!!!!!!!wah.
Jan 09        535      Undetectable
March 11     756

Offline shadowfluid

  • Member
  • Posts: 398
  • Mike
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #24 on: August 21, 2007, 07:58:52 pm »
hey shadow - like everyone else siad, it DOES get better. It also sounds like you're taking care of yourself and doing all the right things.  I've been telling everyone and maybe already you in another thread (sorry if repeating myself) but, Join a support group!  My GMHC newly-diagnosed group is really what brought me back to the land of the living and now I have great friends from that group - there's no one that understands like someone in the same boat.  since you're in school, if it's a big university, maybe they have something there? otherwise, look around.

Hi
Yeah I start at the GMHC in LA for the support groups in a few weeks.  It will be benificial for me since I'm apparently the only guy in my group of friends that has it.  We all seem to not know anyone who has it.  And we're in LA!  WTF!
I can't wait for the panic attacks/depression to subside on their own.  They usually do in time.  I'm just being impatient. ha
Jan 08       321/23%  VL 92,000 (very mild shingles)
Feb 1 08    Start Truvada+Viramune
March 08    470/33%  VL 320
mid-May     Start Reyataz/Norvir/Truvada
June 08      571/ 40%     VL   80
August 08   585/ 33%     VL >50
Nov  Lab error!!!!!!!!wah.
Jan 09        535      Undetectable
March 11     756

Offline NYCguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 181
Re: Any words of advice to a newbie?
« Reply #25 on: August 21, 2007, 09:12:13 pm »
Hi
Yeah I start at the GMHC in LA for the support groups in a few weeks.  It will be benificial for me since I'm apparently the only guy in my group of friends that has it.  We all seem to not know anyone who has it.  And we're in LA!  WTF!
I can't wait for the panic attacks/depression to subside on their own.  They usually do in time.  I'm just being impatient. ha

They will...they will.  I was constantly afraid I was going to throw myself on the train tracks in the subway on my way to work, during the month I was 'waiting' to find out if the rest of my life was going to be different.  I eventually took lexapro which helped the depression and anxiety quite a bit but not, ahem, my sex life...I'm a bit of a slow finisher anyway, if you know what I mean, and this made it ten times worse,  :o so I eventually phased it out and now I'm great without it.  but it definitely helped take the edge off at first.  are you going to UCLA? I have a poz friend there who goes to a group on campus he says if great.  I'm actually going to be in LA in about a week for work - maybe we could meet up at abbey or something and I could introduce you guys? he has a great attitude about it all.  pm me if you want. absolutely no pressure.
11/9/06 = #$%^&!
sometime early Dec 2006:
CD4 530 20%/VL >250,000 (&*$$%!!)
started Reyataz300mg/Norvir/Truvada 12-27-06.
1/30/07 CD4 540 30%/VL <400
4/07 CD4 600+ 33%/VL <50
6/9/07 CD4 720 37%/VL <50
10/15/07 CD4 891 (!) %? VL <50
1/2010 CD4 599 (37%) VL<50 (drop due to acute HCV)
9/2010 - looks like HCV is gone for good! And I'm finally drinking again, thank GOD
2013 - considering a switch to Stribild. but I love my Kidneys (but I hate farting all the time!)...
June 2013 - switched to Stribild.  so far so good...

 


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