Question about first lab results?

[Newguy]

Greetings to everyone

I have recently been tested with HIV infection and two weeks ago I did my first blood draw. The ID specialist took all sorts of blood to check for all sorts of things including my CD4 count and viral load. I see him on the 20th of June for those results and I am a bit anxious to get them. My question is this, if my counts were critical would they call you and reschedule for an earlier appointment? When he saw me during the first consult he said I have nothing to worry about and go about with day to day activities unit he sees me next.

Thanks

[Joe K]

Hey New,

I responded in your other thread and you may want to keep your questions, in one thread, as it makes it easier for folks to understand your concerns.  As to your question, yes they would call you if there was anything serious going on, but they didn't, so there isn't.  It's all part of adjusting to being poz and with time, you won't be so anxious about every little thing.

It's going to be hard adjusting to your status, so just take it slow, because you need the time to adjust.  As long as you monitor your health, and take care of yourself and that means your mind, spirit and body.  You are going to experience many emotions, but it doesn't mean any of it is real.

Just give it some time.  I promise, it will get better.  You will also want to plan to live a long time.  I've been poz for 27 years and the meds today are light years ahead of what we had decades ago.  You will be fine.  Maybe not soon, but eventually.

Joe

[Newguy]

To  killfoile

I have two words

Thank You

[Cojo]

Hey Newguy,

First task of the day is to step back and take 5 deep breaths! I can empathize that waiting on lab results, which I doing right now, can be incredibly and painfully anxiety producing.

Maybe this sharing will help you. When I was first diagnosed a year ago, I went to my first doctors appointment and rattled off a list of literally dozens of what if questions from mutations to side effects, from treatment failure to co-infections. At the end of it all, my doc simply smiled at me and said one word - MANAGABLE.

That has stuck with me in my most anxious of times. The medical community has battled this bug for 30 years plus now, there are a few dozen meds available and we are on the heels of a cure. Breathe and know that with care and compassion, you've got the upper hand on this.

[Lad_Liam]

Hi newguy
Sorry to hear your news but glad u came here. It rocks. I was like u a month or so ago when I came here. I feel heaps better now. There is loads of good stuff here. I love Cojo's 'managable' example. Yeah, there is lots to learn, but the knowledge is available and there are experts on it. Plus the drugs work.

First steps are getting your head/mental health in order. Net search for the new HIV diagnosis booklets called "next steps" and "day one" if u like.

Also try the "lessons"/"newly diagnosed" sections on this site.. check out the grey navigation bar for them.

Day to day, Do things that make u happy. Relax your self pressures for a while maybe.

Good luck. You're not alone, and what you're feeling/the ways you are reacting are normal. And temporary. I flat out thought I never would Never cope when I first got the news, and here I am a month later wanting you to know that you will be ok.

All my Drs and nurses are really confident about the modern treatment, my ID dr has been in the field for 20 years and has seen the improvements and progress in treating this. We are in a better position to be diagnosed in 2012 than in earlier stages of the response to HIV, but the fear and stigma associated with this bug are a few decades behind that progress. 

It's those stigmas and fears that could be adding to your stress and panic right now, so Coming here was a great move to re-educate them. Helped me.

Let us know how u go, good luck 
Liam