Feeling Ill, Need Advice

[next2u]

Well i woke up this morning and nearly stressed a year off my life. I've had really bad allergies latterly (first time) and this morning I woke up feeling a lil ill. I was/am nauseous, have a headache, sore throat and a little bit of a cough. Before, I would simply ride it out (forego medication and take it easy). Now I am worried and can't get a hold of my doctor.

I have not had any bloodwork done since my doctor told me I was poz and I have no idea what the next step is. Can I just run to the store and get some cough medicine or what? It has been 3 weeks since I've got the phone call, my care provider has been dragging its feet since findingout, and now I feel lost alone. I was infected sometime this year, how should I be react to an impending illness? BTW, I plan to contact my doctor first thing Monday morning, but until then any advice would help. Thanks in advance.

[Miss Philicia]

next2u, the simple fact is that HIVers still get colds.  I don't think there's much need to fret between now and that phone call tomorrow.  It's not like you're sitting there with a 104 degree temperature.  Just try to relax yourself and do what you normally would have done -- get some rest and drink fluids.

I'm more concerned that your doctor has not run blood tests on you for three weeks.  My doctor ran them immediately when I was diagnosed, and of course it can take 10-14 days for the VL results to come back to you so we could feasibly be talking about a 5 week delay in your case even assuming that you were to have the blood work taken tomorrow.

[Ann]

Hi Next,

Philly's right - we get ordinary colds and flu just like anyone. With you being newly infected it's highly unlikely it's anything to worry about. Do what you'd normally do when you feel this way.

It's normal to panic the first few times when you get a cold or something after diagnosis - but you'll be ok. Really, you will.

Ann

[next2u]

Thank you Ann and Philly,

I will calm my paranoid ass down. I will also question my doctor tomorrow about the delay. I have multiple appointments coming up, one (hopefully with an HIV specialist) through my PPO, another  (not yet made) through  a state funding HIV group, and lastly through a private Homeopathic & Integrated medical doctor (who does have a MD license to practise medicine). Until then, I will do what I normally do - sleep, good green foods, tea and internet scrabble.

[xyahka]

Hi, i agree with Philly and Ann. We do get normal colds and it is sort of normal we get afraid first time it happens after diagnosis, i was in your shoes. Hope you get your blood work done soon and feel much better.

Cheers,

Juan Carlos

[roly62]

Hi next2u, don't worry, it's normal particulary after diagnosis!
In my 17 years that I'm poz many time I felt like you now, but belive me it's nothing serius 

Best wishes

Rolando