Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 29, 2024, 07:08:46 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37614
  • Latest: bondann
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772953
  • Total Topics: 66311
  • Online Today: 741
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 0
Guests: 462
Total: 462

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Just found out hours ago...  (Read 9474 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Sweet_C

  • Member
  • Posts: 201
Just found out hours ago...
« on: September 12, 2008, 03:32:15 am »
I just found out hours ago that I tested positive for HIV, and believe I was infected sometime this year.  My birthday is tomorrow--sad, huh?  I am in so much shock.  I told my SO tonight.  I go in to get bloodwork done in two weeks.  I'm so glad I found this forum.  

My SO has been great.  I don't think I realized how much he truly loved me until today.  I have been with him for about five months.  He is going to get tested as soon as possible, but wants to stay with me and get married just as we planned.

I found out from my OB/GYN and was shocked because I had no symptoms.  I'm still ltrying to learn all the terminology, and as much as I can about treatment.  I think I want to begin treatment as soon as possible--mainly because I want to get on and get used to my new life as soon as possible.

I am afraid because I'm so numb.  When the full impact hits me, I know I'll be overwhelmed.  I want to take off from work so bad, but I can't.
Tested positive on September 11, 2008

Offline anniebc

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2008, 04:12:58 am »
Hi Sweet

Welcome to the forums..glad you found your way here, please take some time and read our lessons on HIV treatment and support.

Reaction to the results is difffernt for everyone, but over time you will find a way of coping with the virus that suits you and it might be quite differnt from how others deal with it.

No one here will ever tell you it's easy, it's ok to get angry or scared but don't let it take over your life, stress is natural emotionn and it can actually help some of us get through certain situations but excessive stress can cause you physical symptoms and can damage your immune system further, just find ways to manage any stress you may be feeling, learn to relax and listen to your body.

Along with HIV comes anxiety and one way of tackling this is through information. gaining confidence in yourself and making informed decisions about your future.

Support is very important and you can get this from a qualified ID doctor, family and friend that you trust and there are many support organizations out there...just make sure whoever you discuss this with is sympathetic,supporting and non judgmental about your HIV status.

Most important of all you have to remember that being HIV+ does not stop you from being the person you were before your diagnosis.

Let us know how your first blood work goes.

hugs
Jan :-*

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline auspoz

  • Member
  • Posts: 179
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2008, 04:18:30 am »
Hi Sweet.

I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but welcome to the forums. I know that you will find help here to understand what's going on, and the others here are really supportive and wonderful.

I found out at the start of the year, and I know there is a lot to digest, but it does get better. As Jan says, you might find all the lessons as helpful as I did.

Hang in there. I'm thinking of you- you're not alone.

Aupsoz
« Last Edit: September 12, 2008, 04:21:07 am by auspoz »

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2008, 06:35:35 am »
Hi SC

Glad you were able to find the forums so fast! And, at the same time, sorry you had to go looking. I remember vividly that first night and the weeks following. It will all calm down though it doesn't seem that way in the beginning.

First, no matter what, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. Make sure you do something you like whether it's going out for a nice meal, renting a fav movie, getting a massage...treat yourself if you can.

From your description, your fiance is a decent, bright man. So, you've got some good support going into this which helps.

You've got a library's worth of reading here between the Lessons, the lectures and yes, even the levity which abounds here. You won't lose your sense of humor, you'll sharpen it and it will serve you.

Em

Offline Sweet_C

  • Member
  • Posts: 201
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2008, 07:50:42 am »
Thanks so much.  You all are the best!!  The best thing about finding this forum is seeing that you it is possible to have a long, fulfilling life if you take care of yourself and get proper medical care.  My OB/GYN told me I could live up to 10 to 14 years.  I left thinking, why would I want to live 10 to 14 more years with this disease.  I came here and I see people who have successfuly managed for 20 years, don't look sick and even had children.  That more than anything I think is keeping me going at this point.
Tested positive on September 11, 2008

Offline BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2008, 09:20:44 am »
Sweet C,

You've already been given some good advice.  I just wanted to chime in because I'm a bit taken aback by what your ob/gyn said about living "10-14 years."  Hey, it'll be 20 years next year that I've been diagnosed.  Why (s)he would say something like that shows there's still much ignorance out there, even amongst the medical community.  There is, of course, no guarantee about how long anyone will live, to put a timeline like "10-14 years" on it is just plain misinformation.

Btw, you should join us in the "positive women" part of the forum.  We're a good bunch there and we'd love to have you.
  Luv,
Betty
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline Alain

  • Member
  • Posts: 679
  • I am.
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2008, 09:31:27 am »
Hi Sweet and welcome to the forums.

This is all very new to you and try to take it one day at the time.

This place has good peoples and lot's of valuable info.

Be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone.

I am in my 22th year, and yes it's not always a walk in the park, but as time goes by, you will find your comfort zone.

The time line you've been given is unproductive and sheer speculation; never mind very unprofessional in my views. Get that thought out of your mind.

Take good care and don't be a a stranger.

Alain :)

Offline jennynyc7

  • Member
  • Posts: 146
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2008, 09:57:28 am »
Hi Sweet and welcome! I am new too, infected xmas eve last year by my then fiance and diagnosed in Feb of this year. I decided to start meds right away even though, according to the "guidelines", I didn't need to. My cd4 was well above 500 and is now above 1200 with an undetectable viral load. Personally, the meds have caused me no ill side effects. I am on Truvada + Viramune (3 pills once at night before bedtime). My boyfriend, whom I met after my diagnosis is wonderful! You are very blessed to have a supportive boyfriend as well, it is very important to have someone there for you. I wish you the best in the upcoming weeks and please post here often! Look fwd to getting to know u.

J
12/24/07-infected
1/3/08-ARS began
2/12/08-diagnosed
Initial Vl=99000
CD4=585
2/14/08-began Truvada/Reyataz/Norvir
3/01/08=Swapped Reyataz for Viramune
5/1/08:     vl= undetectable
                cd4=1250
10/24/08:  vl=undetectable
                cd4=1172 (55%)

12/4/08:    vl=254 (hopefully just a small blip)
                cd4=1234

Offline Andy Velez

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 34,126
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2008, 09:12:17 am »
Hi Sweet,

I'm just joining those who have welcomed you. You've already gotten some good advice. This is a place where you can ask questions and talk about anything that's on your mind. Gradually you're going to learn everything you need to know. The important thing is to have a good doctor with whom you can be partners in keeping you healthy.

Again, welcome.
Andy Velez

Offline madbrain

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,208
  • No longer an active member
    • My personal site
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2008, 06:28:10 pm »
Hi,

Thanks so much.  You all are the best!!  The best thing about finding this forum is seeing that you it is possible to have a long, fulfilling life if you take care of yourself and get proper medical care.  My OB/GYN told me I could live up to 10 to 14 years.  I left thinking, why would I want to live 10 to 14 more years with this disease.  I came here and I see people who have successfuly managed for 20 years, don't look sick and even had children.  That more than anything I think is keeping me going at this point.

Your OB/GYN did not give you current information. You need to talk to an HIV specialist. If you were diagnosed early, there is a good chance that you can have a normal lifespan. That's what mine tells me. You may not even get sick or need to start treatment for years to come depending on how well your body controls the virus.

Offline Snowangel

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,429
Re: Just found out hours ago...
« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2008, 06:54:53 pm »
Welcome Sweet C and Happy Birthday!

If you are anything like I was , you go to a doctor you expect to them to be professional and give you sound advice.  Unfortunately, some doctors would rather give false information than to take the time to do additional research, if they happen to encounter something they obviously know nothing about .  I had to change to OB/GYN's when I was relatively new to my diagnosis and my new doc told me I needed to get a hysterectomy due to my pre-cancerous cells AND having hiv.  Definately, take Madbrains advice and find a infectious disease doc.

I am so glad to hear you have the support of your boyfriend and glad you found this forum.  Keep us posted and let us know how you are doing.

Snow
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.