Author Topic: Support Groups (Read 11061 times)

so2014 · « **on:** February 04, 2015, 10:47:54 am »

Hi-I was dx in Nov 2014. I am doing fine but mentally some days are hard. I don't know if this makes sense to anyone but me-> I feel lonely but not alone. I have great friends and family to lean on. I have told some and while they are supportive they really don't understand. I was thinking about joining a support group where I can meet people in the same boat as me. I was wondering if anyone has found them to be helpful?

PS-This forum is great and thank you for being a part of it. I have learned a lot from all of you.

Thanks,
Sean

Jeff G · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:51:55 am »

Welcome to the forum Sean . I have used support groups over the years and it has helped me to get through some tough times so good on you for seeking the support you need .

In late July many of us forum members will be meeting up for a week in Memphis and you are welcome to join us . Look forward to hearing more from you .

so2014 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:56:13 am »

Thanks Jeff! How can I learn more about the meet up in July?

Jeff G · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:59:06 am »

There are several threads about this years AMG and you can read about them here … its mostly all of us picking the location and then a hotel … we always have a great time and people come as far as New Zealand and Australia to attend .
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?board=12.0

weasel · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2015, 08:11:07 pm »

Hi Sean , nice to meet you

The highlight of the Month is going to my support group .

It's a nice selection of people with HIV / AIDS .

We have a pot luck system , often there are speakers that provide

good knowledge of HIV , drugs , plus any issues one may have .

Support groups are a life changer for me . I hope you check one out .

Hope to see you at The AMG in July

Carl

so2014 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2015, 11:38:40 pm »

Hi Carl,

Thank you for the welcome and your feedback on Support groups. I think I need the extra support right now and I am definitely considering the AMG. It would be great to meet all of you. I have been reading the forums as a guest since I found this site in Dec. It has made a difference as well for me.

Sean

areobe · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2015, 08:13:51 am »

Hey Sean!
Nice to meet you. If support groups are an option for you it sounds like something to definitely check out. I live in a very small town and this forum as become somewhat of my adopted support group. There are some great people here, but nothing beats face to face. Hope you find all the support you need.
Robert

so2014 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2015, 12:04:10 pm »

Hi Robert,

Thanks for your response! I understand the small town situation. The closest group is about 45 mins away and that was a big reason I was curious if anyone found them useful... I really appreciate all of you on this forum and it is indeed a great support system

Sean

initforlife · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2015, 06:23:01 pm »

Hi Sean. the support group I went to was one the is held 50 miles away from my house. and Like Carl said it was nice meeting other hiv+ from my area. I was nervous as heck going at first , but Carl and Bob meet me outside before we went in and made me feel right at home. The group even fed me some good food too. all were very nice. only thing I hate now is that i'm moving and will have to start all over again on finding one where i'm moving.. anyway good luck poz people are some of the nicest people I have found. love them and this site.

so2014 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2015, 12:15:02 pm »

Thanks for responding initforlife! I have to admit I am nervous about going. I am introverted too so that is causing me some anxiety. But I really need to go and meet other HIV+ people face to face.

Sean

so2014 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2015, 04:01:37 pm »

I made contact with the Support Group and I am going next week. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your insight Jeff, Carl and initforlife.

areobe · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2015, 07:42:00 pm »

Let us know how it goes!

so2014 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2015, 02:14:50 pm »

Thanks Robert! I will do

Sorry I accidentally left you off my list of Thank you list

I wish I had created a user account earlier because all of you are so supportive and helpful

I got my blood drawn today for VL test. I am really hoping for UD. Wish me luck.

Sean

areobe · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2015, 03:28:27 pm »

Hey Sean! No worries.

If your VL in January was 75, my money is on UD this time. Fingers crossed.

Cheers,
Robert

so2014 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2015, 01:56:27 pm »

VL 24---Soooo close! Almost there!

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2015, 02:07:41 pm »

24 is the same clinically speaking as "undetectable" so you are, in fact, already there.

so2014 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2015, 02:32:00 pm »

Thanks Miss Philicia!

areobe · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2015, 04:10:14 pm »

You did it!

so2014 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2015, 05:12:20 pm »

Thanks Robert!

osric · « **Reply #19 on:** March 01, 2015, 09:55:27 am »

I hope you do find a support group that works for you.

I've had lots of psychiatrists, therapists, and doctors along the way, but it was being able to talk to people who have lived with this disease and survived despite it that really made the most difference in my life.

This forum is a great place, too -- there's lots of love, wisdom, and humor in these posts.

so2014 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2015, 02:55:30 pm »

osric,

Thanks so much for your reply. I am definitely trying to attend the support group! They canceled a couple of meeting due to the weather and I have some scheduling conflicts for upcoming meetings. I am however very interested on attending mostly thanks to everybody's feedback.

-Sean

BT65 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2015, 10:21:56 pm »

Hi Sean, I love support groups. I was facilitating a women's HIV support group until all my bones started breaking.

I live in a small, but not so small, city and the ASO used to have a support group but interest faded. I was just talking to a friend of mine from Chicago last night and he goes to a long term survivor support group which I would love to go to. I just can't drive to Chicago every week, though am really only a couple hours away. But the driving is treacherous so I would not do it now. But, I'm all for them.

And congratulations on becoming undetectable. Way to go!

Betty

so2014 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 17, 2015, 01:00:36 pm »

Hi Betty,

Thanks for your response! My schedule and the support group is finally lining up tomorrow. And that will be my first meeting. Testing again tomorrow so hopefully hit the <20 mark. Crossing my fingers.

Sean

BubbaPat · « **Reply #23 on:** April 08, 2015, 12:42:52 pm »

Anyone know of a good group in the DFW Texas area?

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Author Topic: Support Groups (Read 11061 times)