Random test turns out positive

[md34]

Hi Everyone, So I randomly stumbled on this site thanks to google  and I am very glad. Recently went for a random check up and test and as it turned out Hiv was one of them. Well the results came back positive.

I was more than devastated, I left the hospital in a daze and almost got hit by a truck 

Anyway to cut the long story short, I decided that i am going to fight the virus and I am not going to let it get me! Went back for a blood test and the cd4 count was 700. No viral load test was done.

I have not been able to tell anyone about it other than my doctor. Sometimes i get depressed and i do not know what to do. However this site has kept me going It's been 3 weeks now and waiting to go back for more tests in a month. Any advice from you guys on lifestyle, diet, nutrition? After the diagnosis i went on a health rampage lol. Been eating lots of vegetables and fruits hoping to boost my immunity and keep me off meds for awhile. The hopeful me hopes it works.

I am so relieved to have shared this  That is it for now,thank you guys for keeping this forum alive. It really really help!

[karry]

Hi Md34,
Welcome to the forums. I hope you will find here a place for sharing and empowerment to live the positive life.

You are on the good path. Take it a day at a time. Healthy food, exercise and a positive outlook on life will go a long way towards boosting you!

As for disclosure, you will do it when you are ready. If you need to talk, just send a Personal message.

Hugs to you.
Karry

[emeraldize]

Welcome MD

What a lovely CD4 count my dear! (Sounds like something you would read in an adult fairy tale, heh?) But, all kidding aside, nice numbahs!

Glad you're here, sad you're here, but fortunately you beat the truck and found the site. The site is loaded with information. Open all the buttons along the top. Use the search option to find specific topics previously addressed/beaten to a pulp by others.

Do you like your doctor? Have you told him/her about being depressed? Be sure you stay in touch on the mental health stuff as that can just cause a swirling batch of crap early. If you need a little something to keep yourself from derailment, be honest -- they do understand and will prescribe.

Regarding trying to outwit the virus and the immune system, relax and be sensible. Eat what you know you're supposed to. Maybe add a multi-vitamin. Get some exercise and fresh air. Stay in touch with friends and family. Sleep---big emphasis on enough sleep. Nothing restores like sleep.

Oh yes and my biggest advice...laugh as much as you can. We have some riotously funny men who post here with a variety of strains of the comedic virus. Watch comedy shows on TV. The first few months I made a commitment to watching as much Comedy Central as my schedule would permit.

I'm with Karry on her disclosure comment -- you'll figure it out. Got a sister you trust? Good relationship with your mom?  You'll figure it out. If you have health insurance or can afford a counselor, get a professional to be your sounding board. I'll never regret seeking counsel early on -- kept me employed and engaged (with the world that is).

Best to you.
Em

[md34]

Karry and Emeraldize, thank you so much for your tips it really means a lot. After my post i was so relieved. Having not talked to anyone you can only imagine the calmness that came over me. It felt like i had removed a big burden from inside me.

Well i have not talked to my doctor about the depression, during my last visit he had so much empathy and gave me almost the same tips as you guys : exercise, healthy eating, practice safe sex and the most important that he really stressed on was mental health. Happiness apparently is the key and oh well that is what i have lacked since the day I found out I was +.

I try, I smile but deep down i have fears and worries. Before this I was not very keen on hiv. I have to admit I was slightly ignorant on the topic. But now I am learning, everyday i learn something new and pray and hope that someday we will get a cure.I live In Kenya, I worry about the medication(ARV) that is available. Most people in this forum keep talking about atripla and it looks like that is the magic medicine  I sure hope we have all this meds here.

Stigma is still high here, that is why I am reluctant about disclosure. As for my family I choose to keep it away from them for now. I do not want them to see me as their daughter, sister and friend who is in a death row. I want them to continue with life like everything is normal. I would get more depressed if  people  felt sad for me. maybe with time I will get the courage.

Hope it gets better as the days go by. As for now my job and studies keep me busy.

I am yet to get a doc who specializes in hiv, I hope to get a good recommendation from my doctor who is a general practitioner.

Emeraldize, as you said the numbers are good for now, I don't know about tomorrow. Lets hope it stays good for sometime. About comedies I have always liked them but come to think about it I cant remember the last time I watched one! Well, will make sure I watch some maybe this will help bring a smile to my face and happiness in general 

Hugs from Kenya.

[karry]

Hi Md34!

Talking and sharing our day-to-day experiences as people living with HIV helps a lot. That is why this forum is such a great place: you can come here, be yourself, open up and just vent when you feel like.

I also found it helpful meeting other PLWHAs and sharing with them in person. We had a group, and each person took turns talking about their lives since diagnosis. This kind of group therapy made me see that I could still be me even positive.

I found this website for PLWHAs in Kenya  http://www.nephak.org/index.html

I also found this article about ARVs in Kenya
http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-kenya.htm#contentTable3

Considering your good numbers you posted in your first post, I am positive you are a long way from treatment.

As for stigma, I understand you because I am African. Even though I live in Canada, its still stigmatised in the african community. After I disclosed to my mum, she was very supportive, but at same time was very worried about other family members knowing. She did not want me telling anyone else. Two years after she knew I was pos, I basically had to threaten her before she allowed me to tell my sister. Till date, she feels I made a mistake by disclosing to some close friends.

Please send me a personal message if you need to chat.
Hugs.
K.

 

[md34]

Thanks Karry, it looks like am not allowed to send a personal message.So I checked out the links and they were very informative, thank you.

Tomorrow I go back to the doc for a referral to an hiv specialist and also a nutritionist. I need to know the do's and dont's to keep my health in check.  Wish me luck 

As for now am trying to take things easy, taking it a day at a time and trying to appreciate the beauty of life.

Thanks again.

[emeraldize]

Hey MD,

It reads as if you figured out that you can send PMs after your third post. I think I've got that right.

Sadly, stigma is everywhere and I do understand that Africans have more than their share of the stigma rations. It adds to the complexity for sure.

I am glad to read you have studies and work to help you focus. And it is also great to read that you are looking for an HIV specialist.

Regarding a doc, you may get some good recommendations from the PLWHA group that Karry linked you to -- I would definitely inquire even if only to confirm once your doc makes a recommendation. If your doc says go and six HIV+ people say the person is dreadful to be around, that's good information to have. And, I would side with the six brothers and sisters.

I'm glad you've got your mom and sister in the loop. They will be sufficient support for a long while until, or if, you decide to widen the disclosure circle.

Take care.
Em