POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: maddeuwch on June 27, 2006, 03:49:45 am
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I'm going to see the doctor at 10am....what questions do i need to ask.
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sorry...should have been in the 'living with HIV' threads
*manic laughter*
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Damn-it Madd, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I'm not sorry we twisted your arm to get tested though. It had to be done.
The doctor might not have a lot of information for you just yet. It depends on whether or not they've already run a CD4 and viral load count on the blood they have. This is the first question I would ask - "what are my numbers".
If you want a quick overview of what those numbers might mean, check out the Lesson on labs. (http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/StartHere4.htm) No matter what your numbers are, you really need more than one result to go by. We look for trends and one result will not give you a trend.
Something else you might want to ask is how to deal with getting to appointments, since you live in a remote area. Find out where the nearest specialist is.
I can't think of much else to ask on your first appointment. Take a bit of paper and a pen with you, because unless you write things down, I can pretty much guarantee you will forget what was said the minute you walk out of the office. Especially on your first visit.
Hang in there Madd, I told you you will be ok no matter what the outcome of your test and I meant it.
Let us know how things go today.
Hugs,
Ann
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Thanks Ann.....and thanks for all the support you've all given me.I think I'm going to need a lot more in the next few weeks....can you cope? ;D
Is it possible that I have full blown AIDS already?...The diarrhoea is unbelievable
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Madd,
I still think there is a very good chance that your diarrhea is more related to your anxiety level than anything else. You said you have had a sample checked... wait until you get those results back. Ask the doc about it today too. But, it is unlikely that you have progressed to aids this soon.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the Lessons too, and also look at the Welcome thread for more links. (The welcome thread in this forum is different from the one in the other forum.) You don't have to learn everything all at once. Take your time and don't overload yourself.
Ann
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Ok...just back from the doctor (via the corner shop to buy a packet of 20 because I'm not in the mood to roll my tobacco).
Took blood samples to find out my CD4 and VL (She was a bit nervous bless her and I nearly fainted because she hit a nerve).I'll find out what they are next wednesday at my first appointment with the specialist in Aberdeen.
Still waiting for my Hep.B results,but my kidneys/liver/blood sugar etc etc are fine if that makes a difference.
I've been given Loperamide to try to control my diarrhoea,but if it's not better by the morning, she's going to push to try to get me admitted to hospital tomorrow.
It's the diarrhoea and my lack of appetite and weight loss that's my biggest worry at the moment.The doctor said that it's probably HIV related,but doesn't think I'm developing AIDS,but she admitted that she had very little experience so couldn't be sure and the department in Aberdeen,who were on the phone while I was there,where non-commital.
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Hey Man, Welcome to the group. These first weeks will be rough for you. So fasten your seat belt and try to relax. Stress can only add to your problems, so try to contain it as much as possible. I've been dealing for 22 years now, so know you have plenty of time to catch up and learn. The Happy hour has just begun...So relax and enjoy the early bird special! We are here for you. You are in better shape then you realize!
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Hello,
The first few months can be pretty rough. It is a lot of adjusting, and learning. But it really does get better. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, and something like Gatorade, or a similar sport drink so you won't become dehydrated with the direaha. A few months ago I was hospitalized for dehydration from direaha and vomitting, and I really felt so much better once they started fluids, so don't be afraid to go in the hospital if needed.
For your next appointment, take notepad and pen, and if possible take a family or friend along to help listen and remember what was said. Do some research between now and then, and take a list of questions along. I always take a list of questions along because I can never remember what I want to ask once I am there.
On appointment days, I always try to pamper myself. Go out to lunch or dinner. Do something fun for myself. Sometimes the appointments can be stressful, so go treat yourself that day.
Hang in there.
Christine
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Thanks everyone....I don't think it's hit me yet.
You'll be the first to know when it does,so get your body armour ready :D :D :D
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when you do get your lab results back, be sure to ask for a copy of them. You will no doubt have questions that can only be answered by having a copy of that.
Welcome.
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when you do get your lab results back, be sure to ask for a copy of them. You will no doubt have questions that can only be answered by having a copy of that.
Welcome.
Great idea!...I've added it to my notes,which now consist of:
High T-Cell=Good.....Low=Bad.
Low Viral Count= Good.....High=Bad
Ask for copy of lab results.
Doctor thinks my results won't be good this time,so I'm prepared for this (I think)
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Take notes with you, write the answers beside the questions, and make sure you listen very carefully, and if you don't understand something; ask till you do.
Mad, You will do fine, just try to stay calm and keep re-assuring yourself that this is just the first of thousands of visits you will make over your life time, so it is truly just the beginning.
In Love and Support.
(who is so glad that Maddeuwch finally got tested, and now has the results that he can work with)
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Maddeuwch,
So sorry about your diagnoses, but welcome to the FAMILY! Theres a great bunch of people here.
One thing you might ask your dr is if you need any vaccations. I know hubby will be getting the hepatitis B, and a tetanus shot. They are going to wait till his CD4 count is higher.
A notebook is a great idea. I dont leave home without it when hubbys goes to the dr.
When it finally hits you...and it will...we wil be here for you
Hugs
Teresa
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When it finally hits you...and it will...we wil be here for you
Hugs
Teresa
Thank you Teresa....I was going to write that you have no idea what that means to me....but I think most people who have been in this situation know fine well what it means to find this place.
Take care of yourselves and my best wishes go out to both of you.
Paul.x
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Paul,
Sorry to hear you are poz...and hope the results will be on the good side, meaning good CD4,% and low VL.
but she admitted that she had very little experience so couldn't be sure and the department in Aberdeen,
Does this doctor is an HIV specialist ? If not, then I would recommend to find one close to you. The none specialist in that field has often '' limited knowledge '' on this condition, and can quite often screw it up. I don't want to scare you here, just advising you to work with a specialist.
Best Regards,
The Canuck
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Sorry for your diagnosis. Welcome.
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Cheers Cliff ;) :-* :-* :-*
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Sorry to hear about your poz result, Mad.
Don't be concerned about having to find out everything all at once. Gradually you will learn everything you need to about staying healthy.
There are some pertinent lessons on this site which I think you'll find helpful. You're welcome to ask questions here and discuss anything that's on your mind
It will take time but gradually you're going to see that life is going to go on and it will still be good, just with some differences.
Welcome and cheers,
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sorry to hear you're poz. i was prescribed thc marinol to boost appetite and wow, it was necessary. not only did i not have a good appetite, i was also wasting - a deadly combination. now, both the low appetite and the wasting are history
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It's hard to see your picture Icon (bare ass and chapped) and wipe the grin off my face. But seriously I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Ann is a sage and very supportive person...let her be your guide. Don't forget to breath....give yourself plenty of time to "accept" the ramifications.
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Marinol is being written straight down in my notepad for things to ask the doctor about.I'm really panicking about it now :(
I don't want to think about the 'ram'ifications David...it's what got me here in the first place :)
Thank you both.
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FUCK....I'M PANICKING!
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Relax, everything is going to be fine... You have received some great info...
Panicking and causing yourself stress will do you no good. I can still remember my first few days ( I was diagnosed Sept 2005). Those days were filled with a lot of panic and sheer terror! Oh man do I remember the anxiety attacks... the heaviness on my chest was so unbearable!
What I was really scared of was the unknown, the unexpected..... It took me a while to pull myself together. Educate yourself... vent here in the forums... let us know your fears. Chances are we have all been down the road your starting on now..
Goodluck!
Thomas
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It's the diarrhoea...3 weeks of constant shits.Shat my pants in my sleep last night.It's just dirty water...there's nothing else!!!
I know I'm repeating myself and I'm so sorry,but it's got me panicking like hell.
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well, not to say you shouldn't take it seriously, but there is nothing you can really do about the situation, so let it be what it is.
Put it in perspective for a moment... breathe... try to relax.... really, the worst part is over... and that's the waiting on your diagnosis.
You will go see the doc. you'll get your lab results and then see from there.
I know, it probably seems easier said than done, but think about it for a moment like that.
Remember, we all are in the same boat here (figuratively speaking). Panicking won't do you any good. Stress won't do you any good, so turn off the computer, go outside for a walk. I'd say try and get your mind off it (though that probably won't work), but for now, keep busy, try to do something you like and enjoy. eat something naughty like cheesecake or whatever you like the most, but limit yourself from eating too often.
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Marinol is being written straight down in my notepad for things to ask the doctor about.
also known as THC Marinol ... in addition to 'hungry', it can make you quite thirsty (for water) and/or giddy
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Hello Mad, Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
Have you tried Lemon Juice, I have never known it fail in stopping Diarrhoea, Take One or two fresh lemons and juice them, then drink it. it usually stops it in about ten to twenty minuets, and strangely, it also stops heart burn, lemon, although acid, has an alkaline affect on the body.
I know its easy to say don’t worry, but here in these isles the HIV clinics are very helpful and understanding, also if you feel a need to talk to someone phone “The Terrance Higgins Trust” they have people who have HIV and are trained to help others, you can talk about anything, they are very helpful and informed on all aspects of this bug, google them, or I think the web address is www.tht.org.uk/ or THT Direct 0845 12 21 200
Best wishes
John(UK)
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Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, Mad, but you've found the best place to be.
And it gives us another handsome face to look at. ;)