The BEST HIV books

[Poz-3/6/07]

Hello Community,

I tested positive for HIV on 3/6/07 and I was interested in knowing if any of you had educational books that you prefer.

One book I recommend is "HIV - The First Year" by Brett Grodeck.
This is a 12 month education on someones first year of being diagnosed.

Brett has had HIV for over 19 years so he writes from experience.

Check it out.

Any of your favorites?

Education helps me stay positive about being positive.

Thanks for sharing

PS.......I had my first doctors appt last week and am awaiting the results from the tests...scary...but with the support of this forum I'm sure yall will help keep me positive through it all. Ill let yall know when I get the results on Tuesday.
 

[bocker3]

Hi Poz-3/6/07,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis -- Welcome to the forums, you have found a great site for sharing and caring.
I was diagnosed on 8/24/05 and just like you, I needed to learn all I could.  The first 2 books that I got were "HIV - The First Year" and "The Guide to Living with HIV Infection".  Both of these books helped me greatly.  "The Guide" was developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic and is currently in it's sixth edition.  It's important to get the latest editions of any books, because things are moving so fast in regards to HIV infection.

You will undoubtedly be getting many welcomes and lots of advice in this thread.  If you really are someone who needs information to help maintain a positive outlook, this is very good.  Do keep in mind though, that it can get overwhelming at times -- so listen to yourself and pull back when you need to do so -- give yourself time to digest.  Maintaining perspective will go a long way to helping you fight this virus.  So, get a good doctor, ask questions, learn all you can and be your own best advocate.  This forum is the perfect place to vent, learn and ask for advice.  There are decades of experience in the members here.  Of course, be sure to use your doctor too!

Let us know how things go.

Hugs,
Mike

[Bucko]

Although caution must be exercised with reasonable care, I'd suggest that the internet is the BEST place to get all the latest data, information and support for the newly diagnosed. Books can date themselves very quickly, especially as regards HIV, where the latest news is generally the most reliable.

My ex and I were diagnosed at the same time, back in 1996, although I'd been infected for many years previously as we eventually surmised. He was never much of a reader (claimed it gave him headaches), but he fixated on a book called HIV+: Working the System. By the time we got our first case manager three years later, Kenny tried to bring up a few points he'd memorized from the book. The case manager smiled and explained that none of his concerns were apropos to the way HIV care was managed at the time.

Brent
(Who reads omnivorously from all sources)

[keyite]

I'd suggest that the internet is the BEST place to get all the latest data, information and support for the newly diagnosed.

I agree. In addition to this site, my favourite haunts (admittedly from more of a UK perspective) are:

Aidsmap: www.nam.org.uk
The Body: www.thebody.com
Positive Nation: www.positivenation.org.uk
gay.com - both UK and US versions have HIV sections and they have quite well-written news articles

You can subscribe to a weekly email newsletter with all except PN.
 

[otherplaces]

Perhaps it goes without saying, but "And the Band Played On" by Randy Shilts is a great history of the epidemic in the US.  But I might suggest waiting awhile to let things digest before taking this book on.  It is likely to infuriate you...as it should. 

best,
brian

[Central79]

I'm not really up with books - the science changes so fast...

I think the lessons on this site are great to establish a basic knowledge of HIV. Then I tend to read the news on aidsmap (nam.co.uk, as previously mentioned) and at The Body and on here. I love podcasts, I subscribe to Positive Nation (a magazine in the UK). I go to meetings and talk to people. I tend to find more sticks, and I can ask questions.

In a similar vein, I learn a lot from reading these forums - I can put everything into context that way.