My ID Specialist First Visit

[Lostgirl]

Hi Everyone

Well yesterday I went to see my specialist.  I had chosen her with great care (okay I went with my gut feeling!) and must admit was very nervous in case I couldn't relate to her.  However, she was everything I would hope to find in a doctor.  She was caring, professional, open, and I felt I could trust her implicitly.  I was so relieved.  I feel I could talk about anything with her just as I could with my friends but in a more professional manner.  I am going back to see her in two weeks and we will do a few more blood tests etc.  She felt we had plenty time to discuss options for meds and when to start etc so am feeling very optimistic.

I am now confident with both my GP and ID Specialist so that is a great start!  I have set up a Well Women's Physical as well just to ease my mind about everything that can go wrong with the female body!  One question you may be able to answer.  That exam is on a Monday and on the Tuesday I go back to my specialist for blood work.  Now I imagine I will have blood work done on the Monday.  Can it be done two days in a row or should I move that appointment?  You all know how I dislike the blood letting!  (Although I am getting MUCH better!).

I feel that by next year I will be settled enough to pursue what I really want to do and what I feel this has been all about.  I am determined to get some good training and be able to work with and educate older women, especially in rural settings, about unprotected sex.  I feel sure this is what I am meant to do, but realise that it is early days for me yet and I need to spend a bit more time in getting my head round it all. 

My sister arrives from Scotland today and my husband and I decided we would start telling our family and close friends.  Part of me is okay about all this but of course still nervous!  I will wait till near the end of her vacation - don't want to spoil it!

Thanks for being there.

Hugs to you all
LG

[BT65]

Hey lost:
  Glad your doctor's appointment went so well.  About your sister, I would tell her right away.  That will give her time to process it with you.  I don't think that will ruin her vacation.  It will probably bring the two of you closer.  Just my 2 cents.

[HealthyMomma]

Glad your appointment went well! I agree with Betty about telling your sister sooner than later. That way she can see that you are still "living" and you are ok. Its hard on someone you love when you tell them you are poz, of course, but I think it lightens the load for them if they see you are ok

[Lostgirl]

Hi ladies

Took your advice and told my sister today.  It was easy, too easy, as she had guessed!  That's the trouble with having a sister that has known you for over 50 years!  I did prepare the ground yesterday when we were out shopping and this morning over coffee told her (we were interrupted yesterday and could not finish the conversation).  She is there for us and when we met my husband for lunch she made a point of sitting beside him as tho to say 'look, there is no problem here at all'.  Bless her!  Now I feel I may be able to tell my son and daughter via the phone (they are in Scotland I am in US) as they live near her so when she gets home they can all get together to talk in person and get support.  I also have a good friend whom we have told who lives close by as well and she is in the health profession so for educational info they can call on her also. 

Thanks again.
Hugs
LG

[anniebc]

Hi LG

Good for you I'm glad it worked out well for you all, I told my brother and kids as soon as I got my diagnosis, not only was it a weight off my shoulders but it helped a lot having their support....I never had a young sister to boss around, wanna adopt me..

As for your blood test it won't do any harm having then done two days in a row...it's better than re-arranging your appointments..just get them both over and done with.

Let us know how you get on.

Hugs
Jan