Author Topic: lifestye changes (Read 11633 times)

liketheboat · « **on:** June 06, 2011, 02:56:03 am »

I have known that I am positive for about nine months (just over a year since my seroconversion) and lately have been thinking about the changes that I have med in my life since testing positive. I have noticed that when people test positive they usually either take one of two roads: one option being Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, or make a ton of healthy changes in their lives and perhaps turn out a lot healthier than they ever would have been had they not seroconverted. Looking aback at the past nine months my path is not entirely clear just yet. I would like to think that I am choosing the path of health. There have been times that I have drank too much, smoked too much, and had the “I really don’t give a fuck about anything” attitude. I’m thinking that is just the initial shock and anger that one gets when they get a HIV diagnosis. Now that the dust has settled I am thinking that I can really start to make positive changes in my life. I know that when you try to change too much at one time it usually backfires and in the end you change nothing long term. I was wondering what some of the things you guys have done to lead a healthier life. Please say things big (like quitting smoking), to small (like switching from coffee to green tea). Thank you all!

spacebarsux · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2011, 03:25:25 am »

Hey, I was diagnosed this past January and have virtually quit smoking and excessive drinking since then.

anniebc · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2011, 04:03:39 am »

Hi there

I like that you are starting to think you can make a positive change to your life, fear, loathing and playing the victim just stresses you out and is certainly not good for the body or soul.

Some of the changes that I have been through are:...and remember you asked...

I had to give up my job as a Nursing Sister because of ill health, that wasn't really my choice, I loved my job and I was sad to leave, but I accepted it and it worked out well for me in the end.

So keeping that in mind I think the biggest change in my life was moving from a wonderful job in a big city in Australia to a hobby farm with animals I never thought I would be looking after in a small rural village in New Zealand.

Living with this virus has enabled me to travel to a different place every year, from Canada to the States, and for the past 6 years I have met up with and have become close friends with a lot of the guys from here in the forums, ...and what an experience that has been.

I've also travelled around NZ as a voice for the Women of NZ who are living with this virus, I've attended two International AIDS Conferences, in Mexico City and Vienna, I have also attended a Conference in Bangkok and have even travelled back to Australia to give talks on HIV and Stigma, I've done documentaries and interviews for NZ National TV..and have two more in the pipe line, I'm also the spokewomen/organiser for the Candle light Memorial and WAD in the South Island of NZ, and have the official title of "South Islands Representative for Positive Women Inc NZ"...how flash is that...

This virus, as destructive as it is, has given me the chance to meet some incredible people from all walks of life and allowed me to do some amazing things with them, and has allowed me to look at myself and be proud of what I have been able to do and achieve for the last 9 years.

Having said all that I'm a tiny, tiny fish in an Ocean that is filled with much bigger and better fish, and ones I will continue to admire, respect and look up to...and some of them are in this forum.

There must have been something about your post that brough all this out because I very, very rarely talk about my life with HIV.

Now, the smallest changes would have to be changing to decaffeinated coffee and giving up smoking, but it took me 7 years to do that...

.

I love your positive attitude, keep it up and you will do well.

Aroha
Jan

spacebarsux · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2011, 04:23:14 am »

what's wrong with coffee? i love my coffee.

MarkB · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2011, 04:29:05 am »

Quote from: anniebc on June 06, 2011, 04:03:39 am

I'm a tiny, tiny fish in an Ocean that is filled with much bigger and better fish

Thank you for posting, Jan. When I joined this forum you were one of the very first to respond to me, and I was (and am) grateful for that. What you wrote in this post is an inspiration; all I would add is that though the Ocean may contain bigger fish than you, they would have to be going some to be better.

Mark

Nicolas2 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:23:11 am »

I've been diagnosed positive for 3 months now - and didn't eat sushi since then...Got an extra cutting board for meat, other one for fruits and vegetables...Wash my hands more often and more thoroughly...

Plan to exercise more, loose some weight...I take vitamin C and multivitamin pills (and wonder - is it worth it)...don't smoke, don't drink.

Plan to get a dog...

And that's it for now.

anniebc · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2011, 06:40:57 am »

Quote from: MarkB on June 06, 2011, 04:29:05 am

Thank you for posting, Jan. When I joined this forum you were one of the very first to respond to me, and I was (and am) grateful for that. What you wrote in this post is an inspiration; all I would add is that though the Ocean may contain bigger fish than you, they would have to be going some to be better.

Mark

{{{hugs}}}

Aroha

anniebc · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2011, 06:44:15 am »

Quote from: spacebarsux on June 06, 2011, 04:23:14 am

what's wrong with coffee? i love my coffee.

There's nothing wrong with coffee Space..I changed because I was getting a lot of nausea from one of my meds and it put me off regular coffee, but decaf seems to be OK.

Enjoy your coffee...but for health reasons do it in moderation if you can.

Aroha
Jan

NycJoe · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:06:40 am »

Positive changes are good especially having been dealt a blow like HIV. I changed my eating habits. Instead of eating fast food almost daily now it's my treat once a week which helped me lose 25 pounds. I wanted to take better care of my body. For my mind, I did something I thought I would never do at my age (44) and graduated last month with honor with my bachelor of science and am going to be pursuing my masters. HIV didn't make me do these things, but it was an event that shook me to the core and made me realize it's never too late to make positive changes.

You can yank my caffeinated coffee out of my cold dead hand. Annie changed over to decaffeinated coffee. That's ridiculous! I don't do changes that big!

But I should.

Joe

Inchlingblue · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:11:12 am »

There's nothing wrong with drinking coffee as long as it's not excessive. In fact it's been found to be beneficial for the liver.

phildinftlaudy · « **Reply #10 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:18:18 am »

I try to get a little extra sleep.
I listen more to my body when it tells me to slow down
I got a gym membership (haven't used it too much, but the first step was getting one

)
I quit hard liquor (stick to the beer - and not as much as I used to, but still enough to get a little toasty from time to time.... to time.... to time.... to time)

Assurbanipal · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2011, 02:09:47 pm »

I was diagnosed in the hospital with my third round of pneumonia, so its hard to disentangle what is due to diagnosis vs. "I could be dead". But...

I consciously and explictly tell the people I care about that I love them. This may sound easy but:
I was busy,
I assumed they knew,
I felt exposed or trite,
I was an overintellectualizing introvert
-- OK, haven't fixed that last one

. But now I try to tell them.
Often.

I quit my old job -- thought about it for 6 months and then gave them a year to find someone. I'm old enough so it counts as retirement for some purposes. I'm sure quitting that job was the right thing, not so sure part time or full retirement works for me though. (And my timing stank.)

I modifed my diet -- more fibre -- mainly to avoid diarrhea when I was on Kaletra -- but also to be more healthy.

I consciously took up aerobic exercise to rebuild my lung capacity. I've always sung (escept for two awful years when my voice changed) and pneumonia threatened all that. I used a machine and worked on it slowly, starting a month after I got off the oxygen tank. At first I couldn't do 5 minutes at level 1, but over 3 years I worked it up to 45 minutes at the highest level on the machine. I keep at it.

There's lots of stuff that didn't happen too -- I should lift weights more often, I should eat less, write more....but one can make a lot of positive changes.

Good luck on your journey
A

WillyWump · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:22:44 pm »

My diagnosis forced me to do an about face in regards to my lifestyle. Previously I partied very hard, usually several times a week, I did massive amounts of Cocaine, and I drank alot (whiskey shots), and smoked about 3 packs of cigs a day. My meals consisted of Happy hour buffets at the bar and late night chili dogs from 7-11. Rarely did I get more than 4 hours of sleep a night. And let's not even mention all the unsafe sex I had. During this time my weight plummeted from 160 to 116 (I'm 5'11'').

My diagnosis slapped me in the face and forced me to take another road in my life. Now, I rarely drink, maybe a 3 or 4 times a year. I haven't used Cocaine in 4 years. The last time I was in a bar was at the Vegas AMG last summer. I get 8-10 hours of sleep a night, I work out every other day. I eat well. The only real vice in my life now is the smoking but at least I'm below a pack a day.

It's ironic, but it's quite possible my diagnosis saved my life.

-Will

hope_for_a_cure · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:30:58 pm »

Life in the fast lane eh Willy? Everything.... all the time.

I made a change for the better too with regards to partying and sex. By that I mean I quit smoking pot every day and no longer participated in unprotected sex. Actually, sex came to a halt post diagnosis.

There was a thread a while back that touched on this to a degree where I went into more detail. In a nutshell, I think the main lifestyle change for me was the reevaluation of what truly is important in life as well as focusing on improving my health (for the first time ever).

New chapters, new people, new attitude about life!

WillyWump · « **Reply #14 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:43:39 pm »

Quote from: hope_for_a_cure on June 06, 2011, 05:30:58 pm

New chapters, new people, new attitude about life!

Bingo! Well said!

-W

anniebc · « **Reply #15 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:56:33 pm »

Quote from: hope_for_a_cure on June 06, 2011, 05:30:58 pm

New chapters, new people, new attitude about life!

Simple and well said Hope.

Aroha
Jan

karry · « **Reply #16 on:** June 06, 2011, 06:11:26 pm »

Since my diagnosis, I sleep more and I exercise a lot more.
....I cant stop the coffee, though!....you wont like me in the morning if I haven't had my brew!
K.

klassykitty · « **Reply #17 on:** June 06, 2011, 07:39:23 pm »

I actually sleep less, although I blame that on working third shift. Sex......... well been to long for that, but when it happens it will be safe.

I do eat less at mcdonalds, and hardees.
Cheesesteaks are still a staple of my diet along with chipped beef.

I quit smoking cigarettes a long time ago, pot stopped when I was diagnosed. My doctor told me to, he could tell me to jump off a bridge and I would probably do it.

I don't drink as much either, but Willy I will see your whiskey shots and raise you a rumpelminz

(sure that is spelled wrong).

The biggest change I did is to keep in touch with my family and friends more.

Michelle

anniebc · « **Reply #18 on:** June 06, 2011, 07:44:33 pm »

I changed to decaf because it made me feel better, but cofee is not at all bad for you, if you don't have to give it up then don't, there are many times when I miss a good strong cup of regular coffee.

Just be aware that overdoing it, 5+ coffees a day, can over-stimulate the nerves and generate some pretty nasty side effects, it can leave you feeling restless, irritable, it can make your hands shake and in extreme cases, it can cause severe insomnia, I know a lot of people that can't take coffee after a certain time of day because of this...so stop worrying and drink your coffee is not going to kill you...

Aroah
Jan

thunter34 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:13:52 pm »

Gee....after reading these posts, I'm starting to think I must be on that other road. $:-\$

jp2011ny · « **Reply #20 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:37:51 pm »

crap..... i don't do any good stuff.... what's wrong with me.

sharkdiver · « **Reply #21 on:** June 07, 2011, 12:40:43 am »

Quote from: Nicolas2 on June 06, 2011, 05:23:11 am

I've been diagnosed positive for 3 months now - and didn't eat sushi since then...Got an extra cutting board for meat, other one for fruits and vegetables...Wash my hands more often and more thoroughly...

Plan to exercise more, loose some weight...I take vitamin C and multivitamin pills (and wonder - is it worth it)...don't smoke, don't drink.

Plan to get a dog...

And that's it for now.

skipping the sushi? seriously?
I just got done with some yummy Yellow Tail sashimi.

Nicolas2 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:11:24 am »

Yap

No sushi, ever since.

Read in some guidelines that we should avoid raw and no well done meat...

But I've always new I'm not going to stick to it for good...

wolfter · « **Reply #23 on:** June 07, 2011, 07:13:15 am »

Quote from: hope_for_a_cure on June 06, 2011, 05:30:58 pm

New chapters, new people, new attitude about life!

I love it! A great example of less is more. This speaks volumes.

lost_boy · « **Reply #24 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:07:15 pm »

Hah, the "fear and loathing in Las Vegas" line made me laugh

After my initial diagnosis, I really did think "I don't give a rats ass about anything anymore"... got pretty drunk for a month and tried a couple of drugs I'd never done before (and before my diagnosis, I'd not even done pot, which I think most people have at one stage or another). I think I just got fed up of being a goody two shoes!

Anyway after that initial month and the shock, things went back on an even keel, as these things do. I exercised before, I exercise now (it's a really good way to take your mind off things and relax), but I still drink in moderation and eat the foods I like. So really, I can't say it's changed my life drastically. Which is maybe for the best - it's in line with modern thinking that HIV can be (is) a manageable disease.

drewm · « **Reply #25 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:14:04 pm »

When I was first dxd with teh AIDS, I obeyed all the 'normal' rules. Well-done meat, no deli foods, wore a mask to keep myself from getting even 'more sick' (catching a cold or something), washed my hands constantly. After getting my numbers to the HIV 'normal' (whatever that is) I now live a 'normal HIV' life including "medium rare steak", no more masks, drinking in moderation etc.

antibody · « **Reply #26 on:** June 07, 2011, 11:03:20 pm »

I did a complete 180. Stopped hard drugs and drinking. Settled down and have a monogamous relationship and started taking better care of myself. Who wouldn't? I don't miss my old life at all. It was fun yes, all the drugs and partying I don't really miss. It can be very inspiring when faced with a positive diagnosis knowing it has killed millions and is trying to kill you too.

next2u · « **Reply #27 on:** June 08, 2011, 02:17:24 am »

less vodka, more beer. less stress more chronic

i was a pretty healthy fucker before so no major changes were warranted. wait, i take that back, i don't binge drink as much. i used to have some pretty awesome ragers but i dont know if i got older or positive but recovery has been a bitch since starting meds.

best,
d

hope4love · « **Reply #28 on:** June 08, 2011, 02:49:03 am »

Reading the above posts,including for me me after getting to know that we are HIV+ve we have incorporated a lot of healthy life styles like eating good food, moderate drinks, no smoking or trying to quit smoke, regular exercise, having good sleep,no more drugs or partying hard, regular medical checkups, saving money and being more conscious of our health status. All this adoption of healthy life style for some has come with a cost of HIV (Physical, mental and financial burden) which is good in a way though it is late and in general we should have all been practicing a healthy life style irrespective of we being HIV+ve or not. I did read some time back/somewhere here.. that for majority of people with HIV +status their Life -the way they live now has certainly improved because of practising a healthy lifestyle.

BJS2011 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 08, 2011, 06:18:47 am »

Quote from: liketheboat on June 06, 2011, 02:56:03 am

I have known that I am positive for about nine months (just over a year since my seroconversion) and lately have been thinking about the changes that I have med in my life since testing positive. I have noticed that when people test positive they usually either take one of two roads: one option being Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, or make a ton of healthy changes in their lives and perhaps turn out a lot healthier than they ever would have been had they not seroconverted. Looking aback at the past nine months my path is not entirely clear just yet. I would like to think that I am choosing the path of health. There have been times that I have drank too much, smoked too much, and had the “I really don’t give a fuck about anything” attitude. I’m thinking that is just the initial shock and anger that one gets when they get a HIV diagnosis. Now that the dust has settled I am thinking that I can really start to make positive changes in my life. I know that when you try to change too much at one time it usually backfires and in the end you change nothing long term. I was wondering what some of the things you guys have done to lead a healthier life. Please say things big (like quitting smoking), to small (like switching from coffee to green tea). Thank you all!

Take my advice my friend and STOP getting drunk. That is soooo hard on the immune system. I have a friend. We both got HIV around the same time. I quit drugs and alcohol right away. He has continued his party life. Difference is I have NEVER been sick with any HIV related illnesses. My friend is constantly in and out of hospital. He has an IV drip of fluids he needs hooked up 8 hrs a day. He just did 6 months in a hospice. He never should have lived. He is skin and bones and looks 40 yrs older than he should. When he got out of hospice that first weekend he got drunk. So choosing to take the healthy path is alot easier and a much better quality of life. Be strong and I hope you got something from what I have said. I am 12 yrs poz. Viral UD and C4s 980. I justy put on 30 pounds thank God./ Life is what we make it and I love my healthy life. Good luck and be well my friend

BJS2011 · « **Reply #30 on:** June 08, 2011, 06:30:02 am »

Quote from: hope_for_a_cure on June 06, 2011, 05:30:58 pm

Life in the fast lane eh Willy? Everything.... all the time.

I made a change for the better too with regards to partying and sex. By that I mean I quit smoking pot every day and no longer participated in unprotected sex. Actually, sex came to a halt post diagnosis.

There was a thread a while back that touched on this to a degree where I went into more detail. In a nutshell, I think the main lifestyle change for me was the reevaluation of what truly is important in life as well as focusing on improving my health (for the first time ever).

New chapters, new people, new attitude about life!

I acturually smoke more weed now cause it has helped me gain 30 pounds. I am 5'10 and only weighed 135. I now weigh 165. Weed takes my nausea from meds away and also helps relax me and sleep better. I am a huge advocate for mwedical marijuana. Its proven if your smoking clean weed with NO chemicals there is NO harm to ones body. I buy from a club and its all grown by people allowed to from our government. I have recently taken up using a vapourizer. It takes everything but the THC and it turns to a vapour. No more smoke. I know weed isn't for everyone but if I didn't smoke it I would NEVER eat. Seriously.
But I quit booz and every hard drug cause I have seen what living that life as a HIV poz person gets you and its so not pretty. Be well all and play safe.

Forums Index

Welcome

Author Topic: lifestye changes (Read 11633 times)