figured it was time i introduced myself

[bedder1]

My name is Jeff.  about 3 weeks ago I got out of the shower looked in the mirror and saw red "blotches" all over my body..my heart went into my throat, i called in sick and headed to the emergency room they ruled out most possibilities (ex food allergy,medicine allergy) until they were basically lefty with 2 possibilities stage 2 syphillis or HIV sero conversion rash so i took what i thought were tests for both  waited a week an got a call from the ER doctor saying good news...it WAS syphillis...and its easily treatable so i said, oh, so your telling me the HIV was neg  and he said no, we did not perform an HIV test (dont ask me i still dont undderstand why either)

so anyway i headed to a doctor with knowledge that i needed bicillin injections and hiv test.   deep inside i think i already new what the results were going to be if ive got one there is a very real chance that ive got both.

well sure enough the blood work comes back and i tested for syphillis gonnoreah, hep b antibodies and HIV poz.

by now ive had all 3 bicillin injections and rash is pretty much gone. i went to manhattan to get one of the best HIV specialists and she is now my primary care phys. i was suprised but i am very comfortaable with a female doctor.  she did the major blood work for me and i spent the week(last week) hiding inside a bottle of vodka (lol)...dont worry i didnt drowned and now ive climbed back out and ready to deal with the situation.  my numbers came back cd4 621 vl 82,574  31% 0.59  not quite sure what that all means but im using the lessons here and at some other sites ive found to educate myself.   i have not been to work since the rash showed up (that was back on 8-18)  and im going back monday (the HR director and my supervisor know my situation and are more then supportive) 
not suree whats next but i guess its probably a good idea not to go back into that bottle of vodka LOL.
i look forward to making new freinds soon,.

[Longislander]

Hi Jeff,
I'm pretty new here myself, but welcome. Lots to read about here, and some pretty nice people. Congrats on getting a great doc (very important). Good luck

Paul

[Andy Velez]

Jeff, welcome! You moved very quickly on doing the smartest thing -- getting tested and upon learning about your status you got yourself a doctor whom you like. Having a good doctor with whom you form a working partnership is one of the most important elements in  keeping you healthy.

You two will check your numbers out and see how the pattern develops in the coming months. You don't have to rush into making any treatment decisions at this point. Gradually you will learn all the basics about staying well.

You're doing very well. You may find yourself surprised that you will suddenly and unexpectedly become emotional in different ways. Maybe not, but just know it's par for the course. You're always welcome here to ask questions or to discuss anything else that's on your mind.

Keep us posted on how things are going.

Cheers,

[J.R.E.]

Hello Bedder,( Jeff)


Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it is always difficult to welcome someone here, but I am sure you will find plenty of suppory from everyone.

When I was doagnosed positive in 1985, it was the secondary infection of gonorhea,( that I also managed to get at the same time) that led me to the county health department, for my positive diagnosis.

I know things are pretty tuff right now, you say you are reading up on the lessons. Thats GREAT !! Educating yourself should be foremost., But take things slow, don't give tourself "burnout".

I also know what it's like to get lost in the booze bottle ! I did that for the first year after I was diagnosed. It was a difficult time for me ....

When you have questions, don't hesitate to ask them....Someone will always be here to help you out !!




Hang in there//Stay in touch in us-----------Ray

[Eldon]

Hello Jeff, it is Eldon.

I wanted to take a moment to extend to you a warm WELCOME to the forums. You have definitely plugged into the right site. Here you will find communication, understanding, lessons, some cries, some laughter, support, and may of your questions answered relating to HIV/AIDS.

We definitely have a great group of people and you will find a lot of information here at your disposal. DO feel free to come and browse, or even toi vent from time-to-time. There is listening and answering here.

Again, Welcome and have the BEST Day!

[Regretsafew]

Hey  Jeff,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis   I'm a newbie too.  Hopefully things will get better for us.  My doc is a female too  LOL.  She's an Infectious Disease doctor from New York City  so I hope she's right for me.  lol.. 

Hang in there bud...  I just had my 2nd set of labs drawn this past friday. 

Hugs,

Joey

[bedder1]

hi thanks for the welcomes everyone. I also got a couple of private messages askin g me about the doctor in NY.  I dont know how to respond to them privately so i will just say the name of the office is Astor Medical Group and they are on Irving Pl on the lowereast side (18th st)  the gentleman from nassau county (i live on long island) ddept of health came to see me after i tested poz for multiple stds and he seemed very impressed with my choice and he said they are very good so im keeping my fingers crossed. 

[Teresa]

Hi Bedder,

Welcome to the forums!

My hubby tested HIV+ in May and I'm HIV-. The people here are so wonderful ! I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found this site. I'm so glad that you found us!

Hugs
Teresa

[Life]

Jeff - RENT will become your best friend as well as all of us here... BIG HUGS...  Stay away from the boozer,  might as well grow up now honey....  No day but today...

Love Angel...

[ACinKC]

Well it looks like you have caught it early on which is good.  You have lots of those ever important T-cells (Lwood numbers his for just such an emergency!) and your % looks pretty good too.  I am glad you found us and look forward to hearing all about you.

I too have had the dreaded syphillis and it fucking sucked ASS!  Had me down and OUT for like 4 months before they figured it out.

[cmhjeff]

My doc is a female too  LOL.  She's an Infectious Disease doctor from New York City  so I hope she's right for me.  lol.. 

Must be Dr Mangino.
Things will get better 

Take care of yourself!
Hugs
Jeff

[slimbimale]

Hi Jeff
Sorry that your test came back POZ ..but your with a lot of us who care ..and will be here to help at any time we can ..Your numbers are really good ..and keeping away from the drug and alcohol will help a lot..I was a heavy user and I stop-ed drinking and using before I tested ..I was almost 2 yrs clean when I did test and I managed to stay clean ..and Today i find it help me to keep a better attitude about my life and about AIDS having to live with me ..( I put it Thu hell ) .lol..Goodluck to you ..and remember ..were only a email away

                                                         Jim