POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => I Just Tested Poz => Topic started by: zach on December 15, 2010, 07:22:56 am
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They say hindsight is 20/20, and looking back over the last six months of my life I see some things I wish I had seen then. One, I wish I had found this board the day I was diagnosed. Two, I wish someone had made me read The First Year sooner.
Instead a doctor tossed me a bottle of Atripla, take one a day, you'll be fine. Sure enough, my numbers improved, and I have survived. And I will continue to do so. But AIDS is still the worst disease of our time. It's been my experience that some doctors have become complacent, their job only seems to extend as far as stabilizing the disease. That may be true, but I hope other newly diagnosed pwas have some tools, and are better equipped to cope.
Think I'm gonna get about 20 copies of First Year, write the aidsmeds url in the cover, and ask my doctor to give them to new patients. I want to put together some sort of tool bag, not just directions on what time to take your meds, side effect and interaction warnings. Don't Panic in large friendly letters on the side. There's got to be a better way of easing into this life.
I'll get off my box now before I start sounding preachy.
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Hey, are you referring to the book, First year. I have seen others mention it on here but havent read it. I should probably pick up a copy. Glad to hear things are going better for you.
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yep, the book
http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Essential-Guide-Diagnosed/dp/1600940137/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292488879&sr=1-1
and thanks, things are better, still feel like a rock skipping across a pond, but at least i see the shore
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I too am coping with the shock. I am just starting Atripla today. A bit scared to be honest. Good to be able to chat to others too. My girlfriend is a great support but nothing like talking to those that go through the same.
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Atripla is not so bad. I just started on it last week. The first night was rough but it got better very quickly. Hope it works out for you.
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Hang in there guys. Gradually, while still obviously being important, it's going to subside and not be THE overwhelming truth of your lives. It's important to have a good relationship with your doctor and to have one who answers questions when you have them.
You're always welcome here to ask questions or to talk about anything that's on your mind. It's inspiring to get the determination and life spirit in each of your comments. Hang in, hang in.
Cheers to each of you. (Apologies for not writing separate e mails to each of you).
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I agree 100% Zach. There is so much more to this illness than just stabilizing your numbers. Mental and emotion well being should be guarded closely. Finding support groups and friends to share things with is vital to your continued wellness. I am very blessed to have had a positive best friend for the past 5 years now, and when I was diagnosed it was so easy to get information from him.
I haven't tried any local support groups yet, but these forums have helped me immensely. I hope to get to know you guys better on here! Oh and I'm definetly going to read The First Year. Thanks for the recommendation.
Take care- Alan
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i'm glad you found this site too...it was a blessing to me when i found it....wish i had known of it sooner...cause i was very lonely and in the dark for months after my diagnoses....i didn't want to talk to anyone about HIV...nor did I want to talk to anyone gay.....was hard to move on and forgive the person that gave it to me....i need to read this book too....its the first i've heard of it.....thanks for the info
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I am glad I found this site also. Thanks for sharing.