I need a MAP.....

[loxe]

I just tested poz in Oct. I also have sypillies which the Health the Department is taking care of for me...I'm in Macon, Georgia and i have an Appointment with the Hope center in Jan. 2012....I'm kind of worry about the assitance that i may or may not receive...I'm a tad bit lost....lost on what i need to do...lost on just talking abut it.

[emeraldize]

Hi Loxe,

Have you been to the Hope Center's website? If not, I suggest you go there and to this page in particular http://www.myhopecenter.org/FAQs.htm -- it will help you get organized about what you need to do before your visit. They've got a lot of other information posted there, too.

(When you're there, ask why they have The Body as a one of their web links, but not Aidsmeds.com?)

Hope this helps and hope things go smoothly for you.
Em

[TexasPOZ]

Hi loxe, I understand exactly how you feel. I felt pretty much the same way when I got my positive test results in Feb. 2008. I don't know anything about what's available in Georgia, but I suppose things are similar in every state. Find your local ASO (Aids Service Organization), which I suppose must be the Hope Center you mentioned, and make an appointment to get yourself a case manager. He or she will help you put all the pieces together and navigate your way and make sense of it all. At the time I lived in Amarillo, TX, population approx 200,000, and I got a case manager and it made all the difference in the world. Just going to the doctor was not enough for me. He helped me understand what services were available, what I needed, what all the numbers meant, and was there for me for support and encouragement. The entire staff there was very sympathetic and kind, and gave me a lot of help through the hard times. They were my Map. That's there job. Remember, it's your life, and if you ever find yourself dealing with a doctor, case manager or anyone else that is not helping you, you have the right to find someone different. My first doctor sucked. I changed doctors and the next one was fantastic. I learned to advocate for myself. You may have to look for it, but there are caring people out there who can give you all the help you need.