What To Expect?

[Torey]

*waves*

I know you may have seen me popping in and asking questions - and always being the one who is afraid to get himself and his numbers checked.

But I want to take the plunge and go ahead.  I want to go to my local clinic.  But I'm scared because I don't know what to expect.  I know that all clinics are different, but how long will I have to wait to see my numbers when they draw blood?  What else do they do?  Just some generic advice would be good - I like in Louisiana, if that helps - Ouachita Parish.  Thanks.  Sorry to be a pest. 

[minismom]

Another Louisiana native here!  My husband grew up in New Orleans and I grew up in East Baton Rouge Parish.  We moved up north nearly 12 years ago.

Typically, we get Mim's lab slips in the mail before her actual appointment.  She has her labs done, then we see the doctor.  By the time we see the doctor, all the tests are in except for the viral load which generally takes 2wks to get back.  We have her ID labs and her fasting lipid labs done at the same time.

We've just switched ID doctors, so I'm not quite sure what he'll do.  We've seen him once and he didn't order any labs. Expect a comprehensive head-to-toe exam on your first visit.  You'll probably be asked a zillion questions.  Be honest about the answers no matter how embarrassing. He/she has most likely heard it all before and isn't going to be shocked by your answers. 

I know that some here have their labs done a couple of weeks before they see their doctor so that the results will be in by their appointment.  When you make your appointment, ask to talk to the doctor's nurse.  She should be able to answer your general procedural quesitons.

Good luck!
Mum

[Torey]

Oooh another Louisianian!  *happy waving*  Thank you so much for your kind post - I appreciate the heads-up and glimpse into what to expect.  I will talk to the nurse, too, as you suggested.  I don't have much clue as to the lingo so I may be asking more questions    Thanks so much!

[Miss Philicia]

Hi Torey, welcome back.

As you may recall we discussed your situation 10 months ago in this thread:

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21093.0

I see that you've still not gone back in for testing during this time, so yeah I'm concerned, but I guess you are too.  You really need to just bite the bullet and go to the clinic and try not to worry about what to expect.  I promise you that just the act of "going" being hard in terms of expectations is mostly just you turning the thought process of the unknown over and over in your head, mostly because as you openly have stated you have some pre-existing mental issues  for which you've not been obtaining treatment, or assume that is still your situation.

Here's what I would suggest, considering that potentially an HIV clinic in Ouachita Parish isn't that far off from where I go.  Call their office and explain your particulars, stating that you've had lab work done over a year ago and neglected to follow up -- also tell them this is due to mental health issues.  Hopefully they'll have you get your lab work done BEFORE the actual doctor's appointment, so that these numbers are available when you go for the actual doctor's visit.  So, in that scenario, it would involve two separate trips to the clinic -- if two visits sounds overwhelming to you I know you mentioned you have a partner, so try and get this partner to go to the HIV clinic with you.

My lab work is turned around very quickly, but basically I go in for a blood draw one week in advance of my actual doctor's appointment.  However, I live in a really big city so I'm sure that cuts out some time.  Just ask the clinic's office people what they recommend.  It's going to vary from place to place.

[YaKaMein]

Hey Torey,
Yet another Louisianan here, in New Orleans. Miss Philicia and Mum have given you some sage advice. From your prior posts, you're a smart cookie ... so it really is up to you to make some moves. Anxiety can be overwhelming but taking action is the best remedy to getting control of your life and health.

You're already connected to care in your community. Now it's a matter a follow up and confidence. There's plenty of online information [here and elsewhere] about what questions to ask, concerns one has, and general tips on being proactive about one's health.

It's best to see where you are clinically with your numbers. You might be surprised. Hopefully, there's been no major declines, but even if so, you can act to improve your health. Denial is a safe place, but has its dangers.

Am confident you can deal with this and get proper medical attention and support  ... the rest is up to you.

Good luck and keep us posted ... waving back .. -YaKa

[Torey]

Thanks so much to everyone for the replies. 

Yes, Miss Philicia, I still haven't gone yet -    I am trying to collect the courage to go this time and I just wanted to know what to expect.  It's difficult for me to even collect the courage to venture out of the house much less to do this because of my mental health. 

I am thankful for the advice given to me - and I am sorry for troubling you guys here at the forum.

[Miss Philicia]

Torey, it's not troubling at all.  We all just want you to go to the clinic   The longer you turn something like this over in your head the harder it is to actually do it -- that's all part of an anxiety disorder and I know all about anxiety myself.  The funny thing is that once you go you'll wonder why you had such a hard time actually doing it.

But don't worry about troubling us here -- we're here to listen to you.