HIV Support Group

I can understand your concern, believe me. Did your doctor give you any of your statistics over the phone? If not, I would try to get in with a doctor soon to see where you are at count wise. That generally determines when you start meds. My cd4 count was extremely low when I started and I still had to wait to go on meds. They try to keep you off medication as long as possible, read some of the posts in here and you will see why. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Hi CCCAZ

Here is a website for Phoenix:

http://www.mihs.org/ourfacility/mc...

This might help you out...but towards the bottom there are other links like how to get a case worker who can help guide you to different areas of help. I have one up here in Wisconsin through ARCW.

A fellow guy from Phoenix

You are probably at the beginning of a very long process. I was blood tested every 3 months as my numbers got worse and worse until I reached that magic number to go on meds, almost a year and a half later - my viral load then went from over 100,000 to undetectable in 1 month. (less than 50) There are organizations as mentioned below that will assign you a case worker who can help with Doctor recommendations, and support groups which I would highly recommend. I on the other hand decided to drink myself silly for almost two years trying to avoid the reality of my situation, and have now been sober for almost a year. Def try to get to a live support group or therapist and talk about it. The emotional side of this can be hard, and there's plenty of proof that a positive attitude is essential to your health. My best wishes for you! Keep in touch!

Contact your local HIV network in your community and ask if they know of any doctors who are currenlty accepting new patients.

Also, be cautious when reading up information on the internet. There is a lot of very good facts and information and a lot of very bad information. Seek a support group and advice from people who are and have gone through what you are going through. I was diagnosed when I was 23 and now at almost 30, I am undetectable with the medication I am currently on. Do not be afraid to question your doctor(s) either. If they tell you to go on meds, make them inform you of why in terms that you understand (not the medical jargon). Be strong, be safe and always remember, there are those of us out there that will help keep you above the water when you feel like sinking.

First of all, how are u feeling? If u are feeling bad, then u probably need to go to the emergency room and get checked into the hospital. That will rush things up and they will get u connected to an HIV doctor immediately. When I was diagnosed with HIV last year, I was sick and was put into the hospital for overnight. Once I was on the meds, the virus became under control. Found out today that the virus is acting up a bit and my viral load is showing a low level and have to go back in first part of December, but otherwise I am feeling fine. If u are feeling ok, I would make the appointment in two weeks and try not to stress yourself out about it. Just be sure to keep yourself clean and away from possible viruses and make sure you wash your hands frequently. You do not need to be getting the flu as it can be complicated by the virus. Just get in and see the dr asap and follow directions that the dr gives u.

hello, ive learned from reading articles and studys that say that it is smarter to start meds sooner now than later.. my doctor wanted to start me from 300-400 but after talking to her and letting her know that some studys say that starting in the 500 range is better. after two months my count went from 542 to 860.. so hang in there