HIV Support Group

http://www.dailystrength.org/group...

This is a support group for anyone going through greif, who wants to find new friends, or share their story. They can find lots of resources there. Like where to find a psychologist. What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist? And where can I find one locally?
I stongly support HIV education, and to make it known that HIV is NOT a death sentence. You still can live a very long productive life!
We'd love to have you!

Laura

A friend of mine was diagnosed a few months ago and has started treatment on Atripla. I am worried about his mental state. Besides the doctor & pharmacist, I am the only person who knows. He doesn't want to tell his family, all of which live 1,000 away at minimum. I have looked for local support groups, but haven't come up with any in Orange County, NY. Do you have any suggestions on finding one? He seems very depressed and doesn't do much of anything with himself. He also seems to always be feeling bad physically and worries all the time about every little thing. Is it common for people on Atripla to be feeling bad, maybe from side effects?

Your friend may be suffering in silence, thinking that he just has to accept the side effects. The neurological side effects of Efeverance in Atripla is well documented. I personally suffered for 6 months hoping the side effects would subside but they didn't. Not all people do, but I had a horrible time on the drug. Remember not many doctors have tried these drugs, so they don't know the pain or know what it really is like to live with the side effects.

I eventually switched to Viramune and Truvada and that has been so much easier. And there were no major side effects. I wish I had started with this combination. Nobody warned me of the suffering I would endure on Atripla, they made it sound so easy. However it is diffferent for each person.

I would ask advice from some of the doctors at thebody.com especially if you are isolated. Beyond clinical numbers it is only your friend who can "find" a good regime to live with, and he has to find it himself. Don't be afraid to change. There are a lot of journels of people that have taken Artipla here. Some stories are good, some bad.

Above all hunt around to find a good HIV doctor for your friend. I live in an extremely remote community and by using the net, posting here and receiving remote care from good city doctors means I still get good care. You don't need to suffer in silence. City AIDS organisations are especially helpful. There are thousands of us brothers and sisters who have been through, or are going through the same thing and there is the help out there. You just need to put up your hand.

Goodluck