HIV Support Group
HIV (also known as human immunodeficiency virus, and formerly known as HTLV-III and lymphadenopathy-associated virus) is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system which can lead the syndrome known as AIDS. Many of the problems faced by people infected with HIV result from failure of the immune system to protect from opportunistic...
After being healthy for my whole life, imagine the shock I got when I was in the hospital and told not only did I test positive for HIV, but that I had the PCP pneumonia. I have been with my husband for 6 years, and he donates blood to the red cross regularly (I assumed they checked for that).
So anyways, now I am just scared and looking for people in my same situation and maybe some support. Although I almost healed from the pneumonia and started on my medication, I keep thinking every ache and pain will put me back in the hospital.
Because I am stuck home for a while, it seems all I do is sit here and think about this. how long did it take all of you to realize that you will actually be ok?
So anyways, now I am just scared and looking for people in my same situation and maybe some support. Although I almost healed from the pneumonia and started on my medication, I keep thinking every ache and pain will put me back in the hospital.
Because I am stuck home for a while, it seems all I do is sit here and think about this. how long did it take all of you to realize that you will actually be ok?
Step two will be to breathe (learning this too so maybe we can learn it together).
What were your hobbies before? Anticipate getting back into that same routine whenever you heal from pcp.
What were your goals before? Anticipate adding goals to the list, because you will have the SAME amount of time to live out those dreams.
I will say this, although HIV isn't desirable, it is now the 21st Century & with new and improved medication, etc, you'll be here as long as you would have been without HIV, so long as you recognize the lifestyle changes you must make for your body to be as healthy as possible.
Cry when you need to. Just don't stop until you need to.
My prayers are with you.
Everyone is different and copes with the diagnosis differently.
For me, it took a few months to start leaving my house and be with the general public.. Flashes of unchecked emotions weren't uncommon. (I'm about one of the most level headed people on this planet up until this diagnosis.)
I found the biggest leaps I've made emotionally have been around telling my close friends (they are my family really), getting past most of the major medication side effects and finally getting good news from my doctor's office.
I can also say that getting in touch with a therapist and keeping a hand written journal helped immensely. Just being able to slow my brain down and put how i felt on paper (to be destroyed later..) does amazing things for me.
Keep your chin up, things will get better.
And with all of us here on DS you are never alone!
Everyday will get better and better!! If I can get better I have faith that you will too.
Hugs