How did you find out you were hiv+? I wouldn't worry because many people have lived over 20 years without any problems at all and because you are HIV+ does not mean that you will automatically get AIDS.

Many people have survived AIDS with and without the drugs. If I were you, I would not rush into the meds, especially without any symptoms. The number one cause of death in AIDS patients now is side effects from these drugs, so proceed with caution.

hi its kev63 here seems like yesterday when i was told,that was 20yrs ago im lucky to still be here this is what you HAVE TO DO keep track of your t cell numbers what is goin gto happen is their goin gto slowly come down perhaps in a year,2,3,4,ect hopefully a real long time when you hit a number around 400-300 you will have to go on meds because what they do is stop the thing from replicating inside of you,sounds scary but for the longest time i hesitated to go on meds but i kept feeling sicker an sicker then i said i have to problem with me is they didnt have all the data they do know so your in good hands they wouldnt give you th emeds they hit me with i have all kinds of perm side effects but you wont have to go through that maybe some side effects but its better than being 6ft under i didnt beleive when they said one can live long with this but its clearly true obviously,lol i still have a sence of humor about it i also know that my own behavior got me it so noone is to blame im guessing you got yours from a guy?,alot are,guys are screwing with other guys then passing it on which is terrible man protection is a must but everything happens for a reason i beleive anyway to one of your questions nobody will know,why i say this because my mother doesnt know noone knows but two people why because of embarrasment for guys unless your gay which people are clearly born with because a guy cant act feminine 24/7,they would slip now an then but no workers or anyone for that fact will know unless you wait till your super sick bedridden an even then their are a million different things it could be in other peoples eyes so get that out of your head they wont know!!
i know there isnt a day where you wont think of it but see it as having diabetes you know you have it an simply have to watch diet,take insulin,ect im probably writing way too much for you,lol im actually just seeking someone to chat with im actually new on the computer just got it,funny huh,lol be well my freind im telling you from life experience YOU WILL BE OKAY I PROMISE YOU,would love to hear back an hopefully start an internet relation with you i can answer anything for you be well!!!

dear yme,
It's normal to be sad, angry , depressed. It's o.k. not to want to tell anyone. This is a virus and even though it doesn't seem like it right now the pain will not be as bad in time to come. Just know that there are some of us that have had it for a long time (me, 14 years) and went on to get married and have children. This disease is manageable it you take care of yourself. Just give yourself time before you make any major decisions eith way.

Thanks for your comments. I am new to this site so I didn't even realize there was a message board with replies (duh)!
Almost a week has passed, I have an appt with my doctor next week (who apparently is a well regarded HIV/infectious diseases specialist). I found out I am positive at work: I work in a lab and, on a whim, I tested myself.....I have done this before (being a gay male) and have always been negative ...as well I have been tested at my dr's office several times over the years......this time I was shocked. But the shock has disappeared. I have done some reading about CD4 counts and viral loads and when they recommend one to start meds etc....reading and gaining knowledge has helped...the alternative was 'fear of the unknown'. Also the 'hugs', messages and commetns I have read have helped as well. My next goal is to find a support group.....something local where they meet regularly. I know it will be very helpful to be able to talk with others (in addition to members here).

Thanks!

TIm

I hope you live long, I have, so don't give up,,keep the Faith,JustJudy

Glad to hear you are going to the md and trying to find a support group! You are being proactive and that's great!