2007-02-25 23:23:22 · 15 answers · asked by linzi k 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Depression and ambivalent feelings are so very common with this diagnosis. I think that the key to finding more positive ways to look at everything is to join a support group. I wish I knew more about the size of community you live in, but if it's large enough there should be some support groups to find others who are dealing with the same situation. If you aren't comfortable joining an in-person group, maybe start with an online support group. There are several such as, www.thinkpoz.com, http://dailystrength.org/support/Infectious_Diseases/HIV/?gclid=CML0nNuOzIoCFRlmWAod_wK0gA or yahoo even has a group dedicated to those living with AIDS http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hivaidsnetwork As a health care worker, I've encountered many people who are living full lives with HIV. Most have been diagnosed for many years and are still in good health otherwise. There are so many medications available now to help the immune system, and much more knowledge out in society so that people living with this are not treated as lepors. Because none of us know how long we have here, I think it's a great idea to start a simple scrapbook for your child. It doesn't have to be spectacular, just photos and paragraphs throughout recalling fond memories. Make sure to take just as many photos of yourself as your child! Believe me, I've seen many more patients who have passed because of traumatic events, ie car wrecks, gun shots, etc. than HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV can lead very fulfilling lives. Keep living your dreams, love like there's no tomorrow, and remember, none of us know how many tomorrows we have, so try to live each day to the fullest. I wish you the best of luck!
2007-02-26 00:22:16 · answer #1 · answered by Rhiannon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi.
I can imagine how you feel. Its very hard to move on after this diagnosis and a lot of support is necessary both physically and emotionally.
When did you get diagnosed and what services were offered to you where you were diagnosed? There should have been help offered to you at the center. I think its best for you to enlist in a support group. They are everywhere.
How about you child. How old is he/she and is he/she HIV+ too?
You dont have to give up now, because your child needs you and more than ever.
With the drugs being widely available now and almost free, you should be able to live your life to the fullest and most of all enjoy the joy of seeing your child grow. There is nothing that can beat that kind of happiness.
I wish you all the luck. Everything will be fine.
2007-02-26 10:50:00 · answer #2 · answered by emanzit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know wot they are just 3 small letters and it does not mean that your life is over and there is no need to be depressed because your not on your own. You've got your child to look after and take care of and that littler person depends on you. So that's more then what some ppl have that don't have HIV.
So think of the good things in life and when you do feel down look at your child and think of how lucky you are in other ways. The other things is maybe you it may help to be around other ppl that share the condition and that way you can share your high and lows with others that are probably experience the same emotion as you.
Take care x
THAT DR JARGGON OR WOT EVER IS EVIL
Don't listen to that rubbush and i feel sorry for the ppl attending his counselling session they must all be living on the edge after one counselling session with him
GOD HELP THEM ALL
2007-02-26 14:41:11 · answer #3 · answered by deb_star_82 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Learning that you are HIV positive can make you feel horribly isolated but it doesn't have to be that way...confide in at least one person that you trust as it is a huge burden to bear. It is a shame that this diagnosis still comes with stigma. Medication and lifestyle changes will mean that you can expect to have a good life expectancy and noone can tell that you have HIV just by looking at you.
Remember that essentially you are still the same person albeit one that may need to take a large cocktail of drugs and be more careful with bodily fluids.
You have a child who i'm sure loves its mummy, let that take you through to each day if nothing else will.
God bless and dont be afraid to access support groups- your GP can advise you of some.
2007-02-26 12:52:50 · answer #4 · answered by Scarlett write 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all... Be strong! You need to be strong for yourself and your child. Having HIV isn't the end of the world. I know someone living with it and you know what? They are a very strong person and still very much themsevles. They are very positive and won't let it get them down. Take the meds your doctor put you on and still live life!!! This person is one the bravest people I know and he's living with HIV and says yeah I'm positive, positive about life! At the end of the day something will get all of us, but until then enjoy life and be strong OK. Take care of yourself =)
2007-02-28 07:12:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
meetup.com is a great way to find support groups in your area. It will tell you where and when the meetings are. Also, if there is no meetup scheduled in your area, you can choose to start one yourself - which may be a great idea. Starting your own group could possibily make you feel as if you have some control over your illness and pride in helping others like you by offering valuable support.
Best wishes for you and your child. Don't get discouraged, just live each day to the fullest. If you ever need just to talk, feel free to drop me a line anytime.
2007-02-26 18:04:27 · answer #6 · answered by me 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello
I am very sorry to hear that. You aren't alone. There are another 400 millions with you, including doctors, nurses, professors, businessman etc.
visit to the website of www.thebody.com
you will see the forum of safe sex and hiv prevention. You will see many doctors there. One of the doctor named Dr. Robert James Francino has been HIV positive since 1991 and he is still alive, helping people. He contracted from one of his patient by accident. He is now living in Sanfrancisco with his male partner (he is a gay) who is also a doctor. I remember in one of those answers he gave to the asker that "negative attaracts to positive" because his partner doesn't have it. He also told one of the lady who said "some hookers don't have it and we have it." that it's godwill and yes, some hookers and prostitutes do not have it but we 400 millions have it.
So, you aren't alone. For your child, please try to be the best.
I wish you the best of all. If you feel so depressed, pls talk to your HIV conselor or try to talk to Dr. Bob in the forum. Depression can make your health worse. I sent my good karma to you.
2007-02-27 00:54:52 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are all going to die. With todays drugs, you may outlast even some completely healthy body builders. There are hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people with HIV. I recommend getting in a support group with people who have it so you can compare notes and what may help. You are so lucky to have a child. I have no children. Cherish every minute with the kid and go find yourself some happiness too! You do not have to be alone you know.
2007-02-27 01:34:12 · answer #8 · answered by theartisttwin 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is a tough one lady, just be strong for your child and remember that despite everything we, as in we people who are here to offer positive feedback, love and accept you just the same.
xxx
2007-02-26 15:16:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I cant imagine how you must be feeling but are there any support groups availible for you to go to? Im sure talking to others who are going through the same would help you. Goodluck x
2007-02-26 08:03:23 · answer #10 · answered by doodlebip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋