Hey everyone

[Ryan1979]

New to this only recently diagnosed and cannot believe it. Trying to stay positive but really not easy

[SimoneHU HealthUnlocked]

Welcome Ryan1979!

[10olive]

Hello Ryan 1979, I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. In my experience it was very shocking so I can only imagine what you are going through. However with time and support, I slowly learnt to cope. The good thing is that you are making the effort to find support and that in itself is a huge positive step so welldone U! There is support available that can help you cope. Are you in the UK?

[Ryan1979 in reply to 10olive]

I'm the uk at the minute but normally work overseas eith my job in the summer

[10olive]

That's great. Here are a couple of websites that will help. I have had experience of peer support and still do at PositivelyUK . they have one-to one and group support. I find it very helpful and empowering. I also attended a" recently diagnosed "course which I also found useful apart from the information, I met other people who were only recently diagnosed as well. These websites will also give you additional information which will hopefully be useful. I hope it helps to know that I have met loads of people who are living well with HIV and for most of them it was a process. So in the beginning it is challenging but it is possible. Please let me know how you get on okay?

lifewithhiv.org.uk/my-hiv-c...

positivelyuk.org/tlc/

positivelyuk.org/

i-base.info/

[Ryan1979 in reply to 10olive]

Thanks I will update you

[JacobNYC]

Ryan,

I found out earlier this year myself. I remember at the time all I could say was "okay." I was shell shocked. Stunned. I worried about falling into a deep and dark abyss.

Then I educated myself. I learned as much as I could. I took classes and courses. I realized how finite life is. I began to appreciate life more. I moved to a city with a larger HIV+ population. I sought resources, support groups, friends and mentors. I began addressing long term issues I had let fall to the wayside (i.e. Depression, mental health, physical health, substance use, cigarette smoking. I had a lot.)

I began to find that what seemed to be the worst possible thing I could imagine was actually one of the best things to ever happen to me. I'm not saying for you that you will have a similar experience. I'm saying there is a wealth of education, people and resources available to you - that you will still live a long, healthy and beautiful life if you allow yourself to. If you find the strength inside to forgive yourself. It takes time. I promise you - you're ok. Take your medication, eradicate the stigma you've internalized and don't allow anyone to make you feel like less of a person because you have HIV. Feel free to contact me if you would like to speak.

-Jacob

[Ryan1979 in reply to JacobNYC]

Hi

Thanks for the email good to here a lot of positivity I think I will get there got a meeting next Tuesday with the doctor to get all my results and then I reckon I will start medication.

I'm hoping that is Farley recent and not too much damage if any and with any luck will get just 1 pill hopefully

Be good to speak more

Take care

[sumaleng]

be optimistic and pray take your medications that was prescribed by your Doctor and the Good News is that we are here for you willing to comfort listen and help you. . .Embrace that and face it sooner or later you will realize that life must go on