New

Hi. I've recently tested positive and I'm still a little confused bout what's going on especially when at the doctors office cause some of them people act like I'm suppose to know what is going on before they do it. I've had a hard life to begin with so this just added to it. I wish to have more friends to be supportive.

[Willm3]

Have friends that understands or have bin through what your going through always helps.

[Slckp]

My second doctor told me this: "It's your body and your disease, it is up to YOU what we will do". Take control and be tough with your doctors. Stop them and ask the what they are doing and why! I don't mean be an asshole I'm just saying you have every RIGHT to do this. I've been poz 31 years and having this attitude is one of the ways I've stayed alive this long. Good luck to you.

[Barndoggy]

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're dealing with someone, or a whole office of people, who don't seem to care, ask if there's somewhere else you can go to get more information and support. Most areas have organizations and governmental departments that can be very helpful and supportive. I'm sure lots of us here are happy to answer questions in the meantime.

[Hidden]

There is pretty much a play book for treating HIV these days, so find a provider who specializes in immunodeficiency diseases. You're best bet is to get in touch with an LGBT group in your area to see if they can give you names of doctors who are LGBT friendly and to network with HIV+ people to find who they are using for a doctor. Maybe post a question on craigslist if you need to be anonymous? In Buffalo, I have access to Evergreen health and ECMC, which both have specialties in treating HIV. You will have to be your own advocate, do research from reputable sources, and ask lots of questions when you don't understand. You'll have a lot of questions and anxiety along the way! But adhering to your treatment, which can be 1 bill per day, and taking care of yourself will help you to lead a normal life.

This site has information that may be useful: thebody.com

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I've already started treatment, it's just them people at first thought I knew what was going down on the process cause I got my paperwork started ahead of time.

[Neolithicrumba]

I wrote a newly diagnosed guide for folks in Long Beach, but the first part generally pertains to (USA) insurance issues, lab tests, getting into care, how the medications work, and more: careprogram.org/file_downlo... Also, Project inform has a guide called "Day One" that covers basics that help make you a better consumer of healthcare. I also like aidsinfonet.org/ which has one-page fact sheets in multiple languages. I like their fact sheets because they're always kept up-to-date, and if you go back to them several years from now, you'll still be getting accurate information. My issue with the body dot com is that their website keeps every post and discussion searchable, which means it's possible to access out-of-date information. If you still to their home page and recent posts, it's a great news source.