Adjusting to my new normal

Hi folks. I’m 58 and was just diagnosed two months ago. I wasn’t sick but my husband and I decided to get tested together because it had been so long. He is negative. I am not. It was so hard to see that result but he and our close friends (a couple of whom are long time HIV warriors) have been unwavering in their love and support. Two months later and I have an undetectable viral load and my immune system is recovering well. That’s my story so far. Hoping to make some friends in this community.

[Griffon]

Seems like you have nothing to worry about , as I'm sure you will have had good advice from your medical team , and obviously your friends have a broad understanding of the disease .

Good luck for the future .

[Givemefreedom in reply to Griffon]

Hi Griffon

Thank you for your support .

I hope things are ok with you👍🏻

[Griffon in reply to Givemefreedom]

For choice no one would want this poxy virus , and I'm sure you will take steps to protect your husband until you are undetectable status . It must be a comfort to have supporting friends . Personally I have never disclosed to anyone , so have missed out on this .

[Givemefreedom in reply to Griffon]

I’m sorry to hear this

If you need to talk , let me know

[Griffon in reply to Givemefreedom]

Thanks !

I'm pretty well adjusted to my situation - always have been very dependant .

[Givemefreedom in reply to Griffon]

😊

[shirleyakinyi]

Thanks for sharing Michael

Glad everything worked out for you

I was born HIV positive 26 years ago and I have days when my self esteem is low. I’m thankful for my amazing mom who keeps me encouraged

[imdope1]

Hey Michael thank you for sharing! I am also undetectable and feel myself getting strong but I have a lot of setbacks and am struggling with keeping myself healthy while dealing with the emotional side of things...when I’m depressed I don’t take care of me...I was diagnosed in 2016 , I am still struggling with feeling accepted and feeling the same as my friends and family who are hiv negative. I have days where I’m very down about it and days where I’m ok about it but I would like to be able to accept myself and be happy. I’m young and sometimes young people don’t take care of ourselves like we need to...mentally I get depressed and over emotional too. I’m single and don’t think anyone will love me again and I get angry around happy couples...I hate being an angry person sometimes I just want to be the old happy me before being diagnosed. I see a therapist and things are better SOMETIMES but are there some coping mechanisms you could suggest for young ones like me who are still trying to figure themselves out...thanks in advance and I wish you all health success and blessings

[Hidden in reply to imdope1]

I wish I could give some insight to you. I honestly don’t know how I’d feel about this condition if I were a young man. When I was young (30 years ago), HIV might likely have killed me. So I have more context than you might. One thing, the “old happy” you did not go anywhere. You need to reconnect with him. You are the exact same person today that you were before your diagnosis. You’ve been you a lot longer than “you with HIV.” Sure there is anger and it’s legitimate. But your happy is legit, too. but that is only one part of you.