Chronic Pain and Nerve Block InjectionsI have been dealing with chronic pain of one type or another since 2009. This is about the time they believe I contracted HIV. I have tried different types of... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Steps I Took to Handle Mental Health StrainBefore I found out about my HIV status, I believe that my mental health was solid. I would not say that it was perfect but solid. My diagnosis story is... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Vacationing with Chronic Health ConditionsOne vacation, two vacations, three vacations, four! While most people find vacations relaxing, they can be stressful for individuals living with chronic health conditions like HIV. Planning for a vacation... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
My Experience with Chickenpox, Shingles, and HIVSeveral years ago, I ended up with shingles. This was a health condition that I was not expecting to experience so early in my life. But it is a condition... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Trust Issues and My PTSD"None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have faith." - Paulo Coelho Everyone has various beliefs... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Living with HIV: Fatigue, Depression, and InsomniaAs the day drags on, I am cuddled up with my dogs, one of my favorite blankets, and my laptop. I really need to be productive today, but I am... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Interviewing a Potential TherapistA, B, C, D…? Even multiple choices can be hard. Our mental health is extremely important when living with HIV. The individuals we invite into our lives to help with... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Have you tried B12 or B Complex injections?Have you tried B12 or B Complex injections for HIV fatigue? I took my first one today and am hoping for the best! - Heather R...Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 repliesTreatmentCoping
Do you drink alcohol? If so, how do you feel the next day?Over the last year, I have only had alcohol on a few occasions. Every time I have had two or more drinks, I have spent the entire weekend feeling horrible...Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 repliesDiet & Nutrition
Christmas and DepressionAs the cold front moved in, I began to feel the desire to decorate the Christmas tree. This is highly unusual for me. Last year I only decorated the Christmas... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Do you have autonomic peripheral neuropathy?Do you have autonomic peripheral neuropathy? What does it mean for you and how does it affect your days? - Heather R...Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 repliesSymptomsCoping
Social Security Disability: Overwhelming SituationI have been on social security disability since I received my HIV/AIDs diagnosis. When I was working, my employers felt as though I had too many medical appointments and that... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
HIV and the Impact of Animal CompanionsMy diagnosis hit me like a ton of bricks. I was not very educated on HIV, which caused that initial panic. I woke up in a hospital room without knowing... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Have you been diagnosed with Autonomic dysfunction?What has a diagnosis of a disorder of the autonomic nervous system meant for you? - Heather R...Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 repliesTips & AdviceCoping
Life Lessons From Living With HIVWhen I discovered that I was living with HIV, I thought my life was over. Little did I know that it would become something that I accepted and learned from... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
The Way I Look at DisclosureWhile some people are very open with their status, some individuals like me are not. There are many times when I envy those who are open to everybody. There seems... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Do you know others with HIV?Do you know other people living with HIV in your community? While we are here for you virtually, I was curious about the connections our members have made in real...Reactions 0 reactions Comments8 repliesDisclosingTips & Advice
Intimacy Issues“If you don't love yourself, you won't be happy with yourself. If you can't love yourself, you can't love anyone else. You can't give the love you do not have... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
Health Practitioner StigmaIn a modern world, you would expect healthcare workers to be impartial or educated about HIV. While this has been my expectation, what I have encountered is entirely different. From... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Wishes for My Younger Self"You can't be overwhelmed by the what-ifs, or you'll miss out on the best part." ― Rebekah Crane, The Upside of Falling Down When it comes to living a life with... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments