Severe Anxiety HELP PLEASE

I am so glad you reached out here, because a new diagnosis can be so difficult to face and, like you mentioned, the information online that it can be overwhelming.


The first step is to make a treatment plan with a health care professional you feel you can talk to. I know you are waiting on another test, was this at your doctor, a clinic? They'll be able to advise you about starting medication and making a plan.


I know you have questions about the stages of HIV and what stage you might be at if you had acquired HIV several years ago. Since we are not medical professionals, we can't advise you on your case specifically, but can provide some general information. The clinical latency period can last up to 15 years without treatment, and it is possible for most individuals to undergo immune reconstitution if they take ART regularly. If an individual improves their CD4 count, and has no AIDS-defining conditions, they are considered to have moved backwards into the clinical latency or chronic HIV infection stage.


So as hard as it is to wait for more information in these early days of learning your status, I hope the words of our advocate can be of use, "Being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence... we can still live our lives to the fullest"


Please keep us posted on how you are doing, especially in the coming weeks as you process this. I have seen the power that connecting with others living with HIV can have, so I suggest combatting the overwhelming information on the internet with this simple article, advice from our advocates: https://h-i-v.net/answers/coping-new-diagnosis


Best,
Liz (Team Member)

I truly appreciate your response and helping me understand a little.


I originally to an OraQuick At-Home test then when that was postive, Iwent to our local Health Department for a more controlled test. That as well was positive.


I reached out as soon as their office opened to push to get in to a specialist or whomever ASAP. She was able to help out and now have an appointment for tomorrow morning. I hate sitting in limbo... even more with something as devastating as this.


I know our technology and pharmaceuticals have advanced leaps and bounding in the past 10-15 years, but it's still crushing and terrifying to get news like this and not knowing much of anyone in my circle that I can talk to for information.


I will absolutely update as this new path is explored.

Hi James,
This story resonates so much with me, and I have encountered the feelings that have come with a positive HIV test. As someone who went through a rough time with my diagnosis, I can understand the WANT . ..and the NEED


Sometimes when we open ourselves up to what the internet might have to say, we open doors that will keep up worrying, confused and hurt.


In these times, I hope I can offer some words of advice. Firstly, try to stay away from googling; although it may help cure our curiosity, it was one of the things that made me more anxious and nervous. I found all types of horror stories and did not understand the advancements the community has made through these. I suggest


If you must google (because it's very tempting), try to read articles on the successes that long term advocates have had in helping change, and the successes they have had, despite with living with HIV long-term. I think you will find that many people are living a long healthy life with HIV, with the assistance and help of modern medicine (and support).


It's hard to say how your body has taken to HIV. It's quite possible that the night sweats, and severe fatigue could have been your body fighting off the virus from progressing. And it is also possible that the later may have happened to. However, wherever your body is at in terms of how far the virus has progressed -- your doctor will be able to do blood testing to find out and can suggest ways to improve your conditions. In reality, there is no timeline, no exact indicator or no definite of progression of the virus besides to do testing and speak with your HCP.


Luckily, you have come to an amazing place. On H-I-V.net, we have many people who are living with HIV (myself included), who have had hard times, and who have been in similar situations to yourself.

Alafia (Peace) The first several weeks can be overwhelming. We are so glad you found this community. We are here to support and help you. I suggest once you get the confirmation of your status that you seek care and treatment immediately. Find a therapist if need be. Most importantly find someone you can share with who will support you unconditional. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)