Now That You Know
If you have just found out that you tested HIV positive, or if you've known for a while but this is the first time you've reached out for information, RELAX. You have time to learn what to do. There is a lot of information about HIV infection. As you learn more, you will probably become much more optimistic about your situation.
At first, a positive test result can be overwhelming, depressing or infuriating. None of us wanted that result to be positive -- but it was -- and life goes on. If you don't know it already, be aware that you can thrive during this part of your life as much or even more than you have at any other time.
First, you must know that being HIV positive is not a death sentence. It doesn't mean that you have AIDS, or that you necessarily will ever get AIDS. Most people who are HIV positive are healthy and getting on with their lives. And if you do get AIDS, the chances for pulling through are increasingly better. Yes, people do die from AIDS, but your chances for staying well until HIV is a manageable and treatable condition are improving rapidly.
You have plenty of reasons to be hopeful. Yes, hopeful. Research is producing exciting new leads. We can expect better and better therapies to emerge that will slow or halt the progress of HIV infection. Already we know that early intervention can make a big difference, actually cutting progression rates in half. And many new drugs are being developed to attack the virus at its weak points. Your job is to stay as healthy as you can with what is available today so that you will have the best chance to take advantage of new developments as they become available in the coming years.
Look back at what your health has been like for the last six months. That should give you a good indication of what the next six months are likely to bring. That's because HIV infection, when it is active, progresses very slowly. Of course, everyone's case is a little different. Your first responsibility is to get a full medical evaluation to learn just how well your immune system is functioning.
There are many things you can do to influence the course of HIV infection. Make a point of educating yourself and begin to take action now. Now is the time to consider cutting down on or eliminating cigarettes, recreational drugs and alcohol. These substances do suppress your immune system. Now is the time to reduce stress in your life, to exercise and to eat well. If you haven't already, now is the time to look at your sexual practices and eliminate any unsafe practices. Safer sex protects your partners and YOU from getting reinfected by others.
Early intervention is important. And when you read statistics about what "usually" happens in HIV infection, remember that those statistics are based on the past, when there were few, if any interventions. The future will be much different. If there is any good reason to know that you are positive, it is so you can begin some of the lifestyle changes and treatments sooner rather than later, and increase your chances of remaining healthy. Now is best time to get started.
You have a lot of options now. The worst option is to remain isolated and do nothing. You are not alone. There are thousands of other people facing life with HIV, and facing the same issues as you. Many are working together get and give emotional support and education about living with this virus. Many have formed organizations and groups to help, and if you choose, you too can reach out to your local HIV/AIDS service organization and get involved with others who share your concerns.
It is important to know that we can help each other. No one has to do this alone, and it is probably best not to. Many of us who've already tested positive are available to assist you through what is most often a difficult period. There are support groups in which you can share your concerns. There are educational seminars to help you learn more about this virus and make decisions about lifestyle changes and treatments.
Hang in there. Take a deep breath. There IS plenty of time. You don't have to learn everything at once. But remember, the more you know the better you're going to feel.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW -- from "The Body Positive", February, 1990. The Body Positive is a magazine about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) published as a service for HIV-affected persons and is supported almost entirely by its readers. Sample copies or subscriptions ($25/yr.) are available from Body Positive of New York, attn. Subscriptions, 2095 Broadway, Suite 306, New York, NY 10023.