Guiding You Through Your Care-Initial Diagnosis

Author: Rhannie Surel, BSN, RN
Surel Medical Press LL

Managing your care is very difficult. How do you take care of yourself? When do you take what medicines? How do you take care of others? Where do you even start?

AOC is here to help you navigate aspects of your health and make it manageable. The first thing we will cover is the following:

What to do if you test positive for HIV?

Let's start with a scenario. You had an encounter with a partner some weeks ago. You had been feeling sick since then and didn't know why. You had flu-like symptoms but thought nothing of it. These symptoms persist and persist, so you head to your doctor. They offer to do some tests. Then, wham, they tell you that you are positive for HIV. Your entire world shatters.

Is it the end of the world? Put simply, no.

This may feel like the end of the world, but it doesn't have to be. News like this is scary. You will feel anger, sadness, fear, and other emotions. Take your time to process your diagnosis, but don't give up hope.

Where do you go from here? Two things: emotional support and medical treatment.

One of the tools to keep you healthy is emotional support. Life-changing news isn't easy. I have yet to find anyone who positively reacts to huge, significant, life-changing things. It is not a thing. However, one part of living with HIV is coping with the reality that you have it.

Therapy services are a great way to obtain emotional support in this trying time. You are not alone in this diagnosis. There are plenty of people living with HIV.

AOC can connect you to therapy services. We can connect you with individually licensed therapists or group therapy settings with others with HIV. For information about AOC's emotional support services, go [HERE].

The other tool you will need to stay healthy is medical treatment. Once you have received your initial diagnosis, it is essential to start seeking HIV treatment. You can find treatment from your primary care provider or an HIV care provider.

Once you contact a care provider, they can help manage your treatment. They will run tests and start you on medications. HIV is life-long and challenging to manage by yourself. Allow care providers to assist you in your journey.

If you do not have a primary care provider or need assistance with acquiring one, AOC can help you. For information on how to find and obtain medical treatment, go [HERE].

Managing HIV doesn't have to be complicated. All you need is support and resources to find your way.

Newly Diagnosed with HIV | Living With HIV | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC. Published July 15, 2022. Accessed October 9, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/newly-diagnosed.html