Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
i just tested positive and i think its really getting into my nerves. i experience severe headaches and a lot of deppression. the question is, how do i tell my mom because she is not the kind of person you wanna mess up with and i think this time around she's really gonna kick me out? and there's my da too. i think i've really disappointed him. the thing is, i've told a few friends and my boyfriend and they are all supportive. how do i handle this because i'm even scared to check my CD4 count? please help me. i dont even know if i'm coping cos it gets scary sometimes.
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello,
Testing positive for HIV is always a shock. A period of adjustment to your new reality as a "virally enhanced" person is to be expected. I'm delighted your boyfriend and the other friends you've told so far are supportive. It's tragic and all too commonthat you and others who have recently been diagnosed HIV positive feel you cannot count on your parents to be supportive and instead worry they may kick you out of the house!
Your next step is to see an HIV specialist. He will evaluate your headaches as well as check your CD4 count, viral load and other baseline studies. Discuss your family situation with him. He may well agree to help you tell your parents in a joint meeting. I have personally done this with a number of patients and found it to be extremely helpful in these challenging situations. Alternatively he may be able to hook you up with social services organizations that would help you break the news to your parents and not get thrown out of your home. I'd also recommend you take a read through the information on this site, beginning with the "Just Diagnosed" chapter that can be easily accessed under the heading "Quick Links" on The Body's homepage. Being well versed about HIV is essential for your health and will be helpful when you disclose your status to your folks.
Good luck!
Dr. Bob
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
E-Mail
Glossary
Response from Dr. Frascino
