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.
The participation of Dr. Ewald Horwath in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
How to deal with a future?
Dec 12, 1997
Dear Michael: How does one deal with a future with HIV? Since being diagnosed 2 years ago,
I have had problems dealing with a future in which I am unsure as to whether I will live 10
or 20 or 40 years.
I had dreams of attending school, starting a new job, but now I'm afraid to leave this one, and find
myself without the medical insurance necessary to pay for the expensive therapy I am on. To further
complicate matters, my partner has recently lost his job, and it may be a few months before he can
contribute financially, although his emotional support has been tremendous.
What comments can you give on how to deal with an uncertain future?
Regards
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Mr. Shernoff
Being diagnosed with HIV is only one additional uncertainty that life throws at us. I know numerous individuals who have begun and completed graduate school following a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, others who have changed careers, and countless others who have begun new relationships and made changes in their lives.
You sound understandably depressed and one component of depression is often a sense of hopelessness. From what you've told me your life is extremely difficult right now and full of numerous stresses that only exacerbate each other. Are you in therapy? If no,t call the local AIDS seervice organization and ask for a referral to a low fee therapist who is skilled in working with people with HIV/AIDS. You certainly could use additional support, and another understanding professional to talk with.
Best of luck
Michael Shernoff
|
|
|
 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.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
