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.
|
|
 |
|
Positive Denial & Negative Stress
Dec 13, 2004
My boyfriend tested positive for HIV & HSV2 4 months ago, I am negative to both. It is a recent infection with a correspondingly high count (180K).
We have been very communicative about his fears and practical with our approach to safe sex, but when it comes to discussing anything related to HIV he has an attitude that "There's nothing I can do so there is nothing to worry about" & shuts down discussion passively. Unfortunately for me the risk is very real, and the worry of contracting either virus consumes an enormous amount of my time, fairly or not.
I really want to discuss his health more, along with my fear. I resent his cavalier attitude but I don't want to shatter his denial holiday, which i've read is a coping mechanism which lasts for a year or more.
Should I force the issue on to the agenda?
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Horwath
If he decides to shift into denial, there may not be much you can do. I don't know how you could force a discussion that he does not want to have. However, you can make decisions about what you will do. If he refuses to talk to you about this important subject, then you need to set some limits on what you are willing to do under these circumstances.
You are well advised to do whatever you need to do to prevent yourself from becoming infected with HIV. Your own personal protection is definitely more important than protecting the feelings of your boyfried.
|
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
|
