|
|
Can you work full time with hiv/aids forever?
#112786 - 10/14/04 09:09 PM
|
Reply
|
Quote
|
|
|
Hello, I am an hiv positive 36 year bisexual male with two divorces. I have four children from the marriage that I have very large child support payments. These ex-wives of mine do not know I have hiv. Will I be able to work full time when on meds and keep supporting these kids? These ex wives do not have jobs and rely on my support to take care of these kids. I have read about people living fairly normal lives but also read about people on disability. So I don't know how to find out except from people who have been positive a lot longer than me. Will I be able to work full time and travel (in sales) and keep making the salary I make now to support my kids through college? Or are they doomed.... I really need to know. Please help. I have a cd4 0f 468, vl 13K so no meds now and I live in US. Thanks
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
First, With a cd4 count of 464 and a viral load of 13k Why are you not on meds at present? I have been hiv+ since 1991... very few health related problems and at present I am on a holiday from my meds... my cd4 count is 1250 and my viral load is non-detectable... my doctors and I chose for me to take a holiday from the drugs due to some side effects I have been experiencing... but, I know I will have to be placed back on my meds. Also, do you have medical insurance? If you do not make sure you get enrolled as soon as possible... I hope you are being monitored by a qualified hiv specialist.... if not ... find one. Read as much information as possible... exercise... even if its just a brisk walk everyday. Learn about your disease and it is a disease eventhough you may still be healthy.... become pro-active in your health... and you may need to talk to you ex wives about your condition... I know its difficult but, you need to take steps in providing for your children.... and it is not just your responsibility your ex wives need to plan for the future also... with medical help and a positive attitude eventhough it may get difficult at times you should be able to evaluate and plan for the future. Best of luck and health...
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
Hello,
I am seeing an hiv specialist and he said I do not have to take meds until my cd4 is below 350 or my viral load above 50K. Is that not the current guidelines? I have insurance so I am all set there. I have tried to read everything possible but I still can not find out the real guts of it. Every where I read or talk to lately, say, it is a chronic manageable disease today like diabetes. When I hear that it does not sound so bad and I say, Oh I will be able to work full time. I really do not want to tell my ex wives. They will tell others and then my life and confidentiality will be over. Do you really think I won't be here to take care of the kids or be disabled? How bad are the side effects? Can you work with them?
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
Theres a whole list of side effects from the meds on this web-site also there are opinions given by qualified doctors to answer your questions... and its called grow up... you make the best of the situation your in... I've had friends worked til they basically fell over dead... and let me tell you right now... it is not easy to qualify for disability with hiv+ as it was in the past... and you have responsibilities ... you stated 4 children 2 ex wives... theres no guarentees with life... Your not looking for real answers... You are just going to have to do the best you can do... and quit being so selfish they really need to know!
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
Puting aside the question of disclosure to your family etc, yes guidelines indicate starting treatment when CD4/viral load are at the levels you describe.
In principle there is no reason why you cannot live a long, productive life including full-time work. The course of HIV infection is very personal, and for some people the meds etc will just be a routine, perhaps slightly inconvenient part of their life. For others, though, the ride is rougher, and they get ill, and the side-effects are difficult. A sudden illness/obvious change in appearance/ability can precipitate unplanned disclosure, which is usually never good for anyone.
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
I just found out about 6 months ago I have HIV and my CD4 and Viral load are about hte same as yours. Let me tell you I plan on working at least 20 more years in my high stress job. You have the virus...your life is not over. Start planning on those kids college...but tell your exwives to start supporting their lazy asses! Take charge boy!
Okie Cowboy
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
When you withold knowledge of your illness from those who love you, you are slapping them in the face. The stress of hiding will accelerate the disease.
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
my cd4 count is 1250 and my viral load is non-detectable...of course you mean UN-DETECTABLE which is vastly different,non would mean your cured which is ridiculous!
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
YOU NEED TO GET YOUR BUTT TO A SPECIALIST.. WHAT I THINK HE'S TRYING TO KILL YOU.AND AM NOT JOKEING.YOU WERE SUPOSE TO BE ON MEDS AS SOON YOUR RESULTS GOT BACK...
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
thats interesting
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
Disclosure is a purely personal decision, and noone should tell you when or how to disclose. To do so is insensitive and ignorant.
I am POZ for 6+ years now and only my doctor and partner know. This is my choice. I am not ashamed. There remains much ignorance and prejudice in the world. I do not want people's pity. I don't want people to treat me any differently. At first I was afraid to disclose...I am no longer afraid, I just choose not to. I am able to manage my disease while continuing to live my life as me.
Post Extras:
|
|
|
|
DUDE...living proof of it! I am on HIV meds 100% complient, work 2 jobs and from March 2005 to October 2005 had only 4 (yes FOUR) days completely off from work. I work 2 jobs! I am undetectable with 450 T-cells. Put your mind to it and ANYTHING is possible. Take your meds as perscibed and put HIV on the back burner of LIFE! Do NOT ALLOW HIV to CONTROL you. Take those meds and with the proper mind set YOU will control IT! Now get to work buddy! :-)
Post Extras:
|
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
Threaded
