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Living with HIV and meds
#132444 - 12/31/04 10:01 AM
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I have been HIV + since 97 and am now on meds, since 2001.
I am constantly tired and wonder how I will continue rebuilding my life up, going back to work etc. Not working is extremely depressing but the thought sometimes of getting back out there seems impossible. It is hard living with this disease and I wonder how other women cope......Financially, mentally and physically. Any feedback would be appreciated.
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ang89
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Regular
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Reged: 12/24/04
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Posts: 31
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Hi, I wish I had better things to say, cause I am in the same boat. I want to go back to work also but I know it will be tough. I am thinking maybe start out at part time. But money is always a factor. I wish I had the answers too.
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How did you feel before going on meds? Did you have any symptoms?
Need to know more.
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Well, I guess all we can do is take it day by day and try to appreciate the health we do have. Good luck to you
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You must get out there and do things that you really like. It will give you energy...try yoga, it has helped me. Also support groups and social groups, music, etc
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It can be really tough. I've had my bouts of feeling I just don't have the energy to do anything. While I do think some of my meds in the past have been at least partly responsible. I think the other part is mental attitude.
I'm currently taking Combnivr and Zerit. The combination has been one of the easiest I've taken and I don't feel fatigue from it.
I read once that if you wait for motivation to give you the energy...you wait forever. Instead it's action that creates the motivation. I find that to be true to some extent. If I make myself get up and do something after a little bit, I find I'm interested in what I'm doing and this leads to me being motivated to do it.
Also, I think depression can cause a cycle to start. It isn't uncommon for people with HIV to also have to fight depression for various reasons, such as not working is causing depression in you. Depression causes fatigue.
There are lots of factors that can go into fatigue, but you don't have to stay that way. Work with your doctor to find out what the causes of it may be and take it from there.
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I was diagnosed in '98. been on meds since that time and on disability. I can really relate to what you're going through.
The fatigue can be caused by a lot of things. Talk to your doctor. I've switched meds because of that and I feel a little better now. The depression could be causing the fatigue or the fatigue may cause depression. Your doctor can figure it out.
I've worked off and on during the last 5 years, mostly only a few hours a week. I really wanted to work, but didn't want to lose the disability. I was also scared of getting sick again. When I was diagnosed, I almost died before they knew it was AIDS.
I have now just taked a job that is regular part-time. I want the insurance benefit. I am scared because my disability will probably end soon. They give you a trial work time and if they determine you can complete substantial work the disability stops. I will probably also lose my ADAP for the meds, that is why I need the insurance.
I found I feel better when I work. I have more interaction with people, I have more money and I feel a productive part of society. If you are able to get a job part-time. I'd say do it. Of course, talk to your doctor first.
The job I just took is working with teens and I feel I was meant to do this right now. Teens make up over half of new infections and I feel I can help them. Many are scared to be tested.
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