HIV
Post-Test Information
You tested positive. Your test result is a piece of knowledge, and knowing about the virus is powerful. Now that you know, you can do something about it.
1. Time to adjust
Many questions and anxieties will probably spring to mind. You may experience strong and mixed emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel or react to the news that you are antibody positive: there is only your reaction.
You may want to find out everything you can about HIV, or you may want to push it to the back of your mind and try to forget about it altogether. These reactions are natural and normal. The most important thing is to give yourself time to adjust. One of the most unsettling things about being antibody positive is the range of emotions you can experience, even in a single day. These feelings can affect your health, how you feel about yourself, other people and your attitude to life. You may find yourself thinking "Why bother?" Some people feel there's no hope. But there are many thousands of people living with HIV who prove that there is hope. So, all the more reason to seek help, advice and support, especially from counsellors, health advisers and doctors, and maybe also from other people who, like yourself, are antibody positive. Inform yourself. Save making any major decisions in your life until you have given yourself time to adjust.
2. Before you tell
Change is difficult and we all need to feel valued.Things to think through before telling others:
- Others may find it hard to accept your health status.
- Some people may discriminate against you because of your HIV status.
- You may be rejected in social or 'dating' situations.
You don't have to tell anybody. Take your time to decide who to tell and how to approach them. Be sure you are ready. Many people want to tell other people about their status. But they are not sure who or when to tell. Remember they, too, need time to adjust. Reasons for telling others:
- You can get love and support to help you deal with your health.
- You can keep your close friends and loved ones informed about issues that are important to you.
3. What We Provide
Services that people use at Eddystone include:
- Advocacy (eg help dealing with other services or workers).
- Counselling (specific 1 to 1 support).
- Treatment information (info and options re HIV treatments).
- Welfare rights support (help claiming benefits).
- Individual support (a chance to be safe and to be heard).
4. Blood Tests
You will have been given a blood test to ascertain your CD4 count and viral load. Here is a brief explanation.
"WHAT IS A CD4 COUNT?"
CD4 cells, or T-helper cells, are white blood cells which organise the immune system's response to some genes and viruses. HIV can infect CD4 cells and use them to produce more HIV copies. The CD4 count is the measurement of the number of the cells in a given amount of blood. The CD4 count of a person who is healthy may lie anywhere between 500 and 1200.
"WHAT IS THE VIRAL LOAD TEST?"
Viral load tests count the number of HIV particles in a sample of blood. When the virus level is under control the result is less than 50. These levels vary in everyone and combined with the CD4 will help you to decide if or when to start treatment.
5. Safer sex
You can still have an active and enjoyable sex life, but it is important to practise Safer Sex e.g. using condoms and lube. These are available free from the G.U.M clinic, Eddystone (in person or through the post) and gay venues in Plymouth and Torbay. For more information or support on Safer Sex talk to us at Eddystone.
6. Looking after yourself
It's good to take care of your health generally. This will help you feel better both in body and mind, and more in control of your life. It will also give your body's defence system a better chance of fighting infection. Some practical tips include:
- Get enough rest.
- Reduce unnecessary stress.
- Keep as fit as you can but don't wear yourself out.
- Eat good nourishing meals with lots of variety.