I found out about my status a couple months shy of turning 27. Its been 1.5 years I’ve been HIV+. Initially I was super proactive to take care of myself and previous partners but the acceptance was the hardest part after a few weeks once I started thinking about how my life would be dependent on meds. It actually took a year to get started on meds (sorting out insurance, living in a small town with no doctors/HIV services were factors) but what got me through the first year was focusing on myself, being surrounded by good people, and keeping busy with hobbies. Still dealing with issues about my status but I don’t let it affect my day to day, or at least try to.. I’ve been on Descovy and Tivicay since Nov 2017 (9mo) and my body has responded well so far. Unfortunately I haven’t actually told anyone close to me about by status which has been hard but I’m a lot happier nowadays.

@A myHIVteam Member, legally your job must let you go to your HIV appointments. You are also protected under FMLA (unpaid though). Since you was just diagnosed, and you have the fatigue, go ahead and take some time off and get some good rest and time to think. What @A myHIVteam Member is talking about when it comes to meds, sometimes it takes a bit to find the right combination for your body. Until that right combination comes along, you might have some side effects. Side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, unclear thinking, cramps, organ problems. Until you know the side effects, can you keep leaving your work area to take care of these problems? Some people have no side effects with their first combination, others might take 3 or 4 or 5 combinations to find the right one. HIV thrives on stress. So take a small break and let your body relax.

Mentioned Users

A myHIVte...

A myHIVte...

I remember that roller coaster all too well, was diagnosed in May 2017. I agree with wmjohnston above, take some time and go through the motions. This is not something anyone can handle plus the stress of work. Whenever you can take some time. Also the meds are most likely gonna wipe you out so you need to ease into this new reality. Just my opinion and I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. All the best!

John💫

Take some time off - honestly. You need to adjust to this mentally and that was worse for me than the physical side of it all.

Your employer will understand - don't put too much pressure on yourself - it isn't easy - but it will become easier.

I found talking to friends and family helped me - I had major physical symptoms - but it all balances out eventually.

I had to take a few months off to get back on track - you need to be selfish here - you come first before any promotion or any job.

I know what your going through I took 3 days off myself when I found out in March. But I also found that sitting around dwelling on it wasn't going to make it better. I think I cried once, after going to deep down the rabbit hole and finding everything terrible about this virus. If you need time absolutely take it, but not too long. I'm coming to realize keeping busy with my future plans and my work keeps my mind from wondering where it doesn't need to go. And ask your drs everything that you want too know. But if you adhere to the treatment it absolutely does work and as time goes by it just becomes 3 seconds of your day when you take your meds.