Testing positive is not: The end of the world. The end of your relationships. The end of you.
Testing positive is: A raw deal you'll probably feel strongly about, even if at first you're numb. A challenge to you and to the people in your life. An opportunity to grow.
Take a deep breath. And check out our guide for the newly diagnosed by clicking on the 10 key questions at your right—to which we offer a uniquely POZ mix of well-tested smarts and cutting-edge information. For more personal stories and expert advice, read our Think Positive issue next.
We also recommend that you join POZ Mentor, POZ.com's online peer support service, which matches up HIVers by what they need and what they know. It's designed especially with rookies like you in mind.
You may also find it helpful to connect with others in our community forums, another great place to ask questions, learn from others' experiences and get support.
Randy, Charleston, 2009-10-29 20:57:19
To all newly positive persons, I am new to this myself August 2009, it is not the end, meds are important, the right doctor is very important, and PATIENTS. The worst and best thing to do is tell only those whom must know, and go at it at a slow pace, one day at a time is so lame. Just pace yourself and do as we all should have, be more careful, exercise more, eat better and get rest and if possible relax some. Good luck to all and if anyone knows of life insurance for HIV+ please post.
Ernie Ramirez, Fresno, 2009-04-09 12:45:53
i am not hiv poz but my nephew was just diagnosised with hiv at 22. i am gay myself and will support him anyway i can. i just want to learn more to help my nephew. this breaks my heart but i know Life is not over for him but i need for him to know this. please help me learn more on what he needs to do and support groups he can go to, to help him understand this. either way he has my support....
macdonald, johannesbourg, 2009-04-04 04:21:01
i went to have a pre nuptial hiv test in january and the result was positive, i could not believe it moreso when i read that the elisa test can be deceiving. However my cd4 count was 750, i then arrived to the conclution that i don't have the virus that the test is wrong so i went on to marry my girl friend she is negative.three weeks ago i had some rashes on my waist and groin and i went to the dr and he said its shingles and i had to take another hiv test and it came back +, please tell me what to do
imnotdone, richmond, 2009-03-10 00:21:35
FOUND OUT 5 MONTHS AGO. STILL CAN'T EXCEPT IT. NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE THAT CAN RELATE.
Tom, Houston, 2009-02-15 00:29:29
50, divorced, out a year and half, been with four guys, one, a 1-nite stand, gave me syphilis. Found out I'm positive just before xmas. Depressed, Sux to be gay.
Ian, Vallejo, CA, 2009-02-14 21:02:39
I just found out I was HIV+ exactly 1 week ago. I was shocked, numb, in denial, angry and afraid. For the past week, i have been proactive. Talked to my friends whom i dearly trust. Its not the end of it yet.its a just the beginning of a new like. A great life. I have to me optimistic and encourage myself everytime i wake up in the morning. feel free to hit me up if you want to chat.thank you..God bless
bill, , 2009-02-04 13:04:00
my partner diagnosed hiv+ 2 weeks ago. it was shocking. he asked if i still love him. he said it'll be alright if i leave him now. i told him that i just can't abandon him and leave him alone. no matter what is happening, i love him. i'll support him forever. i'm now learning how to take care of him. i'll not stop making love with him (in a safe way). pls know that your love ones will support you all along too. don't panic and don't give up!
grateful, VA, 2009-01-02 16:04:16
Today I went to be tested with someone i have been dating that is postive we have been careful however i elected to be tested and i am so numb with how do i tell my family.. i want children how will his ever be.. but reading some of ur stories Lori inpaticualr has encouraged me I dont know what tommrow will bring but ill will take one day at a time and i am so grateful even knowing i am at peace i know u have not lead the safest life and grateful its not worse. i dont know what is but im alive
Yelly, Baltimore, 2008-12-30 13:15:58
Im 27 years old. The end of 2007 I told myself I will have a happy 2008 year, but instead 2008 is the worst year of my life! April of 08 I will never thought I would have this condition I am in now. Was shocked! Terribly cry my heart out!! Thinking I have nothing to live for. As time goes by it gets alittle better and gettin used to. I have family and friends whos there for me. I have a 5 year old daughter to live for. I still have alot of learning to do and alot of answers that I need to know.
Life Beyond, Columbus, 2008-12-10 03:55:32
I Found out exactly one week ago and I was shocked. It was supposed to be a routine checkup and I just added a routine STD test since it had been 4 months and I usually get test around then. I received the call while I was at work and Told over the phone. I'm still so shocked and feel emotionally locked. I can't help but look in the mirror and see something repulsive and ugly now...how does one go on...Can you even be truly happy again?
stunned, , 2008-11-20 18:58:27
I just found out im positive...i have no one to turn to...worst part of it is that when I went to the Dr for the results, she told me Im HIV+ and sent me out the door....im devistated
Randall, Louisville, 2008-11-09 00:07:21
My partner just found out 4 weeks ago. It's been hell...someone help.
jedmundson6873, Palm Springs, CA, 2008-10-29 15:49:01
I found out last Thursday that I am poz. I was also told that I have Syphilis and high blood pressure. I have been so overwhelmed. The doctor scolded me and told me that I would probraly die from smoking and drinking befor hiv....I felt so ashamed, and dirty, slutty, dysfunctional, alchoholic....i am lost and confused and everyone i talk to tells me the opposite of the last person...get on meds right away, stay off meds as long as you can...etc etc...
Jorge, , 2008-10-26 08:16:51
I found im positive a month ago, but still is very hard, im looking to people to talk about this or guys having the same experience if u use msn my email is ng23uio hotmail com please add me and lets share this experience
Justfoundout702, , 2008-10-19 21:18:54
I found out just 4 days ago that I am HIV Positive. I am in shock and completely overwhelmed. I don't know what to think, feel or say. I find myself completely numb. Yet I am angry at myself, sad and completely ashamed of myself. I don't know what to do. Only one person knows. I am so lost. Everything I read online only depresses me more. I did this to myself and I am the one to blame. Can anyone help me understand what is happening? Mentally I am having a very difficult time.Help!
