It's definitely a game changer. Being diagnosed as HIV AIDS positive can bring turmoil to your mind and life. However, take heart. With the rapid development in research and the new generation of drugs, being pronounced HIV positive is not longer the pronouncement of a death sentence. The statistics bear this out. From 1990 to 2003, the number of AIDS death in the US went down by 80 per cent. This declining trend is reflected in other parts of the world too.
In fact, HIV AIDS patients today live a normal life span and have fulfilling lives. Of course, they understand that life cannot be lived on the same terms any longer. There are changes to be made, but that would be true in the case of any other chronic disease too. So perhaps this should be the first change to be made. Change your mindset and start thinking of HIV AIDS as just another chronic disease like say diabetes or heart trouble. You make some adjustments and learn to live with these health conditions – and that’s what HIV AIDS patients must do too. Other changes would include:
- Find an HIV Specialist Doctor: The first step to cope with life as an HIV AIDS patient is to find an HIV specialist doctor immediately. This is absolutely essential because you would be requiring regular checkups, care, and advice. So when your test results are out, contact local hospitals or speak to your regular doctor to see who they would recommend. Fix up an appointment immediately. Be open with the HIV specialist. And ensure that the communication between you and the doctor is always perfectly honest and clear.
- Learn As Much As Possible: The second step would involve learning as much as you can about HIV AIDS. Of course all of us have read about it. But once you have been diagnosed HIV positive, your perspective changes. Therefore read up from this new perspective. Learn more about HIV AIDS, but more importantly read accounts of people diagnosed with HIV AIDS. Check on how they have learnt to cope. This will give you some insights and will also make you realize that being HIV AIDS positive does not mean that you have to cope alone – there is a whole world out there willing to help and support you.
- Live a Normal Life: Try to live as normal life as possible. Keep yourself busy and occupied. You may need some time to yourself after the diagnosis. But start working once you feel capable of dealing with the situation. Remember that as long as your health condition does not interfere with your work, you are under no obligation to inform your employer about your health status. It is entirely up to you on whether you want to disclose the fact or not.
You do not have to worry about any risk to others because HIV AIDS does not spread through casual contact. In case you work in an industry where there are chances of others being exposed to your blood or body fluids, then you may be under a moral obligation to tell your employer so that due precautions can be taken. If the information about your HIV AIDS status does leak out and you feel discriminated against, please do not hesitate to explore legal options. - Seek Solace From Different Sources: In troubled or confused times, we often seek solace from different sources. Some people find comfort in religion. If religion gives you strength, go ahead and explore your options. Speak to your religious adviser on how to gain peace of mind and happiness. Several HIV AIDS persons have turned activists. They work with NGOs and other social organizations to help others who may be diagnosed with the same condition, but do not have the financial or emotional resources to cope.
- Take Care of Your Body: It’s important to take care of your body. Your doctor will give you plenty of advice on how to do so. He will also explain the diet and exercise pattern that will most benefit you. Be sure to follow his advice. Remember that you do have a chronic condition and it is important to eat, sleep and live right. A good diet will go a long way in lifting you up both physically and mentally.
- Avoid Depression And Guilt: Depression and guilt often hit HIV AIDS patients. Most HIV AIDS patients have the tendency of beat themselves up mentally and spiritually. There is often a feeling of regret and of `what might have been’. Put such feelings aside and make a concerted effort not to slip into depression. Speak to your health counselor if you need support.
All of us have our own way of coping with illnesses and depression. But outside support and inner strength are both essential to give you the ability to cope. And this is what you should be aiming for to live life successfully after being diagnosed with HIV AIDS.
