Topic : HIV/AIDS Support Group

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to post this message because I am very concerned for my dear friend. My friend was diagnoised with H.I.V approximately 8 years ago. Her husband didn't tell her that he was H.I.V infected before they were married, she found out that she was ill during her seventh month of pregnancy, and now she's scared to have her child tested again. She and her husband separated about 1 year ago, and now she is very depressed because she feels as if her life is over, that she'll never be able to experience a sexual relationship again. I don't know how to relate to her and the issues that she faces daily, all I can do is be there to listen. I have so much respect for her, she still continues to take care of her children, and she has been through so much within the last few years. Her husband has been nothing more than a 'creep', and he has since turned his back on her, and feels as if his responsibilties to her has been concluded since they have been apart.

I pray daily that soon, there will be good news as it relates to finding a cure for this disease. And I hope that she will find the happiness that she deserves.

Lashawnna Burney

I am a thirty one year old, white male. I am an 11 yr. survivor of HIV and Hep C. most of that time in active addiction to I.V  Heroin and Methamphetimine. I have been to both County Jail and also to State Prison and since my visit to Prison I have been sober for almost 1 yr. 

My Viral Load has always been undetectable, even while I was in deep addiction and my CD-4 count has always been high, in the 700's. While in Prison I sought no care for either disease and wasn't treated for anything until my release in May of 07. Upon my release my counts were all catty-whomped! My viral load is almost 10,000 and my CD-4 count is 400! Is this normal? Shouldn't abstinance from illicit drugs mean that I get healthier?

I know also that while working a program in N/A it's essential that I stay out of super-involved relationships for about a year! Or at least that's what's recommended in the program, what I can't get over is seeing the potential for "love" or the "relationship material" in almost everyone that I seem to come into conact with.  I know that I feel lonely and that that feeling is somewhat more intense lately, I think that it is conected to the fear of, maybe never finding that relationship that could matter?

I think also I am confused? Should I be looking for a stable relationship with someone that has HIV? or  one with someone that is Negative? I try not to think of this at all right now but really, it seems to dominate alot of my thoughts throughout the day.  My craving for sex is unbelievable, and behind that is the whole relationship thing?

There really does seem to be soooo many more questions when I'm sober!!!! It's almost overwhelming!

Thanks for letting me vent....Advice please!!!

alarikj@gmail.com

I just read your message it sades me because if your friend husand knew all that time and didn't say anything to her. Your friend is a strong, I understand how she feels even though I felt the same way and still do I my hiv from a bloodtransfusion when I was a little baby,and even though I have been though alot with my past and present  and if the roles was different I would have gotten him tested along time ago. and if he did have hiv then I would have apprecaited him telling me in the begining. but your friend should talk to her doctor about how many times her child should get tested and maybe get the others tested as well just to be on the safe. I felt the same way about have sex with men it took me time and patince and get to know him first ,then talk to him how he feels about hiv or knowing some 1 who has hiv .With my finance I told him from day 1 and even though he was confused as to why I am telling but he needing to know before with did anything and understand that it did nto control my life,but it apart of my lifeand he can either accept it or not and if he choose not to then hey that would be in him.

ebony ramirez

oh ya

tell your friend to be strong, look into support groups they help alot.(only when she is ready)

Wow,, I know everyone heres the same story,, but I have a chronic condition.. have not seen a specialist in over 3 years and not taken meds or any follow up..I do not qualify for help.. make too much above poverty level 4 times..lol.. but don't have insurance. cant afford to pay cash.. anyway at this point I don't care anymore.. if i die within a few months or so.. my concern is that we are now behind on our rent 1,100.00 the car payments and insurance of 1300.00  and misc credit card, student loans, and utilities in the sum of another 1300.00 .. so basically we need 3500.00 to get out of this dilemma within a couple of weeks or we will be evicted.. and in 2 months loose our vehicles. thus loosing our jobs..  we own nothing.. I already lost my home few years back because of getting sick.. and chapter 7 took my home and car then.. so the obvious I have been paying dearly to establish a little credit.. big mistake.. but I have not wanted to be a drain on the system.. sad because I see so many people that get welfare, Medicaid, food stamps and don't work.. then me and my wife as tax payers need assistance and we don't get any help.. all agencies turn us down because we make too much.. have to be in a hospital and homeless. to qualify.. that is why our system is terrible.. why not help when we still can get on our feet.. with a little push.. I had to auto prescribe myself and buy drugs from Canada pharmacy based on research to keep myself functioning a little longer.. that is pathetic that I have to do this when others get it free.. Please help.. need to resolve things very soon..i am totally at the end.. and don't know what to do or get help from.. My story is longer.. from being abused as a child to being raped  because of running away from the abuse.. hmm dad does not remember.. selective memory I guess..  so yes I need plenty of help the only blessing I have is my wife who sticks by me even with my condition.. I try to be a good provider and help others but this time I need the help and someone out there has to have a heart or provide us with medical assistance and meds.. and labs.. to keep me healthy to be around and a little financial help..

PLEASE! Help!

thanks,

Henry.