Here are some tips to make living with HIV and AIDS more comfortable for you and those you love.
If you have recently been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS, locate the book “The First Year”. This comprehensive guide to living with HIV and AIDS can be a wonderful source of support and help. You might also go to http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/Other/Subscribe.aspx and subscribe to the AIDS newsletter to keep track of the newest treatments and research available to you.
Remember, with consistent medical care, you have a somewhat normal, healthy life. This can include HIV and AIDS drugs and treatment programs designed to slow down the progression of the disease.
Choose your physician wisely. Be sure they have experience in diagnosing and treating HIV and AIDS patients. Many state and local health departments can provide you with the names of physicians in your area. You can also check with support groups in your area, who may personally recommend a physician. Take care of yourself physically as best you can. When living with HIV, be sure to eat nutritiously, exercise, and get plenty of rest. This is very important to help keep your immune system strong.
This next tip is very hard to do sometimes, but is a must. You must disclose your HIV and AIDS status to people as needed. Your dentist, health care worker, or sexual partner must be informed that you are living with HIV, so they may know better how to protect themselves from getting HIV and AIDS. Your employer is not required to know that you are living with HIV.
Continue working, if you are able. Your job will be a way to keep from thinking about HIV and AIDS constantly. Depression is common with HIV and AIDS, and this is one way to help combat it.
Try to keep an active social life. You may be very tired and not feel like going out. This is normal, but do not be a recluse.
Seek out a support group or a counselor to help you cope with living with HIV. HIV and AIDS are chronic diseases and you must find a way to deal with the inevitable anger and sadness that may overwhelm you at times. Talking with someone will help make living with HIV and AIDS easier. Some online groups available to help are http://www.nltsg.org/, for people living with HIV and Aids for over five years, http://www.projinf.org/, for HIV and AIDS information and inspiration, and http://www.amfar.org/cgi-bin/iowa/index.html, for current research programs and past research results for HIV and AIDS.
Living with HIV and AIDS is difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking out help and support is the best way to begin to live a relatively normal life.