So Your Test Is Positive...
Getting a positive HIV test can be a shock. You may be full of anger and blame. These
reactions are normal. Take a deep breath and remember these facts:
- A positive HIV test does not mean that you have AIDS.
- Women with HIV and AIDS enjoy life.
- Lots of women like you are living healthy and positive lives with HIV and AIDS.
Staying Healthy
At first things can seem overwhelming. But take a good look at your lifestyle and think
about how to make it healthier.
Everyone's strategy for staying well is different Decide what's right for you, but
don't feel guilty if you can't change things overnight. Your health strategy has to be
manageable. You can change it from time to time depending on how you're feeling.
Here are some of the things you might consider when you are planning your health
strategy.
Healthy Eating
These and other good foods support a healthy body:
- Vegtables and fruits
- Whole grains
- Chicken and fish
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
Try to reduce your intake of junk foods, and of foods that contain a lot of white
flour, sugar, and chemical additives. Some women living with HIV and AIDS find a
yeast-free or other special diet helpful. Read cookbooks. Consult a naturopath or doctor
knowledgeable in nutrition. Visit a health food store. Experiment to find what works for
you.
Supplements
People living with HIV and AIDS are often low in certain vitamins and minerals, so many
of us take vitamins and other supplements in addition to eating well. Nutritional
supplements will help you to stay healthy, return to health quickly after an illness and
reduce the toxic effects of drugs you may be taking.
Healthcare: Women's symptoms
Women get most of the same infections that HIV positive men get. But we can also get
health problems such as hard-to treat vaginal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and
cervical cancer. Get a Pap smear and pelvic examination every six months to check for some
of these problems and treat the m as soon as possible.
Your medical doctor
Choose a doctor who gives you confidence, and work hard to achieve a good relationship
with her or him. Feel free to ask questions or disagree. You. You may know about
treatments your doctor has not even heard about yet Your doctor should be someone who
knows about AIDS and HIV and how this virus acts in women's bodies.
Other healthcare models
Other practices can support and complement your healthcare strategy. Many women stay
well with naturopathy, acupuncture. massage; etc.
Your dentist
Dental care is important You may wonder about telling your dentist that you are HIV
positive. Most dentists use "universal precautions" (take precautions like
wearing rubber gloves with all their patients to protect against all diseases spread
through body fluids) If your dentist does. this, then both you and your dentist are safe,
and you don't need to say that you are HIV positive. But remember that dental care . is
very important? and you will act better care from dentist who knows your health history.
Check with your local AIDS service organization for names of supportive and skilled
health professionals in your area.
Sleep
Fatigue is a common problem for people living with HIV and AIDS. Try to get at least
eight hours of sleep nightly, and don't feel guilty about taking naps throughout the day.
If you can't act to sleep at night. Try to do things that calm you. Take a warm bath, sip
a cup of herbal tea.
Exercise
Exercise in moderation stimulates the immune system, oxygenates our blood.. and
improves circulation making us stronger. It can also relax you and give you a great body!
Try to build regular exercise into your health strategy:
Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs (including caffeine and nicotine!) and alcohol are not good for your immune
system. If you can stop or cut back, you will probably feel better. If you are
"using", make sure you know how to do it safely.
Travel
Travel lifts your spirits. With precautions about food and water we can travel and stay
healthy.
Some countries have policies that restrict our entry, so it's a good idea to check this
out before you buy your plane ticket. Health insurance for travel out of the country is
important. You may want to take out cancellation insurance, in case you can't go at the
last minute because of illness.
Look into vaccinations (shots) to see if any would make sense for you. Be aware that
live virus vaccines are not recommended for HIV positive people. And be careful about
getting too much sun. It suppresses our immune system and can. trigger a herpes outbreak
in those of us who have that virus. Also. some drugs such as AZT and Septra make us more
sensitive to the sun so we burn more easily.
Your Emotional Health Is Important Too
After you find out that you are HIV positive, it's normal to feel that your emotions
are on a roller coaster You may feel angry, sad, and all alone You may be putting on a
brave front and pretending that nothing is wrong.
Here are some things that can help you manage the tress of living with HIV and AIDS:
- listening to relaxation tapes
- meditation
- taking long walks
- yoga and tai chi
- talking to friends
- attending support groups
But let's face it... stress is hard to avoid. Don't stress yourself out more by
worrying too much |about how to avoid stress.
If things become really hard to deal with, there are professional counselors and
therapists who can help you.
Who Should I Tell?
Some women tell no one. Some women tell a small circle of people they trust; Some women
are very public about being HIV positive You do not have to tell anyone that you are HIV
positive. And definitely not until you are ready But you might feel more relaxed and
supported if you tell people trust. Take it slowly. Many women find that people they
thought would reject them instead become better, closer friends.
Make sure that the people you tell know your needs around disclosure confidentiality
and anonymity (IE. who you don't mind telling your HIV status and how important it is that
those people you tell do not tell others).
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus which, along with other
contributing-factors, is believed to cause AIDS by slowly destroying our body's ability to
fight off disease.
A positive, or "reactive" HIV antibody test means that you have come into
contact with HIV and have been infected with this virus. A positive HIV antibody test does
not mean that you have AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. When you have AIDS, it means that
your body's immune system, which helps fight disease, has been weakened. You are
vulnerable to serious infections, often called opportunistic infections, which can kill
you.
How is HIV Spread?
HIV is spread:
- Through penetrative sex, anal or vaginal, without using a latex condom
- By sharing needles or syringes without proper cleaning
- From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breast feeding
- Through artificial insemination and transfusions with blood or blood products which have
not been properly screened
People can have HIV infection and continue to lead healthy, productive lives. People
can. Live well for years with AIDS.
Voices of Positive Women
We are a community-based non-profit organization directed by and for women living with
HIV/AIDS in Ontario.
All of our brochures are available in English and french:
- HIV/AIDS Research and Women
- HIV, Pregnancy and Our Children
- Positive Sexuality
- So Your Test is Positive...
- Voices of Positive Women (our services)
To Order More Copies of the above Brochures, Please Contact:
National AIDS Clearinghouse
Canadian Public Health Association
1565 Carling Avenue, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
KIZ 8R1
phone: (613) 725-3434
fax: (613) 725-9826
Our Poster "Women Live Strong Lives With HIV and AIDS" is
available only in English.
For More Information, to Become a Member, or to Make a Donation (Tax Receipts Are
Available), Please
Contact Us At:
Box 471, Station C
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M6J 3P5
phone: (416) 324-8703
fax: (416) 324-9701
Voices of Positive Women Is Funded By:
Health Canada
Ontario Ministry of Health
Toronto Public Health
This brochure represents the views of Voices of Positive Women and not
necessarily the policies of any of our funders
This brochure has been revised July 1995.
|
