Question
I have just found out I am HIV positive, should I go to A and E for blood tests?
7 May 2010. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Support.
I have been told this week I am HIV positive. I’ve done a lot of reading up and I have had other medical issues over the last 12 months. From the NHS website I found that in advanced cases of HIV you can get lymphoma which is a cancer of the lymph glands.
My other medical issues are to do with my lymph glands they swell up every few days and after reading about this it’s got me thinking.
I haven’t started any treatment and don’t see an HIV Consultant until 10th May I am worried that my CD4 levels maybe under 200 now and finding the whole thing very scary.
Should I go to my local A & E as can’t see GP until next Wednesday and explain this to them?
Should I try and get a blood test done and the results in a quicker time? I don’t know anything till I see the consultant and things could changed.
Also how are you supposed to feel? I feel happy, sad, angry and often burst out crying.
Any advice would be great
Thanks in advance
Answer
Thank you for your question.
It is a very emotional process finding out you are HIV positive and it’s natural to feel happy, sad, angry and upset all at once. It is important to remember you are not alone.
The first thing you need to do is breathe. Give yourself time to digest your diagnosis and come to terms with what it all means. You have time to do this. There is no need to rush off to A and E unless there is an emergency.
Only about 10% of people with late diagnosis HIV infection get lymphomas. This means 90% of people are ok. Please try not to worry. The most important thing is to find out your CD4 count and viral load once you have your appointment with the HIV consultant. Then you can look at the options in terms of treatment if the tests indicate you need at this point.
For further information on how to cope with finding out you are HIV positive please follow this link to a similar question
For information about starting treatment please follow this link to the i-Base ‘Introduction to combination therapy’ guide.
Alternatively you can call the i-Base treatment information phoneline (Mon-Wed 12-4pm)
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