The treatment of HIV has come a long way in twenty-five years. Yet hearing the words "You are HIV-positive" can still be a scary, isolating experience. When he was diagnosed in 1987, Brett Grodeck educated himself on every aspect of the management and treatment of this condition and, as a "patient-expert", Grodeck shared everything he learned about living with HIV in the first edition of the book. Now completely revised and updated, The First Year- HIV guides you step-by-step through everything you need to do and learn throughout the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Grodeck covers a wide range of practical, medical, and life-style issues, beginning with coming to terms with your diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including:
- Common myths and tales about HIV and AIDS
- Disclosing your news to others: now or later?
- How to navigate the confusing health-care system
- The hard truth about alternative medicine
- When to start HIV medicine
- The preferred HIV pill available today
- Double diagnosis with Hepatitis C, herpes or HPV
- Crystal meth and HIV
- Drugs, alcohol and sex: the dopamine connection
- Sex and intimacy
- Dealing head-on with stigma and discrimination
- Lifestyle strategies for long-term health