"Overwhelming" is a word commonly used to describe a new diagnosis of HIV disease. There are so many things to consider. So much to learn. So many questions. So much uncertainty. So much baggage that comes with a disease that is generally associated with unsafe sex or drug use.

Experience has shown that the best way to proceed is to break things into steps. Then deal with them one at a time in the order that works for you. (Survivorship A to Z provides a Prioritizer to help you set your priorities. See "To Learn More.")

• Take time to breathe. You are a person living with HIV - not one dying of it. Whatever happened, happened. There is no use dwelling on how you became infected..
• If you only had one test which was positive, ask for another one from a different lab.
• Commit yourself to doing everything you can to keep the virus in check. Don't make any major decisions that you don't have to make right now.
• Look for a doctor with a large HIV practice who is connected with a quality hospital - in a different locale if necessary. Learn how to maximize your time with doctors.
• Learn what you need to know about HIV.
• Decide with input from an HIV specialist whether to start treatment now. If so, choose a treatment that fits your life. If you have any question about which treatment to take, get a second opinion.
• Learn to be wise about purchasing, living with, storing and disposing of drugs. Free drugs may be available.
• Non-western treatments should be complementary to western medical treatments, not instead of them.
• Decide who to tell about your HIV status, and when. Your answers may be different for family and friends, children and work. Be prepared for differing responses.  
• Think of family and friends as part of your health care team. Ask for help when you need it.
• Share your emotions. Seek someone who is going through the same thing you are. Consider joining a support group.
• Start examining your insurance and financial situation to determine how to pay for medical care and drugs or access them for free if you don't have the resources. If you don't have health insurance, get it. (You still can.)
• Pay attention to your financial basics such as paying your rent on mortgage on time. Keep track of medical expenses. They may be deductible.
• Don't go on a spending spree.
• If you work, learn about your legal rights and benefits, consider who to tell or not, negotiate an accommodation if you need one. Look for an advisor. If you are unable to work because of your health condition, learn how to apply for SSDI/SSI.
• Start getting your legal affairs in order - not because you're going to die from HIV but because the diagnosis can be a trigger to action. It will help you feel in control and help keep you busy.
• Learn about the HIV resources in your community.
• Drugs do not work in a vacuum. Start to think of the food you eat, the exercise you get, rest/sleep and even proper care of your mouth as steps you can take to make drugs and treatments most effective.
• Although a major source of transmission of HIV is through bodily contact, you can still be physically intimate with people. Learn how to avoid transmitting HIV to other people. In some states, you may be criminally liable for transmitting the virus.
• If you have a pet, learn what you need to know to keep both of you healthy.
• Watch for depression. Depression, and all other side effects, can be treated.

The above steps are of a one-size-fits-all general nature. You can personalize the information with your own Personal Survival Guide. It provides information specific to the various areas of your particular life affected by your diagnosis. Thanks to contributions by our donors, the Personal Guide is free. If you're not up to it, ask a friend or family member to read your Guide for you. To learn more, see: Personal HIV Guide

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