An ASO is an AIDS service organization, the primary job of which is to service people with HIV. I would say, if you're newly diagnosed, you need to come there to get advice and referrals, because they would know where to send you. And also too, because it's dealing specifically with an illness, you're likely to find a more listening ear; people who've experienced some of the things you've experienced that would be able to give you that emotional support, because it's very difficult when you get first diagnosed. And you do have to surround yourself with people who are going to be supportive.
I am an HIV case manager. Well, basically, what I do is, when people come in and we get referrals in, I meet with them. I try to find out what their needs are and what issues they need to address.
It's been 28 years and, so I've seen a lot. And, I think the biggest thing for me that I've seen; the biggest change is that people can live with this disease. I've also seen that there are so many people living with this disease, that have taken itÑtaken control of the disease, not let the disease control themÑand have used htat as a spring board to try to improve other areas of their life. I've seen people go from drug addicts to law school. I've had the experience of seeing so many people with this disease do so well.
With this virus, you can life a healthy life if you choose toÉif you choose to. It's your mind set. I'm not saying that people have to go out and broadcast to everybody that they have the virus, but you need to understand about how to protect yourself and others.
It doesn't travel through osmosis. It doesn't travel through water. When the virus hits the air, it literally dies. People need to understand that and I can tell you, I'm HIV-. I hug them. I kiss them, because they're my people.
You need the medication. You need it. And, a lot of people don't want to take a lot of pills. Fortunately, in our society now, the researchers have come up with more medications that you don't have to take 10 to 20 pills a day. I do understand that there are a lot of meds that may cause side effects, but I tell people, you need to keep track of things that you experience. If it's something that's so bad that you feel you can't handle it, you need to call your physician right away. Just don't stop, but let them know what's going on and then you can make an informed decision. Because there may be an alternative to help you stay on that med and maybe take something else to help the side effects, or, they may need to switch you.
People who have strong support that I've seen over the years tend to live longer, have a better quality of life. It's important for you to find friends, family. If you like pets, get a pet.