My brother may have HIV.

[NewJersey]

The thing is, That stigma will never go away unless people talk about it.Personally I refused to be made to feel ashamed to have it. To feel like a Victim or to be quiet...I do understand why some do,and have chosen to in cases where my kids may be involved

I thought the same thing.

 

[lisajl]

Here's hoping it's not HIV. Best wishes for your family

 

[kellyf2626]

My prayers are with you and your family. Stay positive and supportive.

 

[sajetto]

Plenty prayers that the test results come out negative.

 

[Briar__Rose]

Thanks everyone for your kind wishes and prayers! I truly appreciate it. I feel more at ease knowing that, as many of you have said, HIV is not a death-sentence. It's hard to realize such a thing when the concept is entirely new to you or a loved one. I suppose I never imagined for this disease to affect our lives as much as it has these past couple weeks. The word "death" and "AIDS" were the first thoughts that entered my mind once my brother approached us with this topic. As frightening as these words sound, I now realize there are many precautions and measures that can be taken to ensure him a long and healthy life, thanks to everyone's help. Whether or not he is diagnosed with HIV, I will have to convince him of this too, which seems like an almost impossible task at this very moment.

My brother received a phone call from the doctor's office earlier today saying he would have to come back for a second round of testings before they reveal their results, which surprised him, since he was not aware of this during his first visit with the doctor. What could this possibly imply? Could the first test results have been inconclusive? Could they have in fact turned out to be positive? Is the doctor testing again for accuracy?

While researching, I read that two or more positive ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests indicate an HIV diagnosis, which is then confirmed by one positive Western blot assay. I have also read that there are two different strains of HIV, HIV-1 (causes AIDS) and HIV-2 (causes an AIDS-like illness), but the latter is uncommon in the United States. There is so much information out there concerning HIV that I have a hard time trying to absorb every single detail into my mind. Does anyone recommend a respectable website?

I will also look into counseling services in his area. Nothing can replace the support of a family, but since we cannot be there for him in person, I am hoping this will become a suitable alternative. I know, in the end, he may not have HIV, and, yes, I realize this subject is sometimes stigmatized, but I greatly appreciate everyone's honesty and support. Like JennyMominRI wisely said, the only way to rid of the stigma so often related with HIV is to couragously speak up and educate others about this illness. Best wishes to all and thanks once again! I will keep you updated as the days progress.

 

[JennyMominRI]

While researching, I read that two or more positive ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests indicate an HIV diagnosis, which is then confirmed by one positive Western blot assay. I have also read that there are two different strains of HIV, HIV-1 (causes AIDS) and HIV-2 (causes an AIDS-like illness), but the latter is uncommon in the United States. There is so much information out there concerning HIV that I have a hard time trying to absorb every single detail into my mind. Does anyone recommend a respectable website?

I.

And ELISA test simply looks for antibodies..A western Blot actually looks for the disease itself..Generally a Western Blot is not done unless there is a positive ELISA... If they are all positve the next step is a Viral Load test whch looks to see how much HIV is int the bloodtream and a Cd4(tcell count) to see the state of his immune system.

 

[minkydog]

And ELISA test simpley looks for antibodies..A western Blot actually looksfor the disease itsefl..Generally a Western Blot is not done unless there is a positive ELISA... If they are allpositve the next step is a Viral Load test whch looks to see how much HIV is int the bloodtream and Cd4(tcell count) to see the strate of his immune system.

Jenny, you are wealth of information and calm like a cool breeze. Thank you for your explanation. I agree with you--if more people talked about it, there would be less of a stigma. And who needs a stigma anyway

Briar Rose, You would be surprised how many people are quietly living with HIV. We have a cousin who contracted HIV while practicing unsafe sex and using IV drugs. Of course, his mother was devastated. He didn't change his ways and eventually ended up in prison for operating a meth lab.

Going to prison has probably saved his life. For the first time, he actually received the medication & treatment he needed--he was too strung out to care before. As a result of getting clean and getting good medical care he has done very well. He's out of prison now, living with his mom and holds a job. Of course,the years of not taking care of his HIV have taken it's toll--he has full-blown AIDS now. But my point is, he's living with AIDS, not dying of it!

I hope your brother gets encouraging news. I imagine if they are doing more testing, they want to make sure of the diagnosis,whatever it is. The medical establishment does not take this diagnosis lightly and they want to be absolutley sure before they tell him he is (or is not) HIV positive.