Like I mentioned before my true inspiration in life is to be a doctor and go on to help individuals over come diseases and injuries. Caring for another individual is my true calling in life and I am very passionate about the ability of helping someone hurdle over an obstacle. In saying that this class has broaden my knowledge on how a virus can have so much power over mankind. I had no idea how helpless we were in fighting this virus, and only recently have we been able to make some true progress. This week I stood back and evaluated my progress in this class. At the beginning of the semester I had a vague idea about the virus and now I now tons of information about HIV, the mechanisms, the treatments, the clinical test, and etc. Furthermore, what I have failed to realize until recently is how HIV/AIDS has brought us together. In some aspect about this virus you know someone who is infected, was infected, is dying of AIDS, is doing research on AIDS, is trying to find a vaccine for the virus, and so on. Most of humankind has taken a stand on the disease. Just the other day as I was watching college football between Notre Dame and USC when an advertisement came on about how Notre Dame is researching for a vaccine. My point here is that this fight against HIV/AIDS is every where and taking this class has open my eyes to it.Furthermore, speaking of opening eyes, this week I will discuss the important time in a relationship when someone with HIV has to confess to a new individual about their status. I wanted to research any websites that stated when and where it was necessary to do so. According to Sex and Sexuality (2009) the first thing you should do when you find out or notify someone (your partner) that you are HIV positive is select a place and when you think is the best time to tell them. You want to choose a time when you guys are both comfortable and relaxed. Next, think about how your partner will react to stressful news and if they have a history of violence in your relationship, as you should consider your safety first and plan for a situation that might go to the extreme. Also, think about having a case manager or counselor there as support for both of you. Finally, imagine several ways that you partner might react to the news that you are HIV positive, as you might want to write down what he or she might say, and then think about what you might say in response (Sex and Sexuality, 2009). I think preparations for situations such as these are crucial and should be thought about before actions take place. That is way I included that in my did you know section this week. I hope this helps someone out.
Sources
Sex and Sexuality. (2009). In HIV In Site, retrieved October 29, 2009, from http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/hiv?page=pb-daily-sex#S3.2X
That was a good article. I guess you would really hae to think about all the details of what is going to happen when you tell your mate that you are positve. I do this when I choice my arguemnents(LOL)I always try to anticipate what the other person will say so that I can have a quick response.
ReplyDeleteThat would be such a tough call as to when the perfect time would be to tell you partner. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have to sit down and tell my husband that I was HIV positive. I like the tips that you gave. It makes sense to do it when both parties are comfortable and relxed. That is a lot to hear and to take in.
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