By Brett Grodeck

The treatment of HIV has come a long way in 25 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 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.

This completely revised and updated edition contains a foreword by Daniel S. Berger. The book 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 tall 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