I need some help

[killingme12]

6 weeks ago I was told I was in a mixed state. Putting my life pieces together I figure I probably have always been bipolar. Anyway I just got out of a major HIV scare (tested neg at 3 months) and I'm taking seroquel xr 3oomg. I can't seem to get past my fear. A large part of me wants to believe but every ache and pain I associate with hiv. Ive also gained 40 pds in 6 weeks on Seroquel and can't seem to stop eating. Can anyone give me advise on getting past this nonsense and on how not to keep eating so much.

[killingme12]

Thanks for responding.I will try those things to see if they help, as for the 6 months that is outdated and 97% of people have detectable antibodies by 3 months avg time is 25 days. Funny I can write that and read it and be told it but still there is a touch of doubt still in me. The experts on this sight actually say that almost everyone has detectable antibodies by 6 weeks and they have never seen a negative at 8 weeks ever turn out to be positive. 3 months has been the norm for 7 years

[lindahand]

As for the hunger. My sister (who lost over 100 pounds) says one thing that really helped her was brushing her teeth whenever she was craving. Sounds strange but she said the peppermint taste was satisfying and then she couldn't eat for a while "because she'd just brushed her teeth" May help. If nothing else you'll get a good dental check-up.

The other thing is scheduling meals and eating only at those times. 3 meals and 3 snacks. And portion out your meals. Only cook what you will eat. If you plan to have left overs for lunches take that out before you serve yourself. And this is the uncomfortable truth - you will just have to get used to being hungry and not satisfying that with food. You'll have to tell yourself - I am not really hungry - this is just the meds - and do your best to distract yourself.

And HIV scare is a big thing. One thing that may help you is to understand that HIV doesn't turn into AIDS for years, and it is only when you have AIDS that you have symptoms. There is no way if you've had a recent scare that any symptoms you have would be tied to HIV. If the incident was a few years ago - then you may start having symptoms. Make sure you do go and get your six month test too just to be safe.

[killingme12]

I've told him but he is hesitant to change because overall I'm doing semi well on the drug. I can sleep once again which is great. Seroquel's major side effect is weight gain. I was just wondering if there were some tips that would help curve my unending hunger.

[thatquietgirl]

As far as getting past the HIV scare, it may take some time.  Talk with your counselor about it.

For eating, ask yourself if you're eating because you're truly hungry or just eating to fill an emotional need.  You could also try drinking water when you feel hungry as sometimes our bodies will translate thirst to us as hunger.  If your hunger's been increased since being on the Seroquel, you could talk to your psychiatrist about changing meds.