Next?

A person goes to the GGD, or the local doctor for the Hiv test.

Or they end up in the emergency ward of the local hospital and end up giving permission for a Hiv test.

Or any number of scenarios.

And the result comes back within 45 minutes, a week, 3 weeks, as positive.

What's next?

I think most people will be surprised to hear that the answer to that question is:

Nothing.

Or at least very little.

Ideal scenario:-

Person gets referred to a hospital in Amsterdam by their friendly local doctor. Person ends up in the capable hands of one of our wonderful nursing specialists. CD4 levels, viral loads etc are all discussed, treatment methods suggested, next appointment made.

What's next?

Well, nothing really.

Or, once again, very little.

Anything that happens next will have to be on own initiative.

Hopefully said person will find other Hiv+'ers, especially if he/she is Gay but they will take sometime to find.

In the meantime, all the feelings of remorse, pain, grief, fear, loss etc. will have to be worked through on their own or with partner(s), friends etc.

I don't think it should be like this.

Do you?