Close to one million people are infected with HIVthe virus that causes AIDSin the U. S. , and though in the last ten years therapies have been developed to successfully fight both the HIV infection and its associated illnesses, the physical and emotional tolls are devastating. In the tradition of the other titles in the First Year series, The First YearHIV uses a unique approachguiding readers through their first seven days following diagnosis, then the next three weeks of their first month, and finally the next eleven months of their first yearto provide answers and advice that will help everyone newly diagnosed with HIV come to terms with their condition and the lifestyle changes that accompany it. Starting with the day of diagnosis, author Brett Grodeck provides vital information about the nature of HIV, choosing the right doctors, treatment options, coping mechanisms, holistic alternatives, and much more. The First YearHIV will be a supportive and educational resource for everyone who wants to take an active role in the management of their condition.

About the Author

Brett Grodeck, a longtime HIV awareness advocate, has been HIV-positive for eighteen years. An accomplished writer, his articles have appeared in the Chicago Reader, Chicago magazine, Men's Health, and various HIV treatment journals. As a patient advocate, he has consulted for the Food and Drug Administration's antiviral advisory committee. Grodeck lives in Los Angeles.

Daniel S. Berger, MD, is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago and is the Founder and Medical Director of Chicago’s largest private HIV treatment and research center, Northstar Healthcare. Dr. Berger is widely recognized throughout the industry and community and serves on the HIV Medical Issues Committee for the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Brett Grodeck tells the microbiological detective story, Oct 13 2007

Reviewing for dummies "Toto" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The First Year: Hiv: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

Brett Grodeck tells the microbiological detective story in which some of the best brains in science have been pitted against the most extraordinary bug the world has ever seen. In 1984 it was discovered that HIV was the cause of AIDS. Straight away, there were confident predictions that there would be a vaccine ready for testing in just two years. Back then, just 1,292 deaths from AIDS had been reported. Now the figure is 25 million dead. By 2010 it is predicted there will be 85 million infections and 70 million deaths. And after 20 years there is still no sign of a vaccine. Despite work of dazzling complexity, the ambition of so many brilliant scientists has been constantly thwarted. Just as a vaccine seems to be working, the AIDS virus alters itself, and ten to fifteen years of work, and millions of dollars, go down the drain. These bitter disappointments are only compounded by the desperate human urgency of the work. The virus is impervious to almost everything you throw at it, says Brett Grodeck. The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The), is a story where the clock doesn't stop ticking.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Information is almost a joy to read. Exceptional!, May 24 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

Brett Grodeck's book THE FIRST YEAR HIV is a book that anyone sexually active should read regardless if they are hiv+ or not and also a book to read if you know someone who has hiv. This book takes the subject seriously, but it's a good read and I've learned much about HIV itself and moreso, how to prevent myself from getting it. Mr. Grodeck has done a wonderful job in preparing this no-nonsense book. Getting HIV would be a terrible thing but I absolutely recommend that this book be made available to high schools and libraries throughout the world. I also think the book would make a wonderful gift to someone that you know that is sexually active and would like to know more about HIV. Grodeck also talks about other stds, but overall he writes in a simple, effective manner. The book is flawless and I highly recommend it. Grodeck has done his homework and I bow to this man for the straightforward information. You won't be disappointed.

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5.0 out of 5 stars New York Times review, Jan 9 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (Paperback)

Books on Health: Smart Approach to H.I.V.
(December 9, 2003)

It is hard to be optimistic about an incurable disease, but the author of this supportive resource, a writer who has had H.I.V. for 25 years, manages to do it. "Now that I'm healthy," he writes, "I'm far more worried about getting in a car accident on the Los Angeles Freeway than I am about getting sick from H.I.V."

Mr. Grodeck, an online editor for the RAND Corporation, guides readers through the first seven days after diagnosis, the next three weeks, and the rest of the year.

Combining the human element with essential information about treatment options, choosing the right doctors, the importance of diet and exercise, holistic alternatives and sex, the book transforms a complex disease into one that can be understood and managed.

In his discussion of treatment options, Mr. Grodeck takes a level-headed approach.

While noting that the new generation of medicines, taken together in various combinations, can slow or even halt the virus, he cautions that so-called alternative therapies do not improve the course of H.I.V. and that some are dangerous and can make the infection worse.

"If you like gambling," he writes, "you'll love herbal medicine. Most herbal or plant-based medicines haven't been properly tested, so they are risky." Moreover, he says, people taking prescription drugs should "be careful about taking herbs and supplements."

"Herbs and supplements do not work for treating H.I.V.," Mr. Grodeck concludes, "but some forms of alternative medicine help with symptoms of anxiety and depression."

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5.0 out of 5 stars Specifically written for those newly diagnosed with HIV
The First Year: HIV is a guide specifically written for those newly diagnosed with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), by HIV-positive patient advocate Brett Grodeck who himself has... Read more

Published on Dec 7 2003 by Midwest Book Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Positively Aware
The writing is easy-to-read, with a tone that's friendly and down-to-earth. It's like a good support group in a book, with quotes from the author's personal experiences and that... Read more

Published on Sep 21 2003