I'm celebrating 25 years this year in fact this week. 1994. I lucky and thankful !
It just pains me to see New young people getting infected. It's still fresh for me every time I see these beautiful people getting the "package"
My advice is educate yourself. Stay aware and current. If you can get into a support group. Do it! You'd be surprised what you're really feeling when u talk about yourself In Front of others In The same boat. Also helps you get crap off your chest. And you learn a lot about treatments and other people . Be supportively yourself and others and love yourself

35 yrs. Here! Take your meds!
Have a Strong Support System. Keep Medical Appointments. Get a Dr. Who is an HIV Specialist
Be open and Honest With your Drs. If he/ she is not working for/with you Find Another. If You Feel You Need Help With Any Emotional / Mental Health Issues Get It
Above All Love Yourself.

Negative January 1983. Positive January 1984 (35 years!)

Allow, give permission and listen (w/empathy) to the newly diagnosed individual. I just came from a men's retreat this past weekend and a 21 year old shared he was newly diagnosed less than a year. It's still stunning on my part to hear this news. But, please, just be quiet, listen to the other person and BE with them even if they say nothing. Just BE with them emotionally, spiritually, physically (with permission), personally, and professionally (as a non-professional individual).

Whenever, someone shares they are Poz, w/me, we individually immediately recognize something wonderful w/o saying a word to each other. We hug and move on knowing we will be supportive and respectful regardless of the situation.

January 1984 (negative January 1983) = 35 years HIV+ where I've worked as a Federal employee almost that same number of years. I wasn't aware of my status until the early to mid 90s; however, my blood history was preserved in records from a CDC study to develop the Hep B vaccine (San Francisco). I'm pretty open about my status; especially, if it's to make a point during a discussion about health & aging.

Never stop learning. Do the research. Discuss new medical and health findings with professionals who help make decisions about meds and other types of preventive health measures (e.g., chiropractor, dentist, medical specialist, etc.). Be active. Consume good nutritious foods but always in moderation. Also, do the research on aging (in general) and its co-morbidity with being HIV+. There's a lot of good information that one can either take to heart or literally throw in the trash. Set goals (one or two a day) daily and always ALWAYS be grateful.

39 years
Get an infectious disease doctor who works with HIV. Take you medications, keep your appointments. Eat right, get some exercise, but have a Positive outlook. We are survivors.