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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Have You Lived With HIV For Half Of Your Life?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA

Asked this question about a year ago, wondered where we are at currently. I turned positive in 1987 and have had it for 33 years. I am 67. I wonder what my life would have turned out had I not contracted it. But I have learned to have to live with it. For me it has been a hard journey in many ways. Really tired of pills and going to the doctors and having procedures all the time. Then feeling fatigued so much. My docs say it is all about how long I have had the virus, how long I have… read more

June 28, 2020
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A myHIVteam Member

My dearest friend I gave this information to the zoom group over the weekend and I shall share it with you. The injectable drug is called serostim. It is produced by serono labs in California. It is a human growth hormone that helps with the fat distribution in your body especially in your stomach and in the back of your neck. It is very expensive and most doctors do not like to prescribe it unless you have severe wasting. I have been losing muscle mass for the last 15 years and this injectable has helped me immensely. Much love do not lose hope and please stay close ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

July 7, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Tested positive for HIV in December '92 and did not start antiviral medications until September '96.
There have been several generations of antiviral Medications I have been on starting with AZT, which changed in October '96 because it adversely affected my liver.
There are only 3 combination Medications consisting of 3 types of medications in a daily regime I can recall.
The 1st contained Epivir which, lost it's effectiveness as I became allergic to Abacavir, was replaced with Atripla (approximately 17 years) because I could not sustain 3 pills a day regime.
Currently I'm on Biktarvy. March lab results showed 249 Tcells and undectable viral load.
I have been poz 28 years without noticable problems except fatigue and neuropathy.
I'm proactive and progressive in managing, coping and education of my medical treatment.

June 28, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Hello everyone I was 53 when I was diagnosed I'm 17 now I did not live half my life with the disease that I know of although when I was discovered they just tell me it was a long time I'm 70 now was fortunate that the only thing that I really had the one what's the fact that I hand blisters are eventually they decided to do an HIV test which came back positive I went into clinical trials I went through the combo drugs there were two a day after so long then I went on triumeq cuz that came out and I was on biktarvy now do not know my ccounts I'm pretty sure that they are low undetectable I dunno I've known only been up to 800 in my CD for s I've never gone over a thousand you would think that I would but I suppose my bouncing around in the stress of working has kept me from going up and values anyway I do not have the sicknesses that everybody else has just too exhausting and things like that hope everyone is staying healthy and yes there are similarities with the cove in it's not an easy thing none of the diseases are there's always always going to be prejudiced

June 29, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Answer continued: For 32 years plus I have seen a lot and done a lot to keep myself aware of what is happening within my body, as far as HIV/AIDS. I have seen people die and people suffer through the afflictions of AIDS and live. I have also seen how it has affected the lives of friends and families. I have also seen the discrimination that has been done, even today, to people who are HIV/AIDS (that even extends to our own community!). Truthfully, it is a shame what was/is done to these people. We are still human beings and deserve every right afforded in our constitution!
Yes, I have seen a lot of changes and progress has been made. WE still have a long way to go!!! Even in our own communities. I am trying to do my part to help and educate people; but, there are those who will not listen and understand even with COVID-19. Inequality, still exists and I am hoping that one day we will all be treated equally. Someday.

June 28, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

I feel the same way Jose. Wish they were in person, but will take them this way too. Just think about that person actually hugging you and sometimes you can kind of feel them hugging us.

July 1, 2020

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