Here is my answer. I was diagnosed with HIV in 1993 and had to go on AZT, Crixivan, and Epivir a few years later. I took myself off them after only a couple of months because of the side effects.

In 2003, I had pneumonia twice. The second round put me in the hospital and my cd4 count was 45. The doctor there put me on meds and I have been on them since.

Here's the thing. Presently, AIDS does not go away by definition. My cd4 count, however, is over 500 and my viral load has been undetectable for several years now.

Yes, I suppose AIDS is the last stage, but no one can tell me how many years are in that stage if you take care of yourself. I mostly eat right and I take my meds every day. I get my vaccines, such as the flu shot and the vaccine for shingles. I am in good health!

I am 60 years old. I was first diagnosed when HIV/AIDS were a death sentence at 33 years old.

Make that last stage last just as long as you want and screw those who are about doom and gloom.

It doesn't bother me. When I was diagnosed in the hospital,my transfer and admission paper work at the hospital said I was HIV positive. A couple weeks later when I met my Dr. my Dr called it advanced HIV. I sighed in relief like I missed a bullet. It took me a while to figure out that a 19 cd4, wasting and thrush was AIDS. But it is the final stage or stage 3 or 4. People are able to recover these days because of the meds. I can still remember when people went to the hospital with pneumonia and the next thing you heard, was they died. I mean as soon as they found out they was sick. It's scary but it's the course of the virus without medication. As miserable as I was, I claim AIDS.

Hi Justin, please remember that they're talking about AIDS without treatment. In today's world there are few cases of actual HIV becoming a full-blown AIDS case with medicine.. and your doctor is right you just started medication not too long ago you will be fine. I myself have been diagnosed with AIDS when I first came out because I was very low and I had about VL 9 to 10 million copies and t cells were 110...so they diagnosed me with AIDS and I got all these terrible symptoms and hospitalized but after getting on the right medication, and I tried many, I've been healthy ever since. Much love❤️💛💛💚💙💙💜♥️🤗

An AIDS diagnosis only determines the level of care you will need. Like cancer and everything else we as a society must place labels on everything. I understand what you mean by the way the word things and to those that are not educated on the topic that could prove to be devastating. Its all about education and being well informed and helping others to understand.

@A myHIVteam Member i appreciate the kind words but, im not freaked out. Im positive always have been. Ive done my research and educated myself. The point i was trying to make was that them wording things that way and not having up to date information is very concerning. The fact that someone who is newly diagnosed and searching for hope and answers could come across that is alarming to me.

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