I was diagnosed with HIV in 1989, when I was three months pregnant with my daughter and last child. I had an issue with my record and it was listed as drug use for being GIV positive? Though I had to threaten the clinic were received my HIV Care; everything else has gone good! My epilepsy I had issues with my medicine and dosage, but it was taking care of and the last seizure I had was in 2017! I had no issues with my family or friends and I am treated no different before my diagnosis of HIV. I really haven't experienced any stigma, but I know that I am not exempt and I will handle it appropriately; when I am faced with it! I pray that you will have better experiences with what you are facing? Be blessed and keep Christ first!

Been positive since 1989, couldn’t ask for a better family to threw this with , many so called friend have turned their backs love my dr.my biggest issues is heart just had surgery almost two months ago. I am so sorry you are having a rough time. We ARE HERE. Remember the world needs who you are , god doesn’t make throw away people

paul63 the HIV cause my shorts term memory lost . I had test done and it show it was from HIV too .I am doing good right I took my pain med half a hour a go . HAppy Monday to you .Here is a hug for you care about me paul63

@A myHIVteam Member. I learned long ago that people are unlikely to be able to accept others in their entirety. I am a gay male, atheist, democrat, on methadone, with HIV. People generally have a problem with some or most of that description. Even in support groups, I can get support for some things but not others. So I go to different places for different kinds of support. myHIVteam is a great place for support about substance abuse and HIV infection. But, I don't see much in the way of support for democracy or atheism, and that is OKAY. Even being gay brings about resentment, as if being mistaken for gay is a terrible thing. You can't always get what you want. I have known that from gay gossip in the 1980s when I became positive (1987). I am still doing well, although I honestly think I'm more debilitated than I would be without HIV (but who's to say, I bear plenty of responsibility on that score). Spread out your support a bit, and you might get all the necessary bases covered. Good luck 🍀

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A myHIVte...

I don't spend any amount of time trying to fit into other people's idea of how I should be or live. March 1985 was my year of diagnosis. I am far along in my life and basically really don't care about trying to mold myself to others' expectations. It is futile and useless and a waste of time and energy and on top of that, stressful.
I have a well-rounded and established means of support that has carried me through this journey I've been on for over 38 years. My family, healthcare providers, friends, the Maui Aids Foundation, and primarily "My HIVTeam".
Stigma will reveal itself if you disclose. Only those that need to know, should know and no one else.
I live my life as if I have no HIV because basically, I no longer have it being undetectable for many, many years. I no longer indulge in anonymous sexual encounters because it no longer holds any value for me in this stage of my life.