How do I approach aging with HIV?
The new reality of living with HIV is now also aging with HIV, which brings with it questions and concerns in regards to quality of life; and whether cause of death is or is not directly HIV related.
I received my HIV diagnosis fifteen years ago ( I also have anal herpes) and since then I have developed two other chronic conditions other than having HIV.
These two chronic conditions are typically not seen in individuals under the age of 50; and I will be turning 44 in a month.
That being said, if left untreated, these two chronic conditions can lead to death eventually; but I take my medications, eat healthy, exercise, and live my life. It is cause for significant anxiety and depression if you go down the rabbit hole of "what if" "if I only" "if I only had" when thinking about your future quality of life, living and aging with HIV.
I refuse to do that. I take care of myself, my health is stable without any notable complications, and I live my life to the fullest.
- James cotromanes
What a wonderful way to live your life! Congratulations.
Alafia (Peace) James Cotromanes What a great outlook. I do understand how additional health morbidities can cause concern while aging with HIV. As someone who is 56 years old and has been living with HIV for 33 years which is more than half of my life, I also have concerns but I continue to wake up and go at it each day. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
I am in my 30s but I still feel your pain. I have multiple other health issues in addition to my HIV/AIDs. I take more medicine than just my antiviral medications every day.
I spent some time myself thinking about "what ifs" as well. But the only thing that ever results from thinking about the "what ifs" is anxiety and depression. So that is no good.
I am not so good about working out but I do take my medications, go to my doctor appointments, eat a variety of foods, and do my best to get enough rest. Taking care of ourselves is the most important thing we can do. - Heather R (team member)Alafia (Peace) I wanted to check in with you to see how you are feeling over the holiday season. Please reach back out to let us know. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
