A Message for the Newly Diagnosed From a Long-term Survivor

If you have tested positive for HIV, it means that the HIV virus is present in your blood. You have been exposed to the virus and the test shows that you are now living with HIV. Because our bodies can’t completely clear HIV from our systems, even with treatment, once you are living with HIV, you will manage it for your entire life.

After receiving a new diagnosis, I suggest you take a deep breath. Understand that you need to give yourself some time to process the news. Keep in mind that the sooner you take action, the more likely you are to live a long and healthy life.

Being newly diagnosed & starting HIV treatment

I can’t stress enough the importance of starting medical care and taking medicine to begin treating HIV as soon as possible after receiving your diagnosis. When I was diagnosed in March of 1991, I was in shock. When I went to seek treatment, an adult from my neighborhood was working as a nurse, and she was the second person I saw after entering the health department. I panicked, made up an excuse, and left. I never returned. Fear and shame had me paralyzed. Back then, the only medication available was AZT. I had heard so many different things about its effects on people, and because of that, I chose not to take it.

What is the goal of HIV treatment?

Today, there are many medicines available, which are called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. The science of HIV tells us that by taking your medications exactly as prescribed, it is possible to achieve viral suppression. In other words, the medications can help people living with HIV achieve an undetectable viral load. This means the amount of virus in the blood is so low that it can’t be measured by a standard test. However, it is important to remember that being undetectable does not mean that the virus is completely gone.

Managing the emotions of an HIV diagnosis

With the right treatment and care, you can live a long and healthy life with HIV. If you are like me, you might have a million things running through your mind after being diagnosed with HIV. Everyone reacts differently when they find out they are living with HIV. There are some common feelings that may include shock, anger, fear, or sadness. Many of us have questions about how we contracted the virus and worries about what will happen to us. I took the time to learn more about HIV, and it helped answer many of my questions. Learning the facts about HIV helped me process my feelings and, most importantly, it helped combat the feelings of isolation.

Be open with your healthcare provider

As you begin your relationship with a healthcare provider, it is best practice to be open and honest about the highs and lows of coping with your diagnosis, your sexual identity, your sexual attraction, and any other health challenges you are facing. It’s okay to say, “I have some good days and some bad days.” It’s okay to share your fears about your diagnosis, treatment, or side effects.

Your healthcare provider is there to provide guidance

Remember, your healthcare provider can give you guidance on treatment and put you in touch with a case manager, mental health counselor, or a support group. These steps will set you on your way to having the best possible health outcomes. You can live a long and healthy life.