What's Happening In the Forums?

Here at H-I-V.net.net, the forums create a non-judgmental space to ask questions, share knowledge, and support each other no matter where they are in their journey living with HIV.

One validating voice can make a huge difference to someone. Are you looking for that voice today? Or are YOU that voice for someone else? As one community member shared, "A good conversation goes a long way." To get you started, we've gathered together a few perspectives on this month's most popular discussion topics.

In each of the topic sections below, you can enter your own response to the prompt in the white box and click "Share my response," or click on "View all responses" to read advice and stories from fellow community members and Health Leaders.

We'll see you there!

Figuring out how to thrive

Khafre starts us off, asking, "I have been living with HIV for 34 years now, and I am 57 years old. For over a decade or more I have been experiencing social isolation. Are there any other folks who are also experiencing social isolation? If so, how does it show up in your life?"

"I build up my social contacts, some I told and most I did not tell. It works for me, I could not be in a better place in my life at the moment. HIV is something you have to live with but it does not define you..."

"Obviously there would be no one-size-fits-all here. I have been newly diagnosed, I was lied to by 1 partner 1 time and clearly was ignorant about how real HIV is. I get tested regularly, and this is how I found out. I also experienced initial infection symptoms and felt like I was going to die soon after the possible exposure, it was literally 2 of the worst weeks of my life... I'm not thinking about dating now obviously, but it was hard enough before now I feel like why bother in the future. Sorry for being so grim, but how I've been feeling is much more than grim..."

"It's been 18 years for me living with HIV, and it's been a powerful aspect of my being, allowing me to learn more about myself and my community, and how to help try to make an impact..."

HIV and maintaining good health

Most of our community members are living with more than HIV and are managing several health conditions at once.

"I personally got 3 infections within 6 months..."

"If left untreated, my 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 understand how you are feeling. I was in denial for many years before I received my HIV test results. I've lived with this virus for 30 years, and I assure you, there is nothing to be ashamed of... I'm happy you reached out and found this site. There are so many amazing HIV advocates here and so many articles and posts that may help you through this time. If nothing else, I want you to know that a community of people has been where you are, and we are here if you need us..."

Sharing your perspective and experiences informs the topics of H-I-V.net in the future! Many of our articles come from suggestions, questions, and conversations in the discussion forums.

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