Luna123's Status Updates

Hi . I'm sorry to read that you're currently feeling down. Is there anything in particular that's increasing this feeling for you? I see that you're new here, and want to welcome you to the community. Is there any information or support we can offer you? Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

I was on the site last year. I couldn't remember my password, so I had to try and recover it. And I luckily did.

I was diagnosed February 2025. 'Luckily" I caught it at an early stage, so after six months of ARV's, I was u=u.

I sound ungrateful when I read the stories of having to take ARV's for 20-40 years. I can't think of anything worse.

I'm very upset, and cannot believe I could have ever been infected. I was in a relationship 7 years ago. No sexual intercourse since. It's a standing joke in my family, but I had to raise a very naughty teenager, support him alone, put him through college and deal with his teenage attitude, so I really had no time for a relationship. And then I began menopause and couldn't think of even having a man. I am a very independent person, and I go through life not needing a relationship, and now I've become completely selfish with my time. I want to spend every waking moment with him, as only he can take my mind off my HIV thoughts.

So this year I have signed up for the mental health program through my medical aid, and I am looking forward to receiving professional help. Last year was not a good year for me, with HIV, 3rd degree burns, two car accidents, and a whole lot of things that really made me an emotional anxiety ridden wreck.

I pray 2026 will be on the up and up, as I couldn't go any lower in how I'm feeling.

Hi . You certainly have been through a lot and it is understandable that it would have an impact on your mental health. It is good to hear that you are taking proactive steps to help yourself. Several of our contributors have written on the topic, such as Steven here: https://h-i-v.net/living/suppressed-feelings-therapy and Davina here: https://h-i-v.net/living/depression-anxiety. You are not alone. Hoping right there with you that 2026 has you on the way up. Best, Richard (Team Member)

Thank you. You may have remembered me as Brain fog.

Hi . I can't see what happened to the previous account, but if you are interested in finding it or potentially combining them (I don't know if that is actually possible) you could drop a note to contact@h-i-v.net. Best, Richard (Team Member)

Thank you. We already tried that, but in the end started a new account. I'm happy to be back on, and I don't know what happened and how I was logged out on the old account. Richard, you have been on the ARV's for a long time. Is it true that ARV's make one gain weight?

I am starting the Tirzepatide injection again in two weeks time, do you have any knowledge of whether ARV's cancel the GLP1 injection out? I won't allow myself to get as big as I was at one stage, and won't be happy if the ARV continues to make me gain.

Regards
Lichelle

Hi Lichelle (). Oh, I don't want to misrepresent myself - I do not live with HIV. I just happen to be a good researcher and have learned quite a bit as a site administrator here. I can tell you that, yes, ARVs can cause weight gain and this article from our editorial team goes into more detail: https://h-i-v.net/clinical/weight-gain. The good news is that there is evidence that GLP-1s continue to be effective for those on ARVs. This article on the topic might be of interest: https://www.thebodypro.com/hiv/top-10-2024-glp-1-agonists-semaglutide. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (Team Member)

THANK YOU. My Specialist has just given me a script too.