The TestIf I knew then what I know now I would have learned about using protection from contracting any STIs. It seems that people will have unprotected sex and not be...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Disability Hearing PreparationsStress is not good for our health, and I have been living in a state of stress. My re-evaluation for my disability is coming up. I am beyond nervous but...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Why Letting Go of What I Lost Was Actually a MistakeDespite being HIV positive for 30 years, only recently have I processed what happened to myself and my friends. I thought that acknowledging those I had known was enough. But...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Don't Give Up on Love!I know that the thought for some of us women who are living with HIV is finding love and being in a relationship but for some, it is the last...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
The Importance of an Annual PhysicalI have been living with HIV for a little over 9 years now and even though I see my infectious disease doctor every 3 to 6 months, it is still...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
An HIV Test Saved My Life, but Not How You ThinkI took my first and only HIV test 3 decades ago. It saved my life, but not in the way you might be thinking. I already knew the results, even...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and HIVContent Note: This article describes abuse. If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our mental health resources page. Intimate partner violence, referred to as IPV, has been...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
HIV Disproportionately Affects Transgender PeopleDoctors know that certain groups of people have higher rates of HIV. In the United States, for example, people of transgender experience (also called trans or transgender people) are much...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
How I Handle One of My Biggest HIV FearsNothing makes me wince more than brain studies related to HIV. It seems like the news about HIV's impact on our skull meat is always bad. As a longterm survivor...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
HIV and Seeking Treatment for My Mental HealthOver the years since my diagnosis, I have learned to closely guard my mental health. Learning to discuss my mental health with healthcare providers has been very important. I have...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Adherence for YourselfI have been living with HIV for over 9 years and even though I have said this many times, I want to stress again the importance of starting medication if...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Preparation is Key: Long-Term Travel as a HIV Positive IndividualFor many, studying abroad is nothing short of a dream come true. However, for those of us living with HIV, this dream can be accompanied by a cocktail of concerns...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
The Disclosure Back-To-School SpecialI respect the heaviness inherent in this topic. The consequences of disclosure can vary wildly from one person to another. A lot depends on where you live and attitudes in...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
What I Do When I Can't AnymoreIronically, I did not consider pursuing a career until I became HIV-positive. I had been very happy working front-line service-level jobs in the food and beverage industry. But something changed...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Dating Positive or NegativeThroughout my life, I have met many different people who are living with HIV. What I have heard from them is that they also would like to date someone who...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Let's Talk About Aging With HIVI have been living with HIV for 25 years and I never thought I would live this long with HIV. We all will deal with comorbidities along with HIV We...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
HIV and GI Issues: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)A good balance of gut bacteria is important for overall health. Having too much bacteria in the wrong place can lead to health problems. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
How I Handled the Failures on My Path to Treatment SuccessAs treatment options for HIV have changed, so have my personal views evolved. When I was first diagnosed, I resisted taking AZT, and now 30 years later, I am discussing...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Importance of Routine in Maintaining U=UIf you are newly diagnosed with HIV, one thing that I am sure you have heard about is medication adherence. Medication adherence is when you are taking the appropriate medicine...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My Cardiovascular Care and HIVThere are times since my HIV diagnosis that I have caught myself settling in different categories of my life. Unfortunately, some of these categories have involved my medical care. I'm...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments