Che's HIV Story

By che76

2 min read

I was born in Fort Myers Florida. I was also diagnosed with epilepsy and have seizures really bad. Loud noises will trigger anything around me. As I got older my behavior changed. I was fighting every day, boys and girls.

Abuse

One day one of my so-called friends set me up. We're playing around this abandoned house and we were playing and when she went through the house and I went right behind her not knowing it was full of guys. They grabbed me and raped me and I ran home as fast as I could to my mom and call the police.

Sexual abuse

As the years went by, in February 1999 I was at a nightclub and Jamaican bar having a good time. I didn't know somebody was following me in the process. As I got home from the club, he met me at my front door with a gun to my head. He kidnapped and raped me. I would have been his next victim. Thank God for deliverance. God gave me the strength to run from him and I ran into a gas station and they called the police. I was rushed to the hospital immediately. A couple of months later I went to court. I didn't know I was going to be the next victim. Two ladies were left for dead, but they were still alive. They had no idea what he had done with them.

My HIV test result

I was mandated in March 1999 to take an HIV test. Little did I know that it was going to come out positive. From there my life went down even further. I started abusing drugs and alcohol overdose multiple times. Thank God for the medication today. Without those, I thought I didn't think I was going to make it.

Undetectable

Here I am 20 years now and undetectable. When I thought my life was over it wasn't. It was God just waking me up and opening my eyes to better things that I thought I couldn't do. Now I love to advocate and help other women like me because it's hard for us ladies. They have learned that though I have a virus living with me, it doesn't define who I am today. We are winning I am winning.

Interested in sharing your own diagnosis story, treatment experience, or another aspect of living with HIV?

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caseyh Community Admin
Hi Che76! I am so grateful that you chose to share these powerful experiences with us. I'm sure our whole community is as well. There are really no words I can say to convey how sorry I am to hear about the abuse you have endured along the way. You did not deserve that violence or to be treated like this. At all. I am so glad you've found our community for encouragement, and as a way to support others, like you mentioned. I loved reading that you are doing so well now, and that you have such hope in your heart, despite all you have gone through. Your story is inspiring, and I'm so appreciative that you chose to share it with us. Wishing you nothing but the best and sending hugs! -Casey, <a href='https://h-i-v.net' target='_blank'>H-I-V.net</a> Team
1. che76 Member
 Thank you for your encouraging words. And allowing me to share my story with you.
2. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention user-id="2046063" username="che76"/> , That's what we are here for. To create and maintain a strong community of support for people who are living with HIV. So glad you are a part of the community. Khafre (Team Member)
JT Otis, M.Mus. Moderator
Thank you for sharing your story and I really send out a message of healing to you. You're strong and resilent and a conqueror.
1. che76 Member
 Thank you
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) Che, First let me say I think you are so brave to share a bit of your journey with us. You have over come a great deal and your testimony is powerful. i am not sure how long you have been a part of the <a href='https://h-i-v.net' target='_blank'>H-I-V.net</a> community but I want to say welcome. I hope you continue to share your amazing journey with us.
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention user-id="2046063" username="che76"/> , WOW, how powerful you are with the help of your God to make it through so many circumstances. You are amazing. Congratulations on being undetectable. Please continue to share your journey with us. Khafre (Team Member)
Al-Blue-92 Member
Thank you so much for sharing your story! According to the American Academy of Neurology 11% of people with HIV experience seizures in their lifetimes (https://www.epsyhealth.com/seizure-epilepsy-blog/living-with-hiv-and-epilepsy). I first saw this highlighted in the British series 'it's a sin', it's a great watch but warning - it's triggering!
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="che76" user-id="2046063"/> Congratulations on your undetectable status. You are a Survivor and I am glad you are part of this community. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="che76" user-id="2046063"/> Yes, you are winning! How is your Advocacy going Have you been able to find the resources and platform to help other women? We would love to hear more about your experience. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)