My Life with HIV

By lenahk

Last Updated:

1 min read

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

My name is Helen. I'm 24 yrs old, and a single mother of one. I was diagnosed with HIV when I was in class seven, 2007. Today I am a living testimony that I am greater than the virus.

The challenge of disclosing your HIV status

Although it hasn't been easy, through the Almighty God I made it. The only challenge I face is the confidence to tell someone (a crush) that you're positive and their take. I had to be sneaking myself to the toilet to take my drugs so that my baby daddy wouldn't know I was positive. He left anyway.

Learning to love myself

I learned the importance of self-love, and when I gave birth in 2015, I found myself a partner. My daughter is now 5 yrs old and negative. Another challenge is my weight. This really keeps me cold, but otherwise, I don't owe anyone a big body. Someday, I know I'll gain weight.

Tips for living well with HIV

I hope my story changes the life of an individual with the same status as mine that being HIV positive doesn't mean your dead. Wake up, this is the beginning of a new chapter. Face it with confidence. Adhere to your drugs, eat well🍛🍉🍞☕, do regular exercise and live a stress-free life.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The H-I-V.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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caseyh Community Admin

What a great share, Helen! Thank you so much for opening up about your journey. It must have been challenging navigating HIV from such a young age! What was that like? You've shared some powerful messages and experiences. We're so glad to have you in our community, and I know your daughter is glad to have such a strong mom. Wishing you nothing but the best! -Casey, <a href='https://h-i-v.net' target='_blank'>H-I-V.net</a> Team
1. Jake Community Admin
 
 HI <inline-mention user-id="2046652" username="lenahk" class="bp-suggestions-mention"/> - I'm so glad you took the time to share your story here. It is such an encouragement for others and I'm sure it will be well received and have a positive impact on others' lives. Since you mentioned eating well, what are some of your favorite healthy foods? - Jake (H-I-V.net Team Member)
2. lenahk Member
 
 Hello Jake, hope your doing well.About your question dear, when I say eat well I don't mean that I have meals that are favorite..I only maintain a healthy balanced diet with the little money I have.I don't go for favorites, I eat what God provides.
miguelr Member

I now the way you feel helen i been in that situation 3 times and all 3 of them didn't end up good im done now its not worthy growing feelings and when you ready to open up the result its going back where you started i Suggest to focus on yourself thats what i will do Thanks for sharing and keep up
1. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Member
 
 <inline-mention username="miguelr" user-id="2048462"/> Alafia (Peace) Thank you for supporting our community member. We appreciate you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Member

Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention user-id="2046652" username="lenahk"/> ,. I am certain that you and your journey will be an inspiration to many. Continue to share and push forward, standing in your truth. Khafre (Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Member

Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="lenahk" user-id="2046652"/>, I wanted to reach out to see how are things going with disclosing your status to potential partners? Please let us know. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Member

Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="lenahk" user-id="2046652"/> We all have challenges with disclosing our status, especially when it comes to potential new partners. We have to take the risk if we want to find happiness. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Member

Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="lenahk" user-id="2046652"/> Have you gotten more comfortable with disclosing your status? I think the more we love ourselves the more we can put ourselves out there to share our story of living with HIV. Please reach back out to let us know how you are doing? Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
CommunityMember4aed61 Member

I was diagnosed with HIV a year and a half ago. I was extremely scared when I got the word of my HIV. The hospital I was in, did not tell me exactly what was going on with me. The doctors kept telling my encifalitus was my problem. He didn't tell me I had AIDS. My CD4 COUNT WAS 95. I was extremely sick. They did put me on meds that got me better. Biktarvy and bacterium <a href='http://These meds got my Aids under control. I transferred from this hospital to another hospital with a special unit for infectious diseases. Once at my new hospital, I met an angel. She is the most compassionate person I have ever met. All HIV patients should have a doctor like her. Now my CD4 COUNT IS ON THE RISE, 275 LAST CHECK I NOW HAVE HIV!! I WAS SO EXCITED TO GET THAT NEWS. HIV IS A DISEASE. IT IS NOT GOING TO KILL ME. I TAKE MY MEDS EVERY DAY. EXERCISE EVERY DAY. I DO GRT LONELY HAVING MY HIV. IT HELPS TALKING WITH PEOPLE THAT ALSO HAVE HIV. MY HOSPITAL DOES HAVE HIV SUPPORT GROUPS. AWESOME!!
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 
 Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember4aed61" user-id="8643714"/>. Thank you for sharing your story and so glad to hear you found such wonderful doctor and your treatment has helped so much. Also, yes, support groups can make a big difference. I know that this community is not in person, but please know that we are here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member)