Surviving 20 years
Last updated: May 2023
After surviving the 70s and 80s in NYC and repeatedly testing neg, I kind of thought I was immune.
Getting sick
I got really sick but my doctor didn't respond to my needs and I got pneumocystis pneumonia and then Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Viral load was 489,000. Of course I'm on meds now, but when I miss my meds, I get sick.
Access to medication
I miss meds cause my hiv doc doesn't keep my ADAP certification current, switches to PAF, and confuses me. Who else was already sick upon diagnosis?
Thanks to all and I am grateful to be alive right now.
Interested in sharing your thoughts about living with HIV?
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.

Community Poll
Have you shared your story on our site?
Join the conversation