My story

By Jon22358

1 min read

Hey everyone I'm Jonathan, back on February 2nd I was scheduled to get lab work done at my doctor's office.

An unexpected result

They did the CBC (complete blood count) and CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel). They found out I have ITP (Idopathic thromcytopenia purpura) and while I was getting other lab work done, they did a HIV test and it back positive.

How has HIV changed since the 80s and 90s?

I grew up in the 80s and 90s and lost family and friends during that. I have been taking things day by day. I have been in and out of the hospital due to complications of the ITP.

Interested in sharing your thoughts about living with HIV?

Share my experience

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LizGreen Community Admin
<inline-mention username="Jon22358" user-id="4569729"/> , I am so glad you reached out. I can't imagine how difficult it was to go in for routine labwork and get this unexpected result. The good news is that you are here in a nonjudgmental space and we can help you see how HIV treatment has changed since your friends and family in the 80s and 90s had their experiences with HIV. I am sure you are thinking of them a lot. What kind of information can we help you with? Being newly diagnosed and figuring out your treatment (especially when you are also dealing with ITP) can be overwhelming but we can help. I wonder if something <inline-mention username="Jahlove Serrano" user-id="2046741"/> shared might be helpful: "To me, being HIV positive in 2020 means a health revolution. For a long time, the HIV community was treated like a walking biohazard. So many people living with HIV were afraid of being in a relationship or evening having sexual partners for fear of transmitting HIV to their partners. But now that it has been proven scientifically that if an HIV positive individual is in treatment, in care, and maintaining an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit the virus sexually to their partner. This has been music to my ears. To know this information means we, as in the HIV community, are liberated from the fear, living our best lives." Please keep us posted on how you're doing and let us know how we can help. - Liz (Team Member)
caseyh Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Jon22358" user-id="4569729"/>! Thank you so much for sharing your story! My teammate Liz said everything excellently, but I just wanted to let you know I read your story as well and I'm thinking about you. I'm so sorry to hear about the loved ones you've lost, but I'm glad to read you're taking things day by day. That is the only way to get by sometimes. Please keep us updated on everything if you're able. I know ITP can be hard to manage, let alone alongside another issue like HIV. Thinking of you and sending best wishes your way! -Casey (Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="Jon22358" user-id="4569729"/>, A great deal has changed since the 80's and 90's. I was diagnosed in 1989. I have gone from taking 21 pills per day to just one. So the biomedical advances are great. There are providers who specialize in HIV care and treatment. I am living my best life. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="Jon22358" user-id="4569729"/> So sorry to hear about your ITP and your experience with hospital visits. I lived through the late 80's and the 90's with HIV. Much has changed but most importantly is through meds. Fevered with better outcomes. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) <inline-mention username="Jon22358" user-id="4569729"/> How are you feeling these days? We hope that you and your provider have found a resolve for your health? Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)