Why am I still here

By CommunityMemberd4cf44

1 min read

My name is Jonathan I'm 53 years old I was diagnosed with HIV in 1998.

After HIV diagnosis

I was incarcerated when I found out. I was upset, I thought that no one would ever want to have sex with me or even date me. I started hanging with the wrong people, I started using drugs to deal with my situation.

I'm still here

Well it's now 2022 and I'm still here. My cells are at 850 and I'm undetectable. I'm married, we just celebrated our 8 years of marriage. Well, that's me in a nutshell.

Interested in sharing your thoughts about living with HIV?

Share my experience

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LizGreen Community Admin
<inline-mention username="CommunityMemberd4cf44" user-id="4663490"/> this story really touched me. So many need to hear this as a way to see hope in the future, especially when newly diagnosed. It isn't always easy to share, but I hope you will continue to, because it makes a big difference to others. - Liz (Team Member)
CommunityMemberd4cf44 Member
Thank you for reading my story I hope that it will inspire others to manage living with HIV
Heather Renee Moderator & Contributor
I am so sorry that you struggled when you were first diagnosed. I think it is a very common situation for many people. Even in today's society, there is still such a stigma around a positive diagnosis. I can only imagine how complicated it must have been back in the 1990s. I am glad that you are happily married and doing better now! That is such an inspiration to many people, including myself. I hope you are finding support within our community here. Best wishes to you and your spouse. - Heather R (team member)
Lady Jerilyn Ward Contributor
WOW!! Congratulations!! What a wonderful testimony/story! Thank you so for sharing!
CommunityMemberd4cf44 Member
You're welcome
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace ( Congratulations. Good on you. That is exciting news. Your journey is an example for so many who believe their intimate parts of their lives will not go on after their diagnosis. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
CommunityMemberd4cf44 Member
Thank you
1. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberd4cf44" user-id="4663490"/> Alafia (Peace) You are so welcome. You are appreciated. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
2. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberd4cf44" user-id="4663490"/> Alafia (Peace ( Please stay connected to us so that we know how to continue to support your journey. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
CommunityMemberd4cf44 Member
Thanks for all of the positive support and too let you all know that I had a wonderful birthday this past Monday the good Lord allowed me to make it to see 54 years old and I'm still here and I'm still living with HIV I have HIV it does not have me
kalvinmarshall Member
Hi Johnathan it's great meeting you. We are Kalvin and Eunice married for 38years we were both diagnosed with HIV in 2007 at age 50 . It's 16 years later and we are also still here. Our purpose changed now we are a couple that advocates together spreading awareness about HIV and participating in HIV anti stigma awareness campaigns both locally in Houston Texas and on national campaigns too. We are glad you are still here and enjoying life .Many people struggle with finding the balance with living your best life as close to what we consider to be normal and thriving with your diagnosis. We thank you for becoming part of this website family and looking forward to hearing more from you. Eunice and Kalvin Marshall
Steven Campa Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="CommunityMemberd4cf44" user-id="4663490"/> That is so awesome to hear! Glad you are able to share this with us. - Steven (Team Member)