It's been just over a year since I was diagnosed HIV+ and getting on for a year that I have been undetectable. What a rollercoaster it has been.
One Year On
Don’t let HIV own you!
Since speaking openly about my HIV status, I have taken ownership of it. People can think what they like, but I haven't let it defeat me. And hopefully, by speaking out, it will help chip away at the stigma that is still all too prevalent.
The First Night Out
All of a sudden, I was on the dance floor, looking around and thinking I must be the only one in that room who is going through this.
Damaged Goods
After getting over the initial shock from the diagnosis, I became very aware that I was still a single man approaching 30. The only way I could describe the feeling was damaged.
Telling Friends & Family
Until very recently, when it came to telling people I was HIV positive, it felt like I was re-living my 'coming out' years all over again.
What is HIV
Information taken from NHS website. January 2019. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by … Continue reading What is HIV
The Start – Part 1
It was quite scary hearing the doctor talk about numbers in the millions. I'd started treatment and knew I was being looked after in that sense. But I felt like I was at the bottom of a very large mountain, and knew that mentally and physically I had a long way to go.
