I was only diagnosed 6 months ago, so cannot speak to long term experience. I just want to say that at first I felt my life was over. Then I found this site and read stories of people who have been positive for many years and are living healthy and normal lives. That helped take away a lot of my fear and anxiety. I’m on medication with no side effects, and am undetectable now, so I’m hopeful that I will be able to live a normal life for years to come. To all of you long term survivors, please keep sharing your stories. They help those of us who are new to this so much.

In 2006, I was 56 years old and diagnosed with AIDS. My CD4 count in the upper 100s and a VL above 2 million. I had been symptom free up until this point. I was started on Atripla and tolerated it well. A couple of years ago my doctor switched me to Biktarvy…which I have been tolerating well too. I’ve only missed doses a handful of times since then. I’m turning 68 this year, and haven’t had any health issues associated with the HIV virus. Actually, if I had to pick a pathology, HIV+ would be the one. I couldn’t be happier with my health care providers and love my doctor. I have been truly blessed and am grateful.

The meds work…if you take them. You’ll most likely live a long life and die from something else lol.

Forgive yourself. That's the first thing we do. Feel guilty. Find support. Talk to someone if possible. Make friends in this group or wherever. It's not the end of the world. Live.

I would say do some research about the HIV services in your area link up with HIV specialist find as much information as you can and find a HIV support group in your area it helps communicating with people who are going through the same thing that you are ( priceless)

I would tell them, it's going to be ok. You have to go through the tests and you have to take the meds, but in the long run, it is all going to be ok. You'll be able to live a 'normal' life, just take it a day at a time.