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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do you agree that "people living with HIV no longer even see their quality of life reduced, let alone life expectancy"?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Ystalyfera, UK

The above line in yesterday's Guardian surprised me, and I'd like to know what other people with HIV think of it. The journalist wrote, "With access to the right medical care, people living with HIV no longer even see their quality of life reduced, let alone life expectancy." In other words, having the virus DOES NOT REDUCE ANY person's quality of life OR their life expectancy.

This is a black and white statement, it's either true or it's false, there's no shades of gray in it, there's no use… read more

April 17, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a Guardian article claiming HIV no longer reduces quality of life or life expectancy, with most disagreeing and calling... Read more

Members responded to a Guardian article claiming HIV no longer reduces quality of life or life expectancy, with most disagreeing and calling the statement false. Several members shared personal struggles including neuropathy, muscle damage from medication changes, depression, anxiety, and the emotional weight of living with HIV for decades. A recurring theme was that while newer medications have improved outcomes for recently diagnosed members, long-term survivors and those dealing with medication side effects face real, ongoing challenges that the article's broad claim fails to capture.

A myHIVteam Member

I would say that my quality of life is good. The impact that HIV has on my life is minimal, other than some very expensive medications (covered by Medicaid). But, it took me a very long time to feel this way. It was a big skeleton in my closet, along with some other not so minor skeletons (homosexuality, addiction, anxiety/depression). HIV has the power to fundamentally change the way you see yourself. In spite of wanting to agree that HIV is not the life changer that it was, it still changed my life. It's easier to be objective about HIV with time on your side. 🤠

April 17, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

I would say the statement is inherently false. Yes, there is a lot more access to medical care now than ever before. But, quality of life is based on the person and how they are feeling inside, I believe. Getting diagnosed with HIV can cause many issues including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and a host of other personal feelings/ailments. Therefore, it takes a toll on the average person to improve those feelings and emotions after diagnosis. Also, depending on your lifestyle, HIV can wreak havoc on the human body, even today. So, whoever wrote that article, I would encourage them to do more research and get better educated on a more personal level with actual people who have HIV (such as people on this site) instead of only basing opinions off what is published in a medical journal.

April 23, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member - Couldn't have said it better myself. Luckily, my partner has an RN on duty 24/7. 🤠

May 4, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

Gabapentin 900 mg a day doesn't do a thing for my HIV toxic peripheral neuropathy

May 3, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

Thank you for sharing this ...how sad that people think we are not currently suffering everyday is a battle

May 1, 2023

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