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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.

When you look in the mirror

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
St Louis, MO

In your opinion when you look in the mirror comparing yourself before you started HIV medicine and after taking it for a period of time do you feel you looked better before treatment or after when you look in the mirror??

April 26, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members reflected on how they look and feel after years of HIV treatment, with most agreeing that the biggest changes they notice are natural... Read more

Members reflected on how they look and feel after years of HIV treatment, with most agreeing that the biggest changes they notice are natural aging and some weight gain rather than anything directly tied to medication. Several members shared personal ways they cope, including finding joy in exercise as a form of meditation, practicing self-acceptance, giving themselves grace, and leaning on the encouragement of loved ones. A recurring theme was a quiet sense of resilience, with many members expressing that after years on treatment they have made peace with what they see in the mirror.

A myHIVteam Member

Is their something specific you notice. I've been on medication for 7 years now as well as undetectable. The only thing I've really noticed is some aging, and some weight gain. Aging- side effect of time, weight gain can be both - medication and time. Lol I fight harder to keep the weight off, but I've learned to enjoy exercise over time, it's kind of my meditation time now. So what might you have noticed? Remember, we're our own worst critics as well, I could obsess just about anything I see in the mirror. 😉

April 26, 2024
A myHIVteam Member
April 27, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

I feel I look great, I have to totally watch my diet which is annoying as frick and getting the grays on the side but all in all happy with myself.

April 27, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

I’ve got good genes so every one in my family looks 10 to 15 years younger then they are so I got genetics on my side. At least I got something on my side so far HIV didn’t take that away yet

April 26, 2024 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

I think I let myself get fatter cause it made my face more fuller and my belly lol but I was miserable. Tried the fillers on my checks even my doctor who recommended the creep was piss cause he rip me off and the result lasted nothing. Now I choose to stay the way I am and who ever likes me find and whoever doesn't have a nice life. That's me in the mirror and I am fine with me.

April 26, 2024 (edited)

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