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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 in the mirror after years on HIV medication, with most expressing self-acceptance and gratitude for their... Read more

Members reflected on how they look in the mirror after years on HIV medication, with most expressing self-acceptance and gratitude for their health despite changes like natural aging, weight gain, and some facial fat loss. Several members shared practical experiences, including using facial fillers with mixed results, managing weight through diet and exercise, and addressing dental issues that emerged during middle age. A recurring theme was learning to embrace their reflection, focusing on health over appearance, and finding peace with aging as a natural part of life rather than a side effect of treatment.

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

We all look our best when we’re healthy. Treatment made me healthier looking, and I feel fortunate to have aged 30 more years, causing that unexpected reflection in my mirror. I did have a little fat transfer surgery several years back to correct some facial fat loss caused by a med.

April 26, 2024 (edited)
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)

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