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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.

I was diagnosed in November 2025, but I didn't think I was infected. I went 10 years without knowing, and it was too advanced. I've already started ART.

Me diagnósticaron noviembre 2025, pero no pensé que estaba infectada, llevo 10 años sin saberlo y demasiado avanzado. Ya comencé el TAR.

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Buenos Aires, Argentina

But how much time do I have left?

Pero que tiempo me queda?

January 15
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members responded with warmth and encouragement to someone newly on ART after a late-stage HIV diagnosis, offering hope that recovery is very... Read more

Members responded with warmth and encouragement to someone newly on ART after a late-stage HIV diagnosis, offering hope that recovery is very much possible. Several members shared personal experiences of starting treatment at advanced stages, including very low T-cell counts and serious weight loss, and going on to become undetectable and feel healthier than they had in years. A recurring theme was that taking medication consistently, leaning on your HIV specialist, and not giving up are the most important steps forward.

A myHIVteam Member

You may have a lot of time. I had 7 or less T cells a viral load that was out of control. This was over 15 years ago.
It also depends on what other issues you have. A lot if us here would say we should be dead. Myself included. Here we are going into another year. don’t give up.

January 18 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

Take your medication and you'll see how you improve, eat well and trust that you'll be okay 🙂

Toma la medicación y vas a ver como vas mejorando, aliméntate bien y confía que vas a estar bien 🙂

January 17
myHIVteam

How long do I have to live after starting ART with an advanced infection?

It’s understandable that you feel worried, but there’s good news: even if you’ve been living with HIV for 10 years without knowing it, starting ART now can make a huge difference.

People who start antiretroviral treatment, even in advanced stages Show Full Answer

How long do I have to live after starting ART with an advanced infection?

It’s understandable that you feel worried, but there’s good news: even if you’ve been living with HIV for 10 years without knowing it, starting ART now can make a huge difference.

People who start antiretroviral treatment, even in advanced stages, can live long and healthy lives. With modern ART and consistent daily use, many people are able to control the virus and achieve a life expectancy similar to that of people without HIV.

The most important things now are:

- Take your medication exactly as prescribed, without skipping doses
- Attend all your medical appointments to monitor your progress
- Keep your viral load under control until you reach undetectable levels

Most people can reduce their viral load to undetectable levels within three to six months of starting ART and adhering strictly to the treatment plan. Once you achieve this and maintain it, your quality of life can improve significantly.

There's no single answer to "how much time is left" because everyone responds differently to treatment. The important thing is that you've already taken the most crucial step: you've started ART. Focus on taking care of yourself every day and working with your medical team.

¿Cuánto tiempo de vida tengo después de comenzar el TAR con una infección avanzada?

Es comprensible que te sientas preocupada, pero hay buenas noticias: aunque hayas vivido con VIH durante 10 años sin saberlo, comenzar el TAR ahora puede hacer una gran diferencia.

Las personas que inician el tratamiento antirretroviral Mostrar respuesta completa

¿Cuánto tiempo de vida tengo después de comenzar el TAR con una infección avanzada?

Es comprensible que te sientas preocupada, pero hay buenas noticias: aunque hayas vivido con VIH durante 10 años sin saberlo, comenzar el TAR ahora puede hacer una gran diferencia.

Las personas que inician el tratamiento antirretroviral, incluso en etapas avanzadas, pueden llevar una vida larga y saludable. Con la TAR moderna y tomándola consistentemente todos los días, muchas personas logran controlar el virus y alcanzar una esperanza de vida similar a la de personas sin VIH.

Lo más importante ahora es:

- Tomar tu medicación exactamente como te la recetaron, sin saltarte dosis
- Asistir a todas tus citas médicas para monitorear tu progreso
- Mantener tu carga viral bajo control hasta alcanzar niveles indetectables

La mayoría de las personas pueden reducir su carga viral a niveles indetectables entre tres a seis meses después de comenzar el TAR y seguirlo al pie de la letra. Una vez que logres esto y lo mantengas, tu calidad de vida puede mejorar significativamente.

No hay una respuesta única sobre "cuánto tiempo queda" porque cada persona responde diferente al tratamiento. Lo importante es que ya diste el paso más crucial: comenzaste el TAR. Enfócate en cuidarte día a día y trabajar con tu equipo médico.

January 15
A myHIVteam Member

I was right on the threshold of Aids. My HIV was advanced and I was very sick. After three months on my medicication I was undetectable. The medication is truly life saving. I am now 6 months post diagnosis and I feel better than I have in years. I have gained 40 pounds and look like my old self again. I had already developed wasting and had lost 60 pounds. Take your medication as prescribed and you will do great. I know how hard it is to have hope in the beginning when you are so sick. I thought I was going to die but now I see that that's not the case anymore. You will survive this and thrive.

January 18
A myHIVteam Member

Público

January 17

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