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For many of us, the first year was just about surviving. But at some point, the clouds part and we start looking at the long game again—retirement, hobbies, and family. When did that shift happen for you?

April 9
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Answer Summary

Members opened up about when their mindset shifted from fear and survival to hope and future planning after an HIV diagnosis, with many... Read more

Members opened up about when their mindset shifted from fear and survival to hope and future planning after an HIV diagnosis, with many sharing deeply personal turning points that sparked a new outlook on life. Several members described milestones that changed everything, including becoming undetectable, finding a loving partner, expecting a grandchild, or simply waking up one day and realizing they were still here. A recurring theme was that reclaiming a sense of control, whether through medication, community, or love, was what made thriving feel possible.

A myHIVteam Member

Honay, when i kept waking up waiting to die and realized, " I ain't dying yet."

April 10
A myHIVteam Member

Planning for the future came for me when I met my spouse. Up to that point I always made a good living but I spent what I made and had very little savings. My spouse was the total opposite, he’s a saver and helped me to appreciate the importance of saving. So while a was working I started saving everything I earned and we lived on his income. I think planning our lives together has helped me to have a better future outlook.

April 9
A myHIVteam Member

Honestly I didn't start living until my 10th year.Everyone was dying like flies from 1990 - 2000.Being undetectable and new meds started after that. The meds back then had horrible side effects.Thank God everything changed.Hope and Life are real now.

April 10
A myHIVteam Member

I’m going to be 61 still look younger but I look at it this way give me 20 more years of decent health and I’m good to go 🥹

April 10
A myHIVteam Member

Wow, great question. As soon as I got the results, I joined this group.

My first question was when should I make the quilt square.

Responses were:
You must be new. You're not going to die of HIV while taking the ARTs.

That's when I realized that being positive is not just a diagnosis. It can be a lifestyle. So taking a pill once a day only starts the day. After that, it's about making everything a positive experience.

I also shut the folks down that are judgemental. I said that if I had to hear about people complaining about blood sugar, blood pressure and gout, which are all do to poor lifestyle choices; I'm gonna be ok about my disease from being good in bed.

April 10 (edited)

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