After my family doctor confirmed my pregnancy, he referred me to an OB/GYN. My husband and I were so excited. A mere three months after being married, we were pregnant! I went to my first OB/GYN appointment, with my proud husband by my side. The doctor performed the standard tests, including an initial blood workup, in which I was tested for hCG levels and STD's (like HIV and syphilis). I had no concerns whatsoever. After all, my husband and I had just been tested for STD's before we got married. We knew that we wanted to have children right away and had gone to the doctor together and...
katie06's blog
We had yet another birthday party in the office. Once again, I was assigned plates, napkins and forks. I really do believe that my coworkers are afraid of the fact that I have HIV and do not want to eat any food I bring in. In fact, I have tried to bring a couple of things in the past, like brownies and a pumpkin pie, neither of which were touched by anyone but me. It's shocking to think that these college educated people are so ignorant about HIV that they are scared to eat anything I make! One of the other girls in the office went through some serious health issues and I remember my boss...
As I sit here today, I am reminded of how precious life truly is for each of us. A recent tragedy in the family resulted in the all-too-soon death of a child from an automobile accident and the horrors of the earthquake in Haiti have made me realize that I am so blessed. I have been reminded of how short life can be and that we must appreciate each and every day. I must thank God for what I have and not worry so much about what I want. While I sometimes struggle with my positive status, I am still very blessed to be alive. In my time here on Earth, I have been given the opportunity to be a...
You know, I love the holidays, I really do. But a part of me dreads them as well. I love spending time with my family, both immediate and extended. But a part of me can’t help but feel so alone when I’m sitting amidst the family gathering. I can’t help but want to share my deepest secret…that I’m HIV positive. How is it possible to be in a crowd, yet feel so lonely. Wondering if they would still love me? Would they judge me? Would they accept me? While my immediate family is aware of my status, my extended family is clueless. I was diagnosed nearly three years ago and yet I still can’t share...
December 1st is World AIDS Day. While I should be happy that the world acknowledges the day, I am a bit disappointed. My disappointment comes from the fact that World AIDS Day is just that - one day. Only one day! I live with this disease every day! I sometimes get frustrated that HIV/AIDS is allotted one day, while there seems to be an entire month dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Every October, as I walk through the grocery store aisles, there appears to be a product on every shelf in pink packaging, signifying that proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research. Why isn’t there...
This time of year, we reflect on what we are thankful for in life. Some of the things I am thankful for include my family, my home and my job. But I am most thankful for my son. His joy, beauty, and the sheer happiness he brings, completes me. I believe he also saved my life because it was during my pregnancy that I was diagnosed. I realize that all too often people don’t learn they are HIV positive until they are sick. My husband and I were so fortunate to discover our status while we were still relatively healthy. I feel this has given us an advantage against the disease that others are not...
As I check my facebook page, I notice all of my friends appearing to have a great time, some single and partying, others married and living the "typical" family life. All awhile, I stare blankly at the page wondering what happened to my life. Is this really what God intended for me? Apparently. Am I truly strong enough to handle this? Of course I am; I have to for my son. He is my reason for focusing on life and the day to day struggles. Each night, as I lay down next to him, I see the most beautiful sight I've ever seen, my child. A child given to me by the grace of God. I will not only...