I just want to say that I feel so blessed to be a part of this blog. I have never felt so empowered since my diagnosis. This opportunity has provided me confidence and pride.
On March 10th, those of us in the USA will observe National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. As a woman living with AIDS, I experience a variety of emotions around "awareness days" like this.
I've fought depression for nearly 15 years and HIV for only 3. Over the past 15 years, I have consistently taken my prescription anti-depressant medications. But after being diagnosed with HIV 3 years ago, something stopped me.
Even though HIV is a part of my life, it doesn't dictate how I spend my time. I am very busy with my kids, work, and school. I am planning for my future.
Whatever it is that frightens me so much, I know one thing, while I'm here I'm going to live, live, live...and while I'm at it, do everything I can to stay healthy.
I'm still single and dating has become a nightmare overnight. I used to be comfortable disclosing to my "potentials", but not anymore.
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.
A month into my marriage I discovered that I was 10 weeks pregnant and HIV positive. My husband of one month tested negative.
As you all know, this isn't a perfect world. I came to realize this better the weeks following my diagnosis.
I'm the person who thought I would kick the bucket from addiction in that crack house, where I lived and died on a daily basis, seven years ago.