TakingITGlobal - Panorama

Published on: Aug 31, 2007

Topic:

Type: Opinions

https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=15713

When I tested HIV positive three years ago, the first thing that came to my mind after the obvious shock was death. I saw it coming in just some few months. I cried, I felt sorry that I will die and leave my daughter alone, an orphan just like so many I have come across. Then after sometime, I gathered the strength and courage to move on, but not without the support of my friends and family.

Three years down the line and I am still strong. I am very grateful to God for this. I have met several people living positively, some on ARV’s and some not. Personally, I am not on ARV’s nor suffer from any complications and I will try my level best not to, not now when I feel I have so much to offer to my fellow youths!

When I tested positive, my CD4 was 648, then 543…..and God with this rate I was worried it would drop and drop and I would have to start the ARV’s. I had to find ways to boost it…..yes! I read as many articles as I could on HIV/Aids. I shared with my positive living friends and after sometime, I got the answer. I had to eat a balanced diet meal, I had to feed, really feed, exercise and relax my mind as much as possible (I would be cheating if I say I am never stressed…..but it has to have a limit) and of course not exposing myself to any form of re-infection!

With my CD4 now at 870, I can look back and say, I am fighting a good battle. God has a purpose for me, I am strong and everyday when I meet a youth, a mother, father, sister or brother who feels enlightened to know his or her status early, because it really helps, I give glory and honour to God. My prayer, as a youth, is that other youths may gather courage to know their status and to live positively whether they test positive or negative. Being HIV positive is not the end of the world!

« return.



by Grace
Published on: Aug 31, 2007
Topic:
Type: Opinions
https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=15713


When I tested HIV positive three years ago, the first thing that came to my mind after the obvious shock was death. I saw it coming in just some few months. I cried, I felt sorry that I will die and leave my daughter alone, an orphan just like so many I have come across. Then after sometime, I gathered the strength and courage to move on, but not without the support of my friends and family. Three years down the line and I am still strong. I am very grateful to God for this. I have met several people living positively, some on ARV’s and some not. Personally, I am not on ARV’s nor suffer from any complications and I will try my level best not to, not now when I feel I have so much to offer to my fellow youths! When I tested positive, my CD4 was 648, then 543…..and God with this rate I was worried it would drop and drop and I would have to start the ARV’s. I had to find ways to boost it…..yes! I read as many articles as I could on HIV/Aids. I shared with my positive living friends and after sometime, I got the answer. I had to eat a balanced diet meal, I had to feed, really feed, exercise and relax my mind as much as possible (I would be cheating if I say I am never stressed…..but it has to have a limit) and of course not exposing myself to any form of re-infection! With my CD4 now at 870, I can look back and say, I am fighting a good battle. God has a purpose for me, I am strong and everyday when I meet a youth, a mother, father, sister or brother who feels enlightened to know his or her status early, because it really helps, I give glory and honour to God. My prayer, as a youth, is that other youths may gather courage to know their status and to live positively whether they test positive or negative. Being HIV positive is not the end of the world! « return.