Vialet's Story

My name is Vialet and I am originally from Africa. I live in the UK now. I tested HIV positive in June 2005. I felt I had to go for the test when my husband began losing weight and looking terribly ill. I knew he would not agree to an HIV test so I decided to be brave and go first. I knew my results would probably indicate his, because I only slept with him and was negative before. I have been sad and worried about it for so long.

He went for the test on the same day and also tested positive. It has taken him some time to talk about it but our health worker has really helped and now we can do something to improve his health. I dread to think what would have happened if we had left it later. Although it has been hard, I am glad we both know, so we can plan for the future. In some ways it has eased my mind because at least I know and can try to do something, rather than just watch him getting ill.

We went to a local HIV community group which was very helpful for us both. We met other families living with HIV. It was a group for Africans living in the UK and there were people from all walks of life. I think it really helped my husband to see everyday people and talk to them about their experiences. We even found out a neighbour nearby was also HIV positive and my husband no longer felt so ashamed.

To all you HIV positive brothers and sisters, just take it one day at a time and remember, it can happen to anyone, there is no need to feel ashamed, people will help you if you let them.

Daisy's Story

My name is Daisy and I discovered I had HIV a few years ago now. I had a strange mark on my chest that kept growing. I went to see a surgeon and had a biopsy done. He said he wanted to speak to me and asked my Mum to be there. I had Kaposi's Sarcoma, it is something that can be found in end-stage AIDS patients.

My head was spinning. I decided to have an HIV test to be sure. When I got the results I remember thinking that it was a nightmare and I wanted to wake up. My family sat around and cried for me. I put the pieces together and now understood why I had been so very ill the last year.

I went to see an incredible infectious disease doctor and he was my light. He gave me my first ray of hope. He said it was no longer a death sentence, instead, a chronic disease and with a healthy lifestyle and medication, I could very easily live to be an old woman.

My fears were because of my ignorance; I didn’t know I could get so much help if I went to the right place. After taking medications for the first month, I noticed so much difference. My doctor believes my viral load will soon be undetectable. I just wish I’d have done something sooner, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten so ill.

I have my life back and enjoy it again, even though I have to take medicines. I'm even dating. I feel so much better...emotionally, spiritually and physically, and so can you!
My outlook on life is different, I was so ill before. If I’d have found out earlier I might not have gone through all that.

Charles's Story

My name is Charles, I’m 33 years old and I live in Doncaster. I have had a wonderful year. I never thought I would be a father. My wife is HIV positive too. I never dreamt that one day somebody would say we could try for a child. We discussed it with our consultants. The child had follow up treatment to make sure she didn't get her mother's antibodies and she is now one-year-old, healthy and HIV free.

Anon

I am 24 years old and I live in Johannesburg. I found out my girl cousin had HIV last year in October and was very angry for a while. My anger was directed towards her for keeping her own family in the dark when we could have helped her. We have talked to her and she is now getting the help she needs.

After that, I found out that my brother is also HIV positive but he is going to be ok and is taking his medicine regularly. This news shattered my world at first and I kept blaming God for all the wrongs in my life. Only now do I realize that it is no one's fault. My family was affected by our ignorance. We can now support each other through our troubles. Stop the stigma and shame, it is time we just cared for one another. I was amazed at the amount of support we have been able to find.