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I came here from a Third World country, where it was taboo to even discuss HIV in public over 10 years ago. I brought that stigma with me and as a consequence have lived in isolation for so many years. Its hard to teach an old dog new tricks! Where would I even start looking for support groups in Fort Worth - what is my starting point? I am so excited that I can actually communicate with you all on this site! Thanks a million...
I remember me disclosing to family and it was the best thing I could have done at the time because I felt cheated out of life due to my circumstance of infection but I also knew if I didn’t tell someone I would have did the unimaginable . You are right, you can adapt and you will find that easier as you might think. Society will either make u stronger or break you. So stay in the positive realm. I know much more than I did 6 years ago and none of it made sense then. But this too can be overcome. Your story is similar… to my own and many others with slight differences. I have learnt that keeping those who support you even if it is just one person, yourself not excluded in your corner can make things a lot stress free… Blessings to you and I hope that find comfort and peace to get those nights together… you will be okay.
To suggest that your reality; both day and night is unique would not be responsible. Alternatively, to suggest that your experience is like everyone else would also be irresponsible. What I will say is this: your life will ebb and flow with the news of HIV as you make adjustments. It is imperative that you use this time to actively engage social support related to HIV as well as science. The combination of those two things will help allay those fears that creep up in the night. In my experience as someone who has been an educator, writer and trainer on the science of HIV as well as 19 years of living with HIV myself, the more you learn the more your days and nights will be peaceful. And once you are ready to disclose, disclosing will simply be another stage in your development. The way we help others is sharing our story. There are those waiting to hear from you and definitely need to know that they too can be overcomers; just as you are. The rest of your life awaits full of possibilities. Greatness is yours.
I am 47 years old and live in Fort Worth TX. I have known that I am positive since 1992. My immediate family knows, but not my work mates or my church or friends. I find it really lonely. I have been on POZ personals, Match.com etc etc but I'm scared to actually have to date and disclose! It would be so so much easier to date someone who is already walking in my shoes. Does anybody out there know of any dating sites that actually work?
karry
Hi and thanks for sharing your personal experiences. I called my mum from the clinic as soon as I got my results and her words to me were: you are my daughter and I llove you, HIV+ or not. My immediate family knowS, as well as some close friends. Its been well over four years now, and I am doing great..and so will you! All the best! K.
August 17, 2011