Hi... I am HIV and Hep C +. Just found out not that long ago. But strange enough I'm not that scared. I know that God has a plan for all of us, and I guess this was mine. I started dating my fiance about 2 years ago, and after about 4 months he finally told me he was HIV +. He didn't think I would react well to this, so he had a very hard time telling me. But it didn't even matter, it didn't effect the way I looked at him or treated him. He transmitted the disease through a blood transfusion in the early 80's, so in know way was it his fault. Before I met him, my life was gray (I guess that's the only way to explain it), and he made me see that life can be good. After he told me he was HIV + I started to look at everything around me differently and appreciate it all a little bit more. He has had HIV for 25 years and is in perfect health, with an undetectable viral load. So this gives me hope, and I know he may not be around with me forever, but the time I have with him is so beautiful that it doesn't matter. I love him unconditionally. It was my conscious decision to contract the disease. I believe that it is not how long you live that matters, but the quality and outlook that you live your life with. Knowing now what I do, I would not change a thing that has happened in the last two years. It may have made my life more complicated, but I know that when I met him I was going down a very bad road, and he turned me around.

But just one question for anyone who wants to answer... what is your outlook on life now that you HIV+? Has it changed in a positive or negative way and can any of you guys relate to my situation? And I know this question is going to sound so raw of compassion, but how long can you live with HIV and please be detailed...

Thanks everyone:)

Hello. It's good to see that you have such a positive outlook. I guess the best way to answer your question is how would you describe your lifestyle. Stressful? Do you eat healthy? Do you excercise? Also do you smoke or drink regularly? All those aspects can dramatically affect how long you can expect to survive. But generally speaking if you take good care of your body, do what your doctor recommends and take your medications properly when prescribed its not unreasonable to believe you can expect to live a very long life. Upwards of 30+ years is not unreasonable. But keep in mind scientists are continuing to research this disease and great strides have been made especially in the last 10 years. Perhaps in 10 more we may even have a cure. Just remember to stay positive.

It was my conscious decision to contract the disease


Why?

I decided to contract the disease because I wanted to be able to have a completely normal relationship with my fiance. I wanted to be able to deal with the problems that he has faced, and to know first hand how he felt through all of his problems. Please don't criticize my decision, I was just looking for some answers to those couple questions and to share my positive outlook on life with some people. Understand where I am coming from when I say that life is about how you live it, and you cannot live it being afraid:)

Wow Chris never expected such a reponse from you but I have to say I agree with every word you have said. There are millions of people around the world who would give everything they have just to get rid of this disease and you voluntarily get infected to share with your husbands misfortune??? Well it may be thoughtful of you to a degree but you do realize you are now also in for a lifetime of suffering that could easily have been avoided.

Why Iin The Hell Would He Let You Do That?!?!?!?!


WHY would he not stop you from doing this...I'm in tears right now...this is unreal. So completely unreal...how could he go along with this. Where was your HEAD?!?!

I don't understand how anyone could do this. So many people wish and pray to GOD that they don't have this disease and you go and infect yourself on purpose?!?!? ...ON PURPOSE? And, he goes along with this because he LOVES you?


You made a terrible, terrible mistake. I'm sorry, but I can't understand this.

Why wouldn't you ask these questions before you consciously contracted the disease? Why now? Why do you want to know now? This isn't like deciding to move to Miami. This is your life...you cannot change this. This is real life, honey - not Wonderland! What happens if you break up?! Are you mentally prepared for this? Or maybe it just doesn't matter if you break up.

I think there is a line that should be drawn between feeling compasion and sympathy and support for your loved one, your husband even, who is HIV +, and feeling the desire to share the disease, but is it not -statistically speaking- much more likely that he will now pass away sooner than you, and though you may feel like sharing the disease brings you closer on a level now, it scares me to think of what will happen if indeed you're left alone.
I admire that you're thinking positively, but i'm frightened. Especially as I'm waiting night and day on pins and needles for results to come in, and here i know of someone who contracted it wilfully.
I suppose what I've just said has already been said by many, including Chris who I wholeheatedly agree with, but i just find it absolutely outrageous that you, and HE, chose to do that.
I understand that whats been done is done, so in many respects there is no point in telling you that I do not support your decision. However, and though this might be risky to say, this is a group of people who are focused on learning how to deal with the disease, and learning what risks exists, and who are focused on stopping the spreading of it.