True life stories of people living with HIV/AIDS
Janine Brignola remembers the exact moment that she became pregnant, and although unplanned, she had never been so happy.
“I took a pregnancy test the day before my 24th birthday and spent my birthday singing and playing pool with my girlfriends at my father’s house instead of hitting up a bar. Although afraid what my future would be as a single parent, I was excited. I knew that despite being alone I would be the best mommy possible.” She says.
The first couple of months went slowly and comfortably, however at the end of her third month, the doctor informed her he wanted further blood testing and she thought nothing of this. She suspected signs of gestational diabetes – which would not affect her child. She never considered that the information she would receive would be life changing. She was HIV positive!
In another scenario, Life is great! Says Julie, “I’m twenty seven years old and have my life ahead of me. Have started a new job. Have my own home. I’m involved in lots of community projects.” She later picked up a stubborn flu that had her off work for 2-3 weeks.
Later on, the flu returned, but also vomiting and strange rash. Doctors thought it’s viral. She runs tests, all negative. The doctor insists on an HIV test!
The doctor asked her if she thought she had ever been exposed to HIV? “No! I’m in my second sexual relationship, we were using protection and when we decided to stop, I was STI free and he assured me he was too. The first test is ‘indeterminate’ and we decide to re-run the test. A week later I ring the doctor and she tells me I should come in right away.”
One life-changing sentence: “I don’t know how to tell you this, but the test has come back positive.” She told Julie and she got into a shock. She couldn’t think of anything but: “I am going to die”. She didn’t believe the doctor when she told her she was going to be OK. “How could this have happened? The penny drops. I grab the phone, called and told him what has happened. He is floored and doesn’t know what to say. I break all contact. Too much distrust. I visit my family and between sobs tell them what has happened. They are upset and shocked, but hold me as I cry.”
Two years on, Julie’s life and attitude is very different. Yes, she had some bad times, struggling to get her head around HIV. She grieved for her old life and self. She felt guilt, anger, and that she had been cheated. What did the future hold for her? Who would want her now that she was HIV-positive? She taught to herself.
“While I am not yet on treatment, the thought that one day my immune system might become too damaged to fight the virus sometimes feels like a weight hanging over me. But I’ve found strength and, using the support offered me, regained my self confidence and self worth.”
“I now know I am not going to die and that I am, in fact, in pretty good health. I am stronger, more confident and have a new zest for life. I have changed jobs and now work in the HIV sector. This has helped me deal with being HIV-positive, and given me a way to give something back and to help others.”
Most importantly, Julie now has a new partner. He is a beautifully understanding man who accepts her for who she is, loves her unconditionally and supports all that she does. “He is HIV-negative. I am lucky. My family and friends are very supportive. Many other HIV-positive people cannot say the same thing. While there have been many improvements in the views about, and support for, HIV-positive people, I still get shocked by the lack of knowledge and awareness of HIV and STI’s in some sections of the community. There is still so much work yet to do.” Julie says.
Adding that “I want others to know my story so that they think about and make informed decisions about their sexual health. I want my story to help reduce the discrimination and stigma that HIV-positive people face. And I want other young positive women to know that they are not alone. Yes, HIV is life-changing and it does not discriminate. But it is also manageable, and, most importantly, avoidable. Be informed about your sexual health and that of your partner, because protection really is everybody’s business.”
AIDS is the stage of HIV infection that occurs when your immune system is badly damaged and you become vulnerable to infections and infection-related cancers called opportunistic infections. When the number of your CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3), you are considered to have progressed to AIDS. You are also considered to have progressed to AIDS if you develop one or more opportunistic illnesses, regardless of your CD4 count. During this late stage of HIV infection, people with HIV may have the following symptoms:
• Rapid weight loss
• Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
• Extreme and unexplained tiredness
• Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
• Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
• Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
• Pneumonia
• Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
• Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders
KEMI AJUMOBI