My Positive HIV Test Story

I had the check-up at the clinic because I have heard people talk about catching STDs. They talked about HIV tests before the test. It was a quick finger prick test at first. I got my result very quickly, alone and I was expecting a - you are clean or fine result. But she calmly and sympathetically explained “… my rapid HIV test result is reactive."

The next thing I know I am going around in circles with stuff in my head, till now. My world fell apart – could not say a word for a while. Then they explained the test to me and I listened, but I did not hear anything else and then everything went blank.

I hope the test was wrong and or mixed up with some other person’s result. More blood was taken for more tests, she said it was because my result was reactive. She explained but I did not hear it. My time was up, and I needed to make another appointment.

What happens next?

After seeing the professionals and speaking to my best friend and partner with the support of my advisor still need to have regular sexual health tests including HIV to make sure I have not picked up another strain of HIV. I have added the responsibility to actively protect myself and others. This was stressful and difficult initially, but I am fairly used to it now. I stick to a health and dietary regime and I now cope better with the drugs. I am happier and healthier than ever and my CD4 count has never been better. My vaccinations are up to date and my new partner is HIV-negative, incredibly supportive, and non-judgmental, which helps me quite a lot. He has been through a grim time with me when my world was rocked some years back. All you need is early detection and initial treatment and the love and support of your close friends, and family and keep positive.

There are many professionals ready and waiting to help and advise you on accessing relevant medical and allied health and support services as follows:

  • Other Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Health Advisor
  • Social Worker
  • Counsellor
  • Psychologist
  • Dietician
  • Sexual Health Clinics
  • MyHealthnet and THT and most other HIV charities local and online
  • Others social supports networks all help to avoid risk-taking behaviour.

All these services and social groups are accessible and always there for advice and to help you deal with any concerns you might have. These experts can help provide the information and support services you will need to help you manage yourself and your condition now and in the future.

You can also choose to ask MyHealthnet for other ongoing support and opportunities within our services are open to all.

Insert an image

World AIDS Day is on December 1st

Don’t wait until then to get tested.

When was your last HIV test?

Please Support MyHealthnet’s World AIDS Day Programme Join our team to promote safe Sexual Health and refer people in need to our Garnet Clinic

Be Ready

  • I am repeating my test to mark World AIDS Day
  • There is no need to worry; you will get lots of help
  • Get Tested at Your Nearest Sexual Health Clinic!

Get Wise

  • Be Wise, Use Condoms ALWAYS and Stay Safe.
  • Tie a Red Ribbon to Remind People to Get Tested
Insert image

Visit us to learn more about us and Join us at https://myhealthnet.org.uk and https://myhealthnet.co.uk and https://myhealthnet.uk And on major social media platforms.

Looking for where you can have a test for HIV, Hepatitis or other STIs?

Download and complete the form then send it via the Contact Us form or by email attaching the completed form.

Or you could search for your area by clicking the link provided below.

Type of services I am looking for:

Access to PrEP Advocacy Counselling Drug user services Family planning Government Agencies/National AIDS Programmes HIV Testing HIV treatment centre Haemophiliacs Services Hepatitis C Testing Information Insurance International Organisations LGBT Services Legal Services Mental Health Services National Organisations PLWHA Organisations Paediatric care Professional Bodies Regional Organisations Research STI Testing Sex Workers Services Sexual Health Clinic Support and or Information Trans* people services Women Services Other

Photo Gallery

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Rem autem voluptatem obcaecati!
ipsum dolor sit Rem autem voluptatem obcaecati


Comments
Leave a Comment
Eric