Hello. I'm Michael, a long-term survivor with HIV, and an occasional AIDS educator and lecturer. I was diagnosed HIV+ in the mid 1980's, when few treatment options were available and an HIV+ diagnosis meant you would probably die of AIDS. A lot has changed since then. Where there used to be so many questions with no answers, now there appear to be an overwhelming number of answers. New treatment options have presented us with additional challenges to be faced. As a long-term HIV survivor, I've beaten tremendous odds. During this process, and over time, I've lost many friends to AIDS. But I've also learned some very valuable life lessons. In 1994 I left my job because I thought I was going to die, and for a long time I was extremely depressed. Several years later, when new drug combinations started working for me, I went back to work. I'm moving forward again, and reinventing my life. New job, new perspective, new friends, new hope, etc. But there are still so many issues to confront... toxic meds, side effects, planning for retirement?!
I hope this can be a forum for HIV+ people (and our supporters and caregivers)to "compare notes" on our experiences, treatment options, physical and emotional health, etc. I'd like for this also to be something of a cyber-support group for people like myself who are looking for others to talk to about HIV/AIDS, and the challenges of living powerfully for the long-term. A couple of good laughs would be OK too!