As an HIV positive person who has worked in HIV education and advocacy for the past 7 years, I have already felt the impact. My partner started PrEP as part of a research study. We are doing well with minimal side effects and continuous safer sex behaviors. On the other hand, I often hear young people around me speak of PrEP as a protective barrier and not as a supportive measure. I am unsure how it is advertised but, from what I hear, people have been using it as a "get-out-of-jail-free...
Positive Talk
May
Submitted by: Darrell
I think it's too early to say at this point. There are so many unanswered questions, and much will depend on the conclusive findings of the numerous studies that are currently underway. I can confidently say that it wouldn't have any impact on my practice of disclosure.
At this point,...
May
Submitted by: Jackie
PrEP does not impact my life. As someone living with the virus I use protection not only for myself but to protect the person I am having intercourse with. I am relieved that the world has not given up on finding ways to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV. A method in which people who do not...
May
Submitted by: Richard
PrEP is a prevention method for those at high risk to reduce the chance of contracting the HIV virus. This prevention method is where the high risk individual takes medications that are used to treat HIV and this prevents the spread of the virus. It has been found by the CDC to highly reduce the...
May
Submitted by: Tinera
For me personally, being married to a man who does not have HIV, PrEP is a great idea if the person you are involved with sexually is willing to commit to taking a medication daily. However I think being in a monogamous relationship and being safe by using condoms is a viable option.
May
Submitted by: Jahlove
As an HIV positive person and health educator, PrEP can impact my life in positive and negative ways. If I were in a relationship with an HIV negative individual PrEP would serve as helpful secondary line of defense to protect my partner from contracting HIV. Of course the first line of defense...
May
Submitted by: Haynes
“Everyone stumbles over the truth from time to time, but most people pick themselves up and hurry off as though nothing ever happened."-- Sir Winston Churchill
I am usually less judgmental but I guess that's not the space I'm in today... PrEP is all about unprotected sex - and while I...
May
Submitted by: Vivian
As an HIV positive person PrEP does not impact me. I always practice safe sex using condoms because I feel safer knowing that I will not pass or get any kind of venereal disease. With condoms I feel that I can enjoy my sex life without endangering anyone. PrEP may help reduce the risk of...
May
Submitted by: Lois
I care most about protecting my family and friends from HIV. For me, if there were ever an incident that occurred where I could accidentally infect someone that I loved and they could use PrEP, I'm happy to know that it is available to save them from HIV. I want them to be able to use PrEP to...
April
Submitted by: Miriam
Self-respect affects living with HIV because of the first word, "self." In order to be an effective and prosperous you, loving yourself is the first step. When you love yourself, you want to take care of yourself (taking your medications, being conscience of eating habits and exercise) and you...
April
Submitted by: Darrell
I think regardless of your HIV status, living with self-respect will obviously contribute to your overall quality of life. If you respect yourself, and value yourself, you're likely to make healthier choices, because you have a sense of self-worth, and the belief that you deserve to be healthy...
April
Submitted by: Chavon
As an active role model in the HIV community, individuals look up to me as a proud, healthy and self-respecting person living with HIV. Maintaining a positive face means remembering what has helped me get to where I am today: my treatment, regular doctor appointments, keeping on schedule and...
April
Submitted by: Al
If you don't respect yourself then the odds are you will not take care of yourself the way that you are supposed to. I have depression and it is hard for me to respect myself and others. In saying this, I know that there have been times when I missed my medication – is that respecting myself? I...
April
Submitted by: Jackie
I can take it back to before I contracted HIV. I was powerless and had no self-respect for myself. I lived a life of prostitution mostly due to being addicted to drugs and alcohol. My self-respect was actually in the toilet. I lost all morals and respect for myself and others. My careless...
April
Submitted by: Patrice
One definition of self-respect is: proper respect for oneself, one’s character and one’s “worth” as a person. After my diagnosis, there was no proper self-respect for myself, my character or my self-worth as a person. My life had completely changed and I felt no longer the self-respected person...
April
Submitted by: Jahlove
Having self-respect matters so much when you’re HIV positive. When you have self-respect, living with HIV, you value your healthcare more. You make sure you take your medication if you're on medication, make your doctor’s appointments, use condoms when having sex so you won't infect others or...
April
Submitted by: Tinera
Self-respect is very important whether you are HIV positive or negative. The definition of self-respect is: due respect for oneself, one's character, and one's conduct, and for the dignity of one's character. Believing that you are good and worthy of being treated well. Being proud of who you...
April
Submitted by: Vivian
Self-respect is very important when living with HIV. As a transgender woman, I feel that I must show younger generations that it is possible to live with this virus and still be a human being. I maintain my health and my dignity. My family and friends love and respect me for it. They’ve...
March
Submitted by: Louise
I have to say yes, Dr. G and I have a very good relationship. We have gone through a lot of hard times but he has gotten used to me and I with him. Not only do I frequently visit my doctor but I also have the support of a great medical team.
Let me tell you about Doc- he loves helping...
March
Submitted by: Tree
I do believe the relationship with one's provider could influence treatment. When mistrust, doubt, and fear of judgement are a part of the patient/provider relationship, this can greatly affect the level of communication. In most instances, less questions are asked and less information is...
March
Submitted by: Lois
My relationships with my doctors are everything. There are some things I feel that I can only talk to my doctors about, so I have to trust them. I tell them everything including the pain I feel in my body, weakness that I am having, and any issues that I am having with my medication. They know...
March
Submitted by: Haynes
"Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." -- Stephen Covey
While I have a great relationship with my physician – he doesn’t influence my treatment adherence. I remember once he told me that if I didn’t take my meds as...
March
Submitted by: Al
Of course my relationship with my doctor influences my adherence to my medication. If I did not trust my doctor then I probably would not take the medication. But I think the relationship with my doctor goes beyond just my physical being, I have had him as a doctor for 10 years or so.
March
Submitted by: Kim
I just transitioned from pediatric care to adult care within the last year, which was one of the hardest things to do when you know you have a good doctor who you’re comfortable with. But I knew I couldn't stay in pediatric care forever since I'm 26 and hanging around 14 year old kids. When I...
March
Submitted by: Mark
At the end of the day my health is ultimately my responsibility and not my doctor's. My treatment is most important and I stick to it no matter what. So no, my relationship with my doctor does not influence my treatment adherence. My doctor and I don't always agree on my course of treatment. I...
March
Submitted by: Vivian
I have a very good relationship with my doctor. Before starting new medication I ask around and learn what I can about the various medications available out there. If I didn’t have a relationship like I do with my doctor, I would have to say I would probably be less inclined to stick to my...
March
Submitted by: Jahlove
My doctor definitely influences my adherence to treatment. When my doctor first introduced me to medication, I feared it because I had heard of all the side effects it can have on my body. As a background dancer, model and health educator, I live a very upbeat life and don't want any medications...
March
Submitted by: Miriam
Confidence in my doctor plays an important part in my adherence because without absolute trust in your doctor, there will be a gap in communication. This lack of communication can cause major health problems, especially if you are already experiencing complications that require the doctor to run...
March
Submitted by: Tinera
My relationship with my doctor is so important to my adherence. With my doctor’s knowledge, skills, and today's advanced technology in medication I’m able to properly follow my regimen and prevent resistance. Resistance to medication is very serious and ultimately prevents the medication from...
March
Submitted by: Jackie
I started treatment and began seeing my doctor in 1996. Through it all, he’s always encouraged me to keep an open mind because we would work together in finding the right regimen for me. Since then, I have been on five different regimens. That’s not to say that I didn’t experience problems, but...
February
Submitted by: Jahlove
I encourage anyone who is struggling with their treatment regimen to talk to their provider and explain what complications they’re experiencing. Hopefully, the provider can come up with a solution that both fits this person’s schedule and lifestyle.
February
Submitted by: Annette
Once you’ve decided to start a treatment, try not to stray and stay on that path. If time management is a concern, then take your medication at the same time every day and try not to miss any days. Remember, this virus is very smart and is always looking to mutate or multiply. You do not want it...
February
Submitted by: Haynes
We are each unique beings with a unique path in life. If we wish to be fulfilled, we need to go to our own hearts for direction. We might regularly ask ourselves:
• "What do I really want to do?"
• "What brings me greatest happiness?"
• "How can I bring more of these into my...
February
Submitted by: Jackie
Let me ask you this, If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? I started medication in 1996 when it required more pills than today to be treated. I would feel nauseated and have the runs for days but it comes with the territory. Building a rapport with your doctor is very important. Letting...
February
Submitted by: Darrell
I'm one of the lucky folks who is on a one-a-day regimen of Atripla. Even with the convenience of one pill, taking it was still an adjustment in the beginning. I found it was helpful to get a pillbox with the days of the week listed (just like the one grandma has). That way I could easily see...
February
Submitted by: Marcus
Try using an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to take it. If you continue having trouble, try finding a friend or family member for help
February
Submitted by: Vivian
To those people who are starting a regiment, please be patient. It’s going to take some weeks to adjust. You may have some side effects but in the long run you get used to them. It will be well worth your while and save your life too. Stay strong, have faith, and always keep looking good no...
February
Submitted by: Mark
My advice is to make sure you take your medication on time every day, get your proper rest, maintain a good relationship with your doctor and, most of all, pray. If you’re still breathing, God definitely has a plan for you.
February
Submitted by: Chavon
I have been HIV positive for 14 years. I have struggled and fought many battles to get where I am today. At first, I knew nothing about HIV. I thought I was going to die. Going to my doctor’s appointments and being adherent with my regimen just wasn’t a concern of mine because I felt embarrassed...
February
Submitted by: Al
I can be bad at taking them but I find having my friends or partner reminding me daily to be helpful.
February
Submitted by: Kim
When I was pregnant and taking my medication, I would put my meds in a pill case that was attached to my key ring so I can remember and I didn’t have to pull out a big bottle when going out.
February
Submitted by: Tinera
In my experience I find it helpful when I set my cell phone alarm, maybe the same could work for you.
February
Submitted by: Tree
For me, taking my medication has always been something that I wanted to do. This is because when I first found out I was HIV positive I met a lot of people who weren’t in the best health. Ever since my first bottle 5 years ago I have been 98% adherent and am still on the same regimen. For those...
February
Submitted by: Richard
My advice is to pick a certain daily routine and take your meds then. So for example I take my meds at bedtime, it’s hard to forget to go to bed. I have a friend that takes his after dinner every night. But remember, what works for one might not work for everyone.
