Concern: Living with HIV/Aids

Prior to reading and researching, I believed that the open society we live in today was as human as I. This is to say that after reading testimonies, articles and watching youtube documentaries the same theme kept reoccurring. HIV and Aids sufferers or carriers were being discriminated against in ways that I would never have thought was capable from adults.

Finger pointing, ignoring individuals, dis-respecting and name calling were just some of the things positive people have to live with. I would have expected that from a less educated generation and one that lacks knowledge, but with the internet, television shows, documentaries, campaigns and sex education, I WAS ignorant to believe that such information would change our stance on the subject. Unfortunately it has not. I have found that those young and old experience a form of rejection, and yes even from family.

As I sought testimonies of those belonging to individuals who said life was not as bad as they thought and that they had found support groups, I realised that I had created my own dream land. Its sad to say, but people are disowned and people are isolated. Please bear in mind that not EVERYONE lives this way, I just happened to fall upon stories that described such strong emotions.

I say all of this so that EVERYONE shows compassion towards EVERYONE. At the end of the day, we all bleed the same red blood, yet some believe otherwise. Let me share Emma's story with you

Stigma

"AIDS-related stigma refers to the prejudice and discrimination directed at people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and the groups and communities that they are associated with." http://www.avert.org/aidsstigma.htm

The stigma, in my opinion, has caused people to continue to deny that Aids and HIV exists. If you do not acknowledge that it has no boundaries, then can you recognize that there is an equal chance of you contracting it if you are not careful? If you have either HIV or Aids, can you come to terms with the news if you feel that society will reject you anyway? Not even society, but family and friends.

We have to remember that the bible says that (King James Bible) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. This means that you can destroy someone with just your words alone, hence why they call it mental abuse. The scripture goes on to say (paraphrase) that those who hear you words will consume it. So please think before you say anything.

Don' Testimony

I am so tired and scared I was diagnosed with Hiv. I should say full blown AIDS. I had no idea my doctor kept telling me I was anemic and that I should take some iron pills but I still felt so weak to the point that I could not walk. Finally I said there must be something wrong. I asked him if he had tested my blood for everything assuming everything was HIV but he told me I had to ask for that test. I didnt know now I was kind of almost to late my white blood cells were 26.

Any way its been six months now with the meds I'm up to 154 white blood cells. I feel like I might get better. But Im so scared of people touching me. My family they dont touch me they hide me away. They tell me not to touch the dishes, not to unload the dishwasher and other things. I think I could handle the disease but I can't handle life without human touch. I think that is killing me and my heart feels dead. I wanna be loved.

AVERT.org: It is most important to stress that you CANNOT get HIV from touching someone with the virus. You cannot get HIV from eating off the plates that an HIV+ person touches, or the food that they handle, or the bed that they sleep in. HIV is not spread this way - it is only spread through sexual fluids or blood getting in to another person's bloodstream. This CANNOT happen in everyday family settings, and there is NO REASON to be scared. There is no reason why an HIV-positive person should have to live the rest of their life without human warmth or touch. They are not contagious, and nobody should treat them as such.

http://www.avert.org/manstory.htm

Tara's Testimony

Hi,

My name is Tara and I just read some encouraging testimonies of living with AIDS. This is an Era of people who are living with AIDS instead of dying. I would like to share my own personal story.

I am a college student who loves to teach and play music. My goal is to become a missionary somewhere in Mexico. I'm from USA and reside in FL. I will turn 30 next month! Why is this such a celebration? I have been diagnosed with AIDS for 15 years coming this November.

I was 15 years old when I was told the news. I received a blood transfusion in 1984 which caused me to have tainted blood. My family didn't know about it until years later when I got sick in 1992. Doctors gave me six months. I think they stopped counting after I turned 21.=)

My family and I have gone through hard times with discrimination in early 90's and sometimes even now! Yet, it's by the grace of God that has pulled our family together. I have never dated anyone because I'm afriad to hurt someone. I would love to meet a Christian man who would love me regardless. I still believe in that hope.

=) My point to this story is don't give up on your dreams from a test. I have beaten so many odds and I'm still living my dreams. Keep your faith, stay strong with God and you will have a great life too. My other point is that AIDS can happen to ANYONE. Please be smart and protect yourself.

God Bless.

Tara

http://www.avert.org/womstory.htm

As you can see, there are different reactions to living with HIV and Aids.
Tomorrow, I will talk about the myths of HIV and Aids. This way we become more educated and learn that though the virus or disease is terminal, it doesn't mean the rest of us are excused from death, so while we are blessed with another day let us let go of pain and embrace love.