This could have happened to anyone

[peregrine]

I am newly diagnosed and had to do a lot of catching up on HIV advancements. While relieved to see that HIV is no longer a death sentence, I am displeased to see that much ignorance and stigma exists, epecially in the heterosexual community, (of which I am a member.).  Some idiot told me the other day that I deserved this.  Well, okay, I deserve this because I had unprotected sex.  I could have used a condom, but I didn't so I accept the fact that due to my ignorance I became infected.   
I want to scream, "hey, this can happen to anyone.  Have you ever, ever, ever had unprotected sex?  Well, then you could be +, too!"
Man, we still have  a long way to go.  We need to keep pressing forward for a cure.  I don't care if the medication will help me live forever as long as I keep taking it.  I DON'T WANT TO TAKE MEDICATION FOREVER.  I mean, we need a cure, not a panacea.  The politicians are not talking about it, the schools aren't talking about it.  The poz heterosexual community is not coming forward, het people are still thinking that this is a "gay" thing.  It's unbelievable.  I wonder how far this pandemic will spread before the world wakes up and handles it like the disaster it is.  Oh boy, and now they call it "manageable" so that will serve as another excuse to decrease AIDS funding

[BT65]

Peregrine,

Welcome to the forums.  I wouldn't generalize the whole heterosexual community, however.  I know quite a few hetero's who are + and they don't believe it's a gay disease.  I also know hetero's (some, members of my own family), who aren't HIV+  who don't believe it's just a gay disease.  I guess you're making that assumption based on the people you know. 

Anyway, I'm glad you found us and I hope to hear more from you. 
  Luv,
Betty

[HereIAm]

Dear Peregrine:

Welcome to the forums. 

I completely understand what you are saying.  In fact, I have been telling my friends:  "Look, if this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone!"  I mean, anyone.

My ID doctor told me that she is hesitant to really openly say how good she thinks the newer medicines are because she fears less funding and less new development. 

I am still very new here.  So, I have not completely thought through all these things.  I am still just thankful to not be dead or have a death sentence and am finally feeling a bit better.  So, I will likely have a lot to say on this issue in a year or so.

Regards

[Joe K]

Hey Peregrine and HereIAm,

I would encourage you both, to post on those subjects that interest you.  It does not matter how long you have had HIV, the only thing that matters here, is that you are poz.  One of the great strengths of these forums, is the ability to draw members worldwide and in doing so, we share a wealth of information.  There are no stupid questions, so feel free to ask your questions, or to share your hopes and fears.

HIV affects us all differently and that is why these forums are so special.  We all share the same types of hopes and fears and you are now a part, of a very special community.  This is really one big family, so when you need us, please do not hesitate to ask.

[Moffie65]

I want to scream, "hey, this can happen to anyone.  Have you ever, ever, ever had unprotected sex?  Well, then you could be +, too!"

Just one thing I would like to point out about this statement.  When you scream this, follow it up  by explaining that if they haven't had regular HIV tests over the last 10 years, they too could be HIV+ and never know the difference.  Outside of my very severe seroconversion in 1983, I didn't become really sick until 1994.  There are so many out there who are walking around infected and don't know it, that we are really dealing with a catastrophic pandemic if people don't start taking responsibility for their own health.  Talk about stealth!!

I trust you will settle in soon enough, so just keep it real, and stay in contact as Joe has said.