I would like to share my story.

[lordelc]

To begin with I am a husband and a father of three of the best children in the world. Last November I was admitted to the hospital with a severe case of pneumonia. The day after I was admitted I went into respiratory failure and they has to incubate me for seven days and put me on life support. I was in the hospital for a total of 3 weeks. While I was in ICU they drugged me up so much and nothing was working and finally they tested me for the PCP bacteria (which is only found in HIV or cancer patients). I tested positive for this bacteria and they stared me immediately on other medicine to clear it up. It finally worked and I was out of ICU in two days not knowing what happened. After further Tests i tested positive for HIV. Let me just say that I have been faithful to my wife the whole 17 years we have been married so we are really confused as how this could happen. After speaking to the doctors we have found out that i could be from one of the many root canals that I had done or dental work or one of the many operations that I had. You would think that doctors in this day and age would be more careful. the doctors said we may never know how I got it, but we just need to deal with it so that I can be here for my family.

When I left the hospital my cd count was at 4. Now it is at 98(almost 9 months later). I thanks god everyday that I am here. At this time my viral load is undetectable. We have past the state of confusion of how this happened and rely upon our faith in god to pull us through. The only people that knows about this is my wife and my in laws. We have pretty much keep this to ourselves because we know that there is a stigma with being HIV+ and that is that it is only a gay mans disease--We have learned that it is not. I anticipate living for along time even though the medicines are very expensive. We hope that one day there will be a cure. We have our good days and our bad days, but i guess that is expected. I just wanted to share with you my story and let you all know that everything will be OK.

[structuredjen]

It sounds like you have a wonderful wife and an amazing source of strength in your faith.  Thank you for sharing.  I wish you and your family the very best.   

[Fabrizio]

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, we all have bad days and good day when it comes to coping with Hiv. Your family seems to be very supportive and that's going to help you greatly!

[SecretKeeper]

Wow.  Don't know what to say other than I wish you and your family the best.  And that you can continue to be strong for each other.

[xyahka]

thanks for the story.... i wish you keep on getting better. Hugs.

Juan Carlos