by Pozilady
Washington, DC
I am in my mid 30's and have been diagnosed since I was 18. I've been undetectable for many years now. I've had quite a few relationships since my diagnosis. Some rejections as well due to my status, but my disclosure allowed me and those individuals to remain very close friends with an insurmountable amount of respect for one another.
Nevertheless, the delight of my story is I have birthed a son who is over a year old now and HIV negative. His father remains negative as well due to Truvada! (And prayer!!!)
Originally, we used Truvada for him as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to a failed condom, but as our relationship grew stronger we mutually decided to PLAN to have our miracle child. See, my "Inf. Disease" doctor would always encourage me to have a child, stating "you are healthy, what are you waiting for?" So, my partner and I talked it over with my OB/Gyn doctor and asked his advise on what to do in case of a mishap and/or when trying to conceive. They both led us to Truvada.
Since knowing about PrEP, I have been able to help my son's father remain healthy, it's is absolutely wonderful for many reasons. It decreases the burden of possible guilt should one become negative on a count of me. Also, if we decided not to stay together as a couple we both could move on with our lives, and not feel forced to stay together because of a status.
Disclosure is hard, but it is a MUST. Having knowledge of your status, regular doctors visits and labs, keeping up with your numbers, staying on your meds and finally educating your partner is empowering!
Washington, DC
Nevertheless, the delight of my story is I have birthed a son who is over a year old now and HIV negative. His father remains negative as well due to Truvada! (And prayer!!!)
Originally, we used Truvada for him as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to a failed condom, but as our relationship grew stronger we mutually decided to PLAN to have our miracle child. See, my "Inf. Disease" doctor would always encourage me to have a child, stating "you are healthy, what are you waiting for?" So, my partner and I talked it over with my OB/Gyn doctor and asked his advise on what to do in case of a mishap and/or when trying to conceive. They both led us to Truvada.
Since knowing about PrEP, I have been able to help my son's father remain healthy, it's is absolutely wonderful for many reasons. It decreases the burden of possible guilt should one become negative on a count of me. Also, if we decided not to stay together as a couple we both could move on with our lives, and not feel forced to stay together because of a status.
Disclosure is hard, but it is a MUST. Having knowledge of your status, regular doctors visits and labs, keeping up with your numbers, staying on your meds and finally educating your partner is empowering!
Thanks for sharing a very intimate and personal testament of courage. I too believe that disclosure is a MUST, but education is the true key to a successful and healthy life.
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