Question

Am I at risk if I have not been on treatment for 10 years?

12 April 2024. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Starting treatment, Stopping treatment, Support.

Hi my question is I found out about my HIV status 12 years back and I didn’t start medication directly, I was in shock still and my fiance already left me.

Later after 2 years I started medication for 5 months and because of the way my family started treating me bad after they found out. I stopped taking meds. Up to today.

I thought am gonna die anytime but am healthy no symptoms, I never got sick for about 10 years with no medications.

Am I still in danger and I have been in different r/ship none of them got it?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks for your email – and for sharing your story.

I am sorry you have been treated so badly and that you disconnected from care because of this.

Please do contact a clinic again so they can test your current CD4 and viral load results.

It sounds like you have just been very lucky to have not become ill over these years. Even if you feel well now though, your CD4 count could be very low and you could easily become very ill.

Whatever your family said then, HIV treatment is now very advanced. I would hope that stigma is less now. But even if not, please don’t let what your family said stop you having access to the meds that can save your life and keep you healthy for many years.

The doctors at the clinic will want to help you so please contact them.