Question
I do not feel enough of a woman as someone who is HIV negative…
28 July 2016. Related: All topics, Side effects, Support.
What could happen if I take ten or more hiv meds at the same time?
I really need a break from this zoo called life…no reasons to continue living! Death is the only way out…I am tired of taking the pills… I’ve taken the pills since last year november 2015 and I’m tired! Its not like the drugs are not working but I’m just tired… I can’t live a life of restrictions…
I’m only 18 and I have yet to experience things but that is impossible because I’m not allowed to do certain thing or follow my dreams…I don’t feel like I’m woman enough, I don’t get to do what other HIV-negative women do…
Answer
I am sorry you are having such a difficult time with being positive and with the meds.
It must be very tough have to deal with all this at such a young aga – but it will also be making you a stronger person.
Is there anyone you can talk to about how you feel?
Talking to your doctor is especially important if your meds include a drug called efavirenz. Side effects of efavirenz include feeling tired, not sleeping well and mood changes that include want to end life.
Without you realising it, the meds could be making you feel this way and not you “real” self. So at least trying a different combination is important to try in case this makes a big difference.
Other than taking a pill or two each day, there is nothing that you can’t do just because of HIV.
This includes meeting partners and having a family if this is part of your plans. One study reported that being on treatment means you are unlikely to even pass HIV to other people.
It sounds like you are dealing with too much in isolation and might benefit from knowng other HIV positive young women. You are just as much a woman as anyone who doesn’t have HIV.
Taking extra HIV meds will not be good. Too many doses are not a good way to try to end your life.
Please tell your doctor that you are feeling like this.
Hi Botela,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. But it’s good that you’ve already started to take ARVs. That’s the best way to protect your health.
But it’s important to see your doctor about your red body rash. That’s because you need to make sure there’s not a reaction to the ARVs you’re taking. If so, you can ask for other HIV meds that will be easier for you.
It’s sounds tough for you at the moment. However, starting HIV treatment (ART) can protect your partner too. But that’s once viral load is undetectable.
Please ask your doctor or the clinic if they can give you support during this difficult time.
Hello I’m HIV positive I knew it it already 3weeks now and I’m scared to tell my partner a family but I star
Already with my ARV ,but sometimes I loss hope but I need to live
And today I so something different in my body like a rash all the body is red a I don’t knw what to do a doctor talk me to take a ARV for 6months I don’t knw what ll happen then help me pls its
Not easy atll to be alone it this situation and I’m scared to loose my partner I’m 30 years
I am sorry you are going through a difficult time dealing with being HIV positive and taking your medication.
I am writing as a woman living with HIV for 14 years. I have been taking medication since my diagnosis. The side effects from the medication were difficult to deal with in the first month. The side effects eventually settled down.
I also talked to my doctor about my side effects. My doctor changed some of my medication.
After my diagnosis, I met and talked to other HIV positive women helped and inspired me. I talk openly about being HIV positive. I have been able to talk to other women, young and old about living with HIV.
HIV medication really works. I feel my life is normal and similar to HIV negative women. I have a full time job. I am also a mother, grandmother and my family supports me. I have a nice group of friends some of who are also HIV negative who are all very supportive.
As a young woman, you can live your life as any other normal woman. You can have a career, relationship, family and anything else you may want to be. For the last five years, I have supported a young woman who has had two HIV negative children since her diagnosis. She is on HIV medication and her partner is HIV negative. Do not let HIV stop you from feeling like a woman.
I also have seen children born with HIV who have finished University and are living their lives like their HIV negative peers. Ending your life by taking medication is giving up on a full life ahead of you.
Please try and find a friend or an HIV support group to help you. Above all, you should also tell your doctor everything you are feeling.