Living with HIV/AIDS has taught me afew things
May 29, 2011
I started treatment in June 2009 with a CD4 count of one (a normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1500 cells per cubic millimeter of blood)and low haemoglobin of 10mgl (normal values in an adult are 12 to 18 grammes per 100 milliliters of blood).
My names is Julia Kamara. I woud like to share my experience of living with HIV/AIDS and encourage people living with it
I started treatment in June 2009 with a CD4 count of one (a normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1500 cells per cubic millimeter of blood)and low haemoglobin of 10mgl (normal values in an adult are 12 to 18 grammes per 100 milliliters of blood).
So the doctors put me off food supplements and told me to concentrate on ARVs. After six month, in December 2009, I had to do another CD4 count and this time it had improved from 1 to 139. My doctor was impressed and said I was on the right track.
He kept on monitoring me and treating all kinds of attacks like candida, sore throat, fever and cough. He also encouraged me to eat well and have a positive mindset.
In June 2010, I had another CD4 count test and this time it had risen to 315. I was growing stronger and the skin rash was fading slowly. My doctor was so happy and he encouraged me to keep a right mind and attitude.
He said someone can live with HIV/AIDS and even look more healthier than one who is HIV-negative.
In December 2010, I did another CD4 count and my CD4 count was now 372, which the doctor said was in normal range.
My doctor told me to continue eating a balanced diet, drink enough water, take enough rest, exercise daily or at least thrice a week, maintain a positive attitude and keep praying.
He encouraged me to consult him if I had any discomfort or illness. This alone gave me more strength to carry on.
Today I am so blessed to be working, and waiting on a miracle from God to heal.
Lessons from my experience and advice to people living with HIV
Accept the fact that you are sick and you cannot reverse the fact
Change your mindset and live positively
Take your doctor’s advice seriously
Take your drugs on time
Eat a balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Watch the food supplements you take; some companies are just after making money
Believe in God always because He is the author and finisher of life
Keep away from people who want to bring you down
If you have a job, work with a vision
Live carefully and avoid being reckless and selfish
Learn to forgive whoever infected you with HIV, whether accidentally or intentionally
Learn to read self-help books for encouragement, forgiveness and happiness.
I started treatment in June 2009 with a CD4 count of one (a normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1500 cells per cubic millimeter of blood)and low haemoglobin of 10mgl (normal values in an adult are 12 to 18 grammes per 100 milliliters of blood).
So the doctors put me off food supplements and told me to concentrate on ARVs. After six month, in December 2009, I had to do another CD4 count and this time it had improved from 1 to 139. My doctor was impressed and said I was on the right track.
He kept on monitoring me and treating all kinds of attacks like candida, sore throat, fever and cough. He also encouraged me to eat well and have a positive mindset.
In June 2010, I had another CD4 count test and this time it had risen to 315. I was growing stronger and the skin rash was fading slowly. My doctor was so happy and he encouraged me to keep a right mind and attitude.
He said someone can live with HIV/AIDS and even look more healthier than one who is HIV-negative.
In December 2010, I did another CD4 count and my CD4 count was now 372, which the doctor said was in normal range.
My doctor told me to continue eating a balanced diet, drink enough water, take enough rest, exercise daily or at least thrice a week, maintain a positive attitude and keep praying.
He encouraged me to consult him if I had any discomfort or illness. This alone gave me more strength to carry on.
Today I am so blessed to be working, and waiting on a miracle from God to heal.
Lessons from my experience and advice to people living with HIV
Accept the fact that you are sick and you cannot reverse the fact
Change your mindset and live positively
Take your doctor’s advice seriously
Take your drugs on time
Eat a balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Watch the food supplements you take; some companies are just after making money
Believe in God always because He is the author and finisher of life
Keep away from people who want to bring you down
If you have a job, work with a vision
Live carefully and avoid being reckless and selfish
Learn to forgive whoever infected you with HIV, whether accidentally or intentionally
Learn to read self-help books for encouragement, forgiveness and happiness.