I was diagnosed with HIV five years ago. I caught it after being in a hospital. Since I had been celibate and never done drugs. A nurse, now in prison, used contaminated equipment on purpose on patients, making many Ill. It was on international news. Doctors say I will die without treatment. But I have refused them. It's been a difficult journey. I don't trust drugs or medical field. It hasn't yet turned into full blown AIDS, but, I know if this happens, I'm gone.

I never knew I was positive, but was so scared to be positive. When I started developing some symptoms, I visited a doctor and was positive. But that's when life began for me. HIV is not the death sentence it once was.

HIV is not the death sentence it once was. It is now a life sentence - without the possibility of parole with the HAART meds being a lifetime commitment and with being a responsible sex partner and taking appropriate precautions to prevent the transmission of infection.

I have had HIV now for more than 20 years, and I find that if you take your medications on a regular basis, you can live long, long time.

My best friend has been living with HIV for over 15 years. He takes his medicine. He exercises. He eats regularly and like many others you would never know he has HIV. I love him. One of the greatest resources besides getting tested and getting early medical treatment is having a support system.