What would you think if i told you i was hiv+?!
Question:
What would you think if i told you i was hiv+?
Answers:
Maybe the same thing you'd think when I tell you that I've got Hepatitis C {which is true}. Want to know how I got infected? By sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia with infected people way back when I was a heroin junkie. Why I got Hepatitis C and not HIV? I haven't got an answer for that; maybe just plain luck, or immunity developed by being exposed to many infectious diseases during my career as a nurse. Of course, we who are infected by Hepatitis or HIV, or who have been substance abusers are stigmatized for life {in my case, sometimes I feel like I've got the words "heroin junkie", "prostitute", "Hep. C positive" tattooed in my forehead for everyone to see}. But it's nothing to be ashamed of; diseases and addiction make no distinction as to educational level, socioeconomic status, or sexual preferences. Right now, the Psychiatrist that helped me overcome my addiction is a homeless, terminal-stage AIDS heroin addict himself. But in my mind, he's still the compassionate doctor and loving human being who didn't reject this "fallen nurse" when I was in the same situation he is now.