Leslie

In the November of 1995, I was diagnosed with a bad patch of shingles around my head. I had suffered with shingles previously as a boy, but this had cleared up with antibiotics within a few days. This time I was still suffering way after the drugs had finished.

I went back to my GP for further tests, and was told that it appeared that my immune system had broken down and they would like to do an HIV test. Rather shocked, I agreed, and was diagnosed positive the day before my birthday, which also happens to be World AIDS Day - 1st December.

I was told by my specialist at the hospital to try to avoid any stress, and was put on a high dosage of pills. My wife and family stood by me, together with close friends and extended family that I told soon after finding out about my condition.

However, the most unexpected and distressing problems were still to come. My GP, whom I had known personally and closely for twenty-six years, on finding out about my HIV diagnosis, sent me a letter telling me to find another local GP. My wife, three children and eighty-five year old mother were also asked to leave the practice in a similar way. My initial assumption was that the practice must be going private or my GP retiring. I made an appointment to see my GP and clarify the situation.

The events that followed made me sad to realise that when diagnosed with HIV you don't just have to deal with the physical symptoms of the virus. I was waiting to see my doctor when the assistant doctor came out and said that he would see me instead. I agreed and asked him why, after twenty-six years, I had been asked to leave the practice. He asked if I had been diagnosed HIV positive.
I confirmed that I had, as he well knew because he had my notes, and asked him what the problem was. He coolly told me that this was my doctor's practice and he could choose who he had on his patient list, and he didn't want somebody like me. My family had also been taken off the list in case I should accompany them into the doctors. I was so shocked I returned to the waiting room and said I would wait as long as it took to see my doctor so he could explain this to me himself.
Ten minutes later two police officers entered the surgery and asked for me by name. I confirmed whom I was and was promptly asked to leave as I was told that I was no longer a patient at this surgery and was therefore trespassing. I tried to explain that I was waiting for an appointment to see the doctor, but was once again and more forcibly asked to leave. Not wanting to be arrested I obliged. An hour later I returned to seek the explanation from my GP that I felt I deserved and once more the police were called before I could speak to my doctor.
The fact is you can't catch HIV by being in a waiting room with somebody that has it, and a doctor of all people should know that. What I needed from my GP was advice, support and medication and what I got was prejudicial and discriminatory attitudes from someone who should have been there to help me. And as a doctor I believe he should be setting an example to the rest of the community.
Six years later, having received the help I needed from more informed, AIDS educated people; I am stronger and healthier than ever. I am lucky, as I have received great support from my family, friends and work mates, although I know of many people for whom the stigma of HIV and AIDS has resulted in them still being isolated, ostracised and sometimes even disowned. It is this kind of behaviour that makes people with HIV too afraid to even seek treatment, and those at risk too afraid to go for testing.
Yet today, thanks to new treatments, it is possible for most people with HIV to lead full and active lives without putting anyone else at risk. If only people will let us.