"My life became a whirlwind after that; medicines, another hospital stay, and having to fight my employer to have time off to see my doctor."


August 18th 2010—the date is still fresh in my mind. Before that date my body always felt tired, I would get sick constantly and just feel rundown. I was scared, I'd been in hospital twice in one month for a rash and chest pain at the age of 26 and that just didn't sit right with me. I was scared to get tested but I finally did. I was told that I was HIV positive.

At first it didn't seem to faze me, it almost seemed normal for some reason, like a light bulb went off "hmmm this explains a lot". The following day I went straight to see an HIV specialist and he took the necessary blood work he needed in order to see where I stood. Still I kept strong; my partner (HIV negative) gave me much needed love. I seemed ok with it all. But then about one week later I received a phone call from my doctor while I was at work. I can still remember when I realised then I actually had AIDS. I dropped the phone, and I cried; now I was really scared and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

My life became a whirlwind after that; medicines, another hospital stay, and having to fight my employer to have time off to see my doctor. Today I have celebrated World AIDS Day 2010 and I continue to celebrate life. I am stronger, still not quite where I want to be, but on my way up. I understand it's a long road ahead, but I know it's a road I must walk.

Omar

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