Elaine – Make friends with your hitchhiker

I’m in my tenth year. I mean I’ve spent this entire time waiting to die. This year has been the biggest turning point for me because I’ve reached the ten years. The way the news was broken to me was “I’m sorry you’re HIV positive, you’ve got ten years to live and you can forget about having kids.” Those were the exact words. They rang in my head constantly. But, I’m still here and I have two children, they’re both negative and they’re both beautiful. I have a partner who loves me and respects me and treats me well. The ten years in between has been hell in so many ways; I wouldn’t wish what I’ve gone through, mentally and emotionally, on my worst enemy.

Remember that you are strong

I never want to forget the hard times because they’ve shaped who I am. They’ve made me the strong person that I am, and I have to remember that I am strong. It’s very easy to get bogged down in your everyday life and forget that you can actually cope.

To actually remember “I’m a survivor, I’m living with HIV” is important. Make friends with your hitchhiker. Start a dialogue with your hitchhiker: “You can come along with me, but you’re not driving”.

• Don’t forget what you have been through. Our experiences can make us stronger.