Why You Should Know Your HIV Status: My Experience

My intention was to start this write up with the definitions, causes and symptoms of HIV, AIDS and PLWHA (People Living with HIV AND AIDS) and other headings that come with the train. However, it occurred to me that there is no one, in my opinion that is ignorant of these topics. Every tool of information dissemination throws the issues relating to HIV, AIDS or PLWHA to the public on a constant basis in the form of ads, seminars, health matters, events etc.

The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Nigeria and most part of the world seem to be on the ebb, thanks to Governments, Public and private Organizations and the most influential of all, the Media. In light of this substantial progress, there is a great need for everyone to know his or her HIV status. My reason for this request is not based on the need to heed the call of Organizations committed to contain the surge of this virus; rather, it is based on my personal experience.

Tow weeks ago, I visited a General Hospital to see a specialist regarding a lingering toe nail problem. Well, after my consultation my diagnosis was, (in lay man terms) an abnormal toe nail growth. Basically, my toe nail was growing under the flesh contrary to my assumption that it was a mere infection. Anyway, the Doctor stated that I would undergo a minor surgery to correct the abnormally and requested I do an FBC test (Full Blood Count) as prerequisite for the surgery. While I was waiting at the Lab for a nurse to take my blood for the test, I was asked by another if I would like to take an optional HIV test, and I said I wasn’t interested, but on a second thought I requested that the HIV test be conducted besides it was free and I knew I couldn’t run from taking test forever we’ll all have to do it at one point especially before marriage for we singles. Regarding the HIV test, I was invited to the Heart to Heart center, where counseling is given to patients before and post HIV test. I met one of the counselors and she did a good job in making feel less nervous about the outcome of the test. Since it was a Friday, I was asked to come on Monday for the result as it was multiple tests.

That weekend was one of my longest I couldn’t help reflecting on my indiscrete past and wished I never had to do most of them. Monday came and as God would have it my HIV status was negative. I felt so relieved like I just had a confession. I felt safe like there is one less thing to worry about and to remain so, my first port of call was the bank to withdraw from my lean savings to enable me purchase a clipper and a pedicure set. It’s quite ironic how I suddenly became cautious of HIV. After I got my result, at that point I resolved to be sincerely committed to play my part in keeping the virus at bay and also intensify my effort in helping PLWHA. Well as for the Sex part (which I bet you want to ask). Prior to my test I had already chosen abstinence till marriage not just for fear of HIV but as a result of my new found love with God.

Abstinence or sticking to one sexual partner might seem rather absurd to some, it holds a greater guarantee than condoms or any method your imaginative mind might offer. Talking about condoms, to be honest we tend to use it less often as we proclaim. I did sow a lot of wild oats and I can tell you a condom at arms length most times felt like a mile in the heat of the moment. Sometimes we more concerned of conquering the prey by skin diving than worry about infections or virus talk less of unwanted pregnancy.

Finally, just because mine turned out negative doesn’t everyone else result would be same. Well, as unfortunate as it might seem testing positive doesn’t mean the end of your life its only a slight change that can be comfortably managed. It’s better to know that you are HIV positive and learn to manage it before it develops to AIDS, and live a normal life rather than living in denial and dying in silence. Some ignorant will have you believe that there are a million and one things that can take a man’s life and AIDS is only one of them. Another will tell you it’s an invention or a blackmail to kill Sex make no mistake about it HIV/AIDS is real! Like I say its much better knowing that you’ve got one less reason to worry about death. Take an HIV test today!