Recently, I came across a heartbreaking story on Facebook. A young man took his life, and antiretroviral drugs were found in his room. He reportedly left a note saying he was tired of using the medication every day. That story stayed with me because it highlights how heavy this journey can feel when someone carries it alone.
At the beginning, taking ARVs is not always easy. The routine can feel inconvenient and overwhelming. But with time, it becomes part of daily life.
For me, I see my medication as a vitamin. Something that keeps me alive and well. Some people experience side effects at first, but many find that their bodies gradually adjust and things become easier.
We need to change the way we see these drugs. They are not poison. They are miracles pressed into tablets. I have seen people reject ARVs, calling them harmful, only to return after trying other options that did not work. The truth is that these drugs saves lives.
We need to change the way we see these drugs. They are not poison. They are miracles pressed into tablets. I have seen people reject ARVs, calling them harmful, only to return after trying other options that did not work. The truth is that these drugs saves lives.
To everyone living with HIV, I encourage you to look at the brighter side, even when it feels hard. Optimism may not come easily, but as long as we are alive and breathing, there is hope. Science continues to advance, and the possibility of a permanent cure is not out of reach.
There are many other health conditions where people take medication every day for life. HIV is not unique in that sense. We should be grateful for science. Years ago, people would have given anything to have access to the treatment we now have.
I know the journey is not easy. I remind myself of this truth often, and I share it to encourage anyone walking the same path. Keep hope alive. You are not alone.
If you are HIV negative, the best thing you can do is to remain negative. And if you do not know your status, one of the best gifts you can give yourself in 2026 is to get tested and know your status.
Thank God you mentioned that it's not only positive people who take drugs everyday. My brother did a surgery to remove his thyroid gland and he will be on medication for the rest of his life. It's the stigma that kills people
ReplyDeleteYou are doing an amazing job dear😘
ReplyDeleteLET ME REPEAT D ABOVE.
DeleteU'RE DOING AN AMAZING THING. THANK U.
I'm on BP medication daily n will be for ever..Once i stopped it for weeks. At d ER i was told , i was 7 hours away from Heaven...Pls Bless us LORD.
I love your awareness colum.Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to ur writeup.Nice one
ReplyDeleteAn awesome job you're doing here,well done
ReplyDeleteI usually post under this column. I am positive. I've been for the past 30 years. How i cope with the drugs, i tell myself.... shebi i bathe everyday, brush my teeth everyday etc so what's the big deal about a pill everyday. I guess the big deal is that , if you miss it you are endangering yourself. I chose a time to take it that is convenient, set my alarm so i don't forget, bought a small pill box so i don't have to carry the actual bottle around and risk it been seen and recognized by a third party. I have made my peace with it. I guess the problem is the stigma and its main mode of transmission. That is what gets to people. The important thing is self management and also financing is important. I use a govt establishment and always make provision for my HIV expenses ( drugs, tests etc) . I go to one that is far away from my locality to limit the chances of running into anyone i know. Truth is ... till today, many people and even those you would think are enlightened still have their misconceptions about HIV . Its something you keep to yourself. Clinics encourage us to tell at least one person. If you know you have no one around you that you can trust, its best to keep it to yourself. If asked what you are drinking, just say supplements after all, supplements are a fad now and are a good excuse. I guess some people are not mentally or emotionally strong enough to handle some issues of life alone. As they say, e no dey show for face. I meet different people at the clinic every time i go and you would swear with your life that they don't have HIV. The number of people out there with it is larger than we think.
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DeleteNo matter the challenge, never walk alone. People who take antihypertensives or inject insulin daily don't come these fatal conclusions because there's what's support. A virus should not define your love and support for your fellow human being.
ReplyDeleteNo matter the challenge, never walk alone. People who take antihypertensives or inject insulin daily don't come these fatal conclusions because there's what's support. A virus should not define your love and support for your fellow human being.
ReplyDeleteYou gave such a good analogy of a miracle in a tablet that will help to enlighten so many people.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is your strength poster
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thank you 🙏
DeleteIf there should be a cancer drug I guess pple will be happy and know that HIV now is like treating malaria. Years back pple died bcs there was no drug so they shld count themselves lucky to have a drug now that can manage it. Writer thanks for your enlightenment.
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