Living With HIV

Last Updated on 01/10/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Hello Friends, I’m posting a health related post today. Hope you had a great weekend?

I will be taking about HIV and our perception of sufferers.

I cared for a man who was in his late fifties last week. He was diagnosed with HIV about eight years ago but over time deteriorated as he wasn’t taking his medications judiciously as required of him.

“Vivien you always treat me very differently” he said to me. “People are always in a hurry to leave my room but you take your time”

I told him I was only doing what was required of me. This gentleman was so frail and needed lots of persuasion. In my opinion, it was quite draining especially emotionally, as he at times declined most nursing acts and I could see he was weak. He would tell me he wanted to be left alone.

Genuinely, I think anybody ill will want to get better and would comply with medical advice but when I come across patients like this I tend to believe that they are fighting a battle with their condition and even the tiniest acts can upset them. My first day with him was challenging but days went by and I had him again.

He was happy to see me this time, like old friends, we stayed friends all through that day. I felt fulfilled and better compared to the first day.

As a health personnel, we all become very protective and extremely cautious when we know patients have certain conditions. Please don’t blame us because no one would want to jeopardise their health in the course of saving the lives of others.

Nevertheless, I will urge my fellow nurses, doctors and other health staff to show love and affection to HIV/AIDS patients. With standard precaution measures; which ought to be part of our everyday practice, one should be able to practise safely.

The condition alone is a cross for them, let’s not make it any worse. They know what they have, they wake up every day and the condition is still same, any act to take their mind of it is much needed.

I don’t want to stress much in this post about the stigmatisation associated with HIV, it still exists regardless of the numerous awareness programmes. Unfortunately.

I have previously discussed HIV/AIDS in details. The post outlined what HIV/AIDS is, it’s symptoms, prevention and stigmatisation. It can be found here.

I will like you to read that too.

I have a soft spot for this condition, I’m happy to discuss and answer questions. Do leave a comment or contact me if you are affected by this post.

Other health posts can be found in the health category.

P.S: Confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout this post.