Diego

Diego, born 1986, gay, positive since 2014

I am an immigrant and originally from South America. The year I came to Europe and Germany, I found out that I was HIV positive. Without speaking the language, far away from my family, without a permanent job and with all the usual fears and insecurities that come with being a migrant, there was also a disease that I wasn't really familiar with. I thought it was the worst time in my life to receive such a diagnosis.

But it wasn't. From the moment I was diagnosed and until today, it is a disease I can live with very well. I have never had any kind of HIV-related symptoms or side effects from my medication (only one pill a day). My life is the same as it was before the diagnosis, I am still very sporty, live a healthy life and my sex life has even had a positive change. Because thanks to the treatment, the virus is undetectable and therefore untransmittable.

I think the first reason for my positive experience is that I live in a country where I can have confidence in the health system, the medication and medical staff. And the second and very important reason for my good experience is that I had a buddy. My buddy is my partner, with whom I have been able to exchange thoughts and sorrows and receive support from day one. The diagnosis has only brought us closer together as a couple, it helped us to be more open and we have the confidence to talk to each other about everything.

I want you to know that you are not alone either. I can be your buddy and you can count on me.

Kind regards

Diego