So I'm totally new to this………I was looking for a place where I can "meet" other people who are HIV+ and live with the daily struggles, both physical and emotional, that go along with that. I'm at a place where I have decided to quit my job to stay home with my two boys so I can give them more of my time and also so I can simplify my life. The stress of being a single mom working full time was wreaking havoc on my immune system, more specifically my t-cells. I am hoping someone out there can relate to being an HIV+ parent and I can connect with others to share struggles as well as successes. I have found it difficult to find a support group so I'm hoping this will act as one for me. I think it's great that this site exists for people to share what is going on in their lives.

Quick history, I became HIV+ in April 1998. I was infected by my late husband who had it due to his being a hemophiliac and having been on blood products since birth. I wasn't officially diagnosed until Jan 2000, however. My husband passed away from AIDS in Dec 2001. I remarried and had another little boy in March 2004 and although I was positive when I gave birth to him by the grace of God he's perfectly healthy. I have only been on HIV meds since Nov 2009, which was when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. That is now gone but the effects of chemotherapy and radiation still plague me and my immune system. Up until that time my dr's believedI might be one of those "lucky" ones who never needs to be on meds. That would have been awesome!

So if anyone wants to chat………..connect………..I'd love to make some new friends who can relate to what it's like living with HIV. It is very hard for my mom and friends to understand how I feel sometimes. I have days where I want to wear a sign that says "Yah I'm HIV positive, what about it??"….. There is just so much stigma still attached to this disease that I am afraid to tell anyone and therefore keep it to myself with the exception of family and a very few close friends. That makes it harder sometimes though in my opinion.

Hope to hear from some people!!