Woman born with HIV praises Wolverhampton nurses for helping her be 'in a better place'
A woman, who was born with HIV, has praised the staff at the Embrace Sexual Health Service for helping her come to terms with her diagnosis
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The anonymous 28-year-old shared her story after World Aids Day (December 1) as she claims the Wolverhampton-based nurses and consultants helped her be in a 'much better place' about her status.
A woman who was born with HIV is sharing her story this World Aids Day after vital support helped her to be “in a much better place now.”
Speaking about getting support from the Multidisciplinary Team, she said: "I was born with HIV, but acceptance was something I struggled with for a long time. I tried to detach myself from my diagnosis by trying not to think about it. I would not take my medication and the thought of going into clinic was something I dreaded and would often miss.
"I felt like I was in an endless loop; a cycle I didn’t want to be a part of, and with each appointment the cycle would commence again."
But seeking support and care from Embrace was a turning point in her journey. She continued: "I feel seen and heard, not just as a HIV positive patient but as a HIV positive person. I’m in a much better place now.
“With their help, I am now in a place whereby taking my medication isn’t something I dread or avoid but instead I face it every day with a new mindset. Being HIV positive doesn’t define me.”
Stephanie Green, HIV Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “At Embrace, to ensure that patients’ care is specifically individualised to their needs, the HIV Service values the input of the Multidisciplinary Team.
“We are fortunate enough to have many specialised staff who make up this team: Consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Pharmacists, a Dietician, Occupational Therapists, a Clinical Psychologist and Health Advisors.”
Staff at Embrace can be spotted wearing the red ribbon this week, raising awareness for World Aids Day. It is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Anyone can get HIV, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person or contact with infected blood, like sharing needles.
Some people with HIV have flu-like symptoms a few weeks after infection, but many have no symptoms for years. If you think you might be at risk, it’s important to get tested early, as treatment works best when started sooner.
Embrace offers simple at-home blood tests for quick and easy HIV testing. To get more information about HIV testing, visit the Embrace Wolverhampton website.
