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• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Gaining power and strength >> Gaining power and strength

Gaining power and strength 

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• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 31-35 >> Interview 14 >> Explains that when things seem terrible things do tend to get better.

He believes dealing with multiple difficulties in his life like HIV has made him stronger. He takes Fosamprenavir, Ritonavir, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine (6 tablets once in the evening) with few side effects.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 36-40 >> Interview 13 >> Talks about how he has had to struggle and fight in life.

He currently takes 4 antivirals (AZT, atazanavir, ritonavir, tenofovir) after suffering severe side effects from other combinations. His viral load was low and he attributes his good health to taking responsibility for his own wellbeing.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 20-30 >> Interview 49 >> He became empowered following a HIV diagnosis that was difficult to cope with at such a young age.

Clint progressed to Aids defining illnesses relatively quickly. Fortunately, combination therapy had come in by then, and his original combination (Combivir, efavirenz and nelfinavir) is still effective today.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 46-55 >> Interview 04 >> He found he had the strength to deal with life difficulties like the death of his partner.

He was taking saquinavir, ritonavir, tenofovir, and ddI with few side effects. He was also taking Prozac for depression. He had an undetectable viral load. Counselling has helped him to cope.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 36-40 >> Interview 03 >> He was referred to a physical exercise program involving Pilates that helped him regain strength after illness.

Has slowly built up his strength since his illness, becoming highly expert in HIV. He did extensive self-development work on himself. He has 870 CD4 cells and currently takes nevirapine, abacavir, and lamivudine with minimal side effects.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 41-45 >> Interview 30 >> Explains how African men's support groups can play a 'magical' role in building men's confidence and strength. (Read by an actor.)

He was admitted to hospital with a high temperature and headaches where he was diagnosed with HIV. He negotiated his current treatment regime with his doctor (Kaletra and efavirenz), (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 41-45 >> Interview 08 >> Has to keep strong for her family despite multiple tragedies and becoming HIV positive. (Read by an actor.)

Now on anti-retroviral treatment (3TC, lopinavir, ddI), she is feeling much better and has returned to work. Her current CD4 cells are 400. Religion is important to her positive attitude. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 36-40 >> Interview 13 >> Drawing from his 10 years of experience, he summarises his advice about the life 'journey' for people living with HIV.

He currently takes 4 antivirals (AZT, atazanavir, ritonavir, tenofovir) after suffering severe side effects from other combinations. His viral load was low and he attributes his good health to taking responsibility for his own wellbeing.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 31-35 >> Interview 18 >> Talks about accepting as well as 'fighting' HIV so as to support health & wellbeing. (Read by an actor.)

Her current combination of abacavir, AZT and 3TC has few side-effects. She feels much better having started exercising and improving her diet. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)