Personal stories

For me there are a number of reasons why it is better to know. It relieves stress of not knowing and it allows me to be in control. Knowing my status allows me to make reasoned decisions regarding the sex I have. I am able to monitor the progress of HIV with regular check ups. I am not on medication yet and regular check ups make sure I am still healthy.

Stephen, aged 46

I was diagnosed fairly soon after being infected 10 years ago and this has enabled me to monitor progression. When it came to treatment I was well informed from the outset and as a result I have never had an AIDS Defining Illness, unlike some people I know who didn't take the test soon enough. As I knew I was HIV positive, I found I had options to access peer support groups and counselling, which really helped. There is more to HIV than the clinical aspects. Getting support really helped me to come to terms with my diagnosis and be confident about the choices I make regarding my health, both physically and emotionally.

David, aged 30

I tested twice in four weeks due to the fact that I had had unprotected sex. The test was negative, but the Health Trainer I spoke to gave me advice on how to stay safe and referred me to a mentor. I was over the moon about getting a negative result, but I realise I am prone to slipping up, so I'm getting help with staying safe.

Bill, aged 33

It took me a while to get the guts to go for a test. I think I must have gone to the door of Positive East at least three times before I went in. The sense of relief I got when I tested negative was just brilliant. I would say to anyone, just because you've taken risks doesn't mean you're positive, but you'll only know by testing.

Liam, aged 25

I wanted to take the test in Africa, however there was no treatment, testing was not accessible and I was concerned about confidentiality issues. When I came to the UK I was living in a hostel, but I found out where I could get a test. Of course the outcome was not what I wanted, but had I not tested, I would have been severely ill. I have been able to prevent any opportunistic infections by knowing my status. I could have died without knowing why. So I believe it was really good I made that choice myself. If you are coming to this country and making a new life, knowing your HIV status – either way, is part of that new life.

Maria, aged 29

I would urge all Africans to take the test. I had un-safe sex on more than one occasion – both here and in the Congo. I wanted to take the test for some time, but nerves and fear always got the better of me. Not knowing played on my mind almost daily, to the point where it was affecting my work and my concentration. I saw a banner outside St. John's church in Hackney, advertising rapid HIV tests for Africans' and decided test there and then. Within fifteen minutes I'd received a negative result and the relief was immense. I can't believe that I'd spent so much time worrying when I need not have. I intend to tell my friends and colleagues about this testing facility, as I know that some of them have the same anxieties around HIV. It feels so good to know and I feel empowered again.

Francis, aged 28

Knowing my HIV status gave me the opportunity to look after myself better than before. We take life and health for granted. I learned to look after myself. As a positive mother it made me think of my children's health – I had them tested. This has raised awareness of health in my family – my daughter even does HIV awareness in school. It is good to know that she will grow responsibly when it comes to her health issues.

Stella, aged 38

I had wanted to test for quite a while but always found a reason not to. Then, one day a worker from Positive East gave me a card listing the community clinics in Hackney. I must admit, I was nervous, but the worker helped dispel the myths surrounding HIV. He explained that whatever the result was, it would leave me in a position to make safer and more informed choices regarding my future health. When I received a negative result, it felt like an enormous weight had been lifted from my shoulders – one that had been there for some years. Now I know I'm negative, I can concentrate on staying that way. Thank you Positive East, I feel that I'm back in control of my life.

Ade, aged 28