Dean's Story | Print |  E-mail

Written by Dean G, who is living with HIV/AIDS.

In June of 2002, I went to see my doctor because my stomach was hurting and I was always running to the bathroom. The doctor put me on some antibiotics and suggested that I take a HIV test. I agreed to the test. After waiting two weeks, I returned to my doctor for the results. Though I was sure the test would come back negative, it was positive. I had HIV.

I was given a sheet of paper with some phone numbers on it, and they sent me home.  I cried all the way home, thinking that my life was over and I needed to make arrangements for my demise. Finding out I was positive threw me into a tail-spin. I felt deeply depressed, suicidal and withdrawn from my community. For years, I did nothing. It was as if I was in limbo. I wasted time that was crucial; I could have been finding out that I was not alone. There were a lot of people out there ready to support and guide me through this very difficult time in my life.

In February of 2006, I finally worked up the courage to search out a support network. I found out about an HIV+ men's support group that met in Corvallis, and I joined the group. I wish I had done so when I moved into the area three years before!  It was a warm feeling finding out that I was not the only HIV-positive person in this area, and that I had a voice.

Another organization that has helped me personally is VAIN (Valley AIDS Information Network). They help newly diagnosed people learn about the disease, connect them with case managers and help solve medical, social, practical, and financial problems. They are a nonprofit organization that, after operating for 20 years without any government support, is finally receiving some financial support from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to support their outreach and educational programs in Linn and Benton Counties.  One new program is Positive Connection, an HIV/AIDS Support/Activity Group for both men and women.

It is my mission to let others know that no one is all alone...that there are people like me that you can turn to.  You just have to call and ask for help.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

For more information about VAIN or the Positive Connection support and activity group, please contact Daniel at 541-752-6322
 
Message From VAIN's President | Print |  E-mail

To all who are living with this awful disease, and who have a positive attitude and "yes I can!" way of thinking, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS!

That is exactly the attitude all of us that are HIV positive must have to live as normal a life as we can--or whatever your "normal" is.  I found out my HIV status on my birthday in 2000. I was very sick, and since it was the first time I had ever been tested, my illness had progressed to an AIDS diagnosis. My prognosis at the time was two years at most. Obviously, I beat that prediction, and I am happy to say that I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. I was able to deal with my addictions, and have been clean and sober since that day in 2000.

I think the most amazing thing for me is that I have used my illness in a very postive way--no pun intended! I am now an HIV/AIDS speaker in schools. I talk wherever they ask me, or let me, on HIV/AIDS prevention. In addition to being the president of VAIN, I am currently the community co-chair for Oregon's Statewide HIV Prevention Planning Group (SPG). I have been to Washington DC representing our HIV+ folks here in Oregon, asking our congresspersons and senators to approve more money for treatment and care. What a thrill that is for me--just to have the courage, not to mention the energy--to do all this.
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