When I was diagnosed with HIV, I thought it was the end of the world. But it wasn't. Since then I have married and have kids: Mother and kids are negative.

The days following my diagnosis were tough. I recall a friend driving me to the club to drink my sorrows away. I didn't tell him I was HIV positive but that I was troubled. He recommended a night of heavy drinking and I subscribed. Life is so unfair. This same friend was diagnosed with cancer last year and he only had a year to leave. May his gentle soul rest in peace. The painful part is that I didn't know he was sick until I saw his obituary on facebook.

I encourage brethrens to test. HIV is no death sentence.

You are not alone. I was diagnosed as sero-compromised in 2010. Trust me, it is not easy at first but you will get over it. Suicide is not as option. Once you have come to terms with your status, you will realise you not worse than others.

Yes, you may have to take once-a-day medication to keep your viral load low and CD4 count up. But people with diabetes and high blood pressure do same.

Try not to tell people close to you yet. You will need time to decide whom to confide in. A lot of people don't know a thing about HIV and will discriminate against you at any given opportunity. Use online forums to communicate with people in similar circumstances. They can be really helpful.

There are still some informed people out there. My wife married me even though she was aware of my status. We how have two healthy kids and my wife remains negative.

You have an advantage which some people don't have; you know your status and will soon be on medication. With a low viral load, you are unlikely to transmit the virus. Knowing your status also mean you are unlikely to die of AIDS.

Goodluck and do not hesitate to contact me if you need any advise.

Long One:

Nice one, glad it worked out well for both of you. However, you failed to mention how you sorted the church issue…might help couples in a similar situation.

The church didn't insist on the test after all. I submitted their other requirements except the test and they acted as if it wasn't them who put it in the list.

She is very heathy and negative. Same as my son. We both understand her risk, but we took appropriate measure. Discordant heterosexual couples who are free of other STDs are at very minimal risk when they try for a kid when the egg is ready to fertilize. The criteria is that the positive partner is undetectable and have good cd4 count. At other times, however, they should practice safe sex with the correct use of condom.

I'm not prescribing this to anyone though, but we were lucky it worked for us. We are both in europe though, and we get all the medical help we require.

Hello all,

It gladens my heart to reead the comments of the more informed posters. It is also unfortunate to read the not-too-bright contributions of the less informed nairalanders.

I am here to give you an update. I did wed in the church with my wife. We didn't disclose my status to the pastor in the end because he didn't insist.

The good news is that, we now have a baby boy! Mother and son are hiv negative and healthy. My load remains zero and cd4 high. I remain fit and go about my job without any problem. So thanks to the guys who gave their words of encouragement.

For those who claim they know more about hiv progession and predict my wife and child will get infected, you have some homework to do. I also am in the medical profession, but work in europe. My early diagnosis did help. I get tested yearly because of my job. I am not a novice in hiv issues. I dont encourage anyone to do what I did. But I want to tell you all that hiv is not the end of the world. You can live a normal life with the infection.

Hello All,

I'm intending to marry this girl I love and who loves me but the problem is that I am HIV positive and on treatment. My viral remains undetectable and my CD4 count is over 700. She's aware of my condition and willing to carry on with the relationship because once all precautions are taken, her level of risk will drastically reduce. We don't intend to risk trying for children unless we go through Fluid washing. However her church (Anglican church) wants us to undergo HIV test. The problem is that we don't want to go public with this information. What options are open to us?

Hello All,

I'm intending to  marry this girl I love and who loves me but the problem is that I am HIV positive and on treatment. My viral remains undetectable and my CD4 count is is over 700. She's aware of my condition and willing to carry on with the arrangement because once all precautions are taken, her level of risk will drastically reduce. We don't intend to risk trying for children unless we go through Fluid washing. However her church (Anglican church) wants us to undergo HIV test. The problem is that we don't want to go public with this information. What options are open to me?

Just thought I should re-post this here although I'm not sure it's the right section to post it.

Could anyone give me a guide of the retail price of the following in Nigeria;

Crate of mineral
Crate of Star beer
Crate of Malta guiness
Cabin biscuit
Crate of small stout


I understand it's Xmas and prices go up. But all I need is a guide to enable me make a reasonable estimation. Thank you all.

He committed a crime- child molestation. He should be tried for his crime rather than be applauded. Religious nonsense!

I hope it's 40% cassava as proposed by the government.

Could anyone give me a guide of the retail price of the following in Nigeria;

Crate of mineral
Crate of Star beer
Crate of Malta guiness
Cabin biscuit
Crate of small stout


I understand it's Xmas and prices go up. But all I need is a guide to enable me make a reasonable estimation. Thank you all.

Hello all,

i'm coming to nigeria next week. i'm scared because i have just N500,000 equivalent.
i will be in nigeria for 2 weeks and have the following targets

-introductory marriage rites
-upkeep over the period of 2 weeks
-friends will ask for drinks etc

do you think the amount mentioned above is sufficient?