HIV 101

Let’s all take a journey back to 8th grade….everyone’s favorite class --

A whole hour where they stuff pubescent boys and girls raging with hormones they don’t even know how to pronounce, let alone control, into one room. An hour to share all sorts of terrifying stories and pictures of sores, rashes, diseases, and dying people, all in an effort to educate kids….and to strike enough fear in their hearts that they will choose to abstain from any dangerous or premature sexual activity.

Now, fast forward 10 years. Imagine you are a single Mormon girl (in every sense of the word) and have just been told you tested positive for HIV. I know 10 years is a long time, but I don’t think the average American needs a refresher on how one contracts HIV...but I included them anyway:

1) Sharing needles (yeah right! I have to hold back tears every time I get a shot)
2) Blood transfusions (blood and needles! No. Way.)
3) From mother to child (not that I know of – mom?)
4) Sexual activity (yeah, that is a definite NO).

In that NONE of the causes listed above apply to me there is no other explanation…

it must be a curse from God…right?

This is my trial.  Mary had the Son of God out of wedlock...and I...I get HIV.

A few months ago I was feeling particularly Christ like and told the Lord that I would be willing to die if I could do more for my family on the other side, help them to be stronger and make it to the Celestial Kingdom together.  Maybe in hindsight I should have been a little more specific on my preferred demise...but I guess I never imagined ...HIV….really?!

I have to be honest, I cried like a baby.  In fact, I cried like I have never cried before after I delivered the terrifying news to my mother. (How do you even begin that conversation? “Mom….uhhhh…..I swear….I didn’t do anything….but…” ) Yeah, it was awful. Needless to say, my mother was on a plane and by my side in less than 24 hours. 

Two days later the infectious disease specialist notified me that I had been grossly misdiagnosed, and DO NOT...I repeat....DO NOT have HIV!

I am actually considering writing a book... "Living with HIV - The worst two days of my life".

SO... if any of you are in serious need of a good wake-up call….feel like your spirituality is lacking...need to reevaluate your life...I have just the Dr. for you!



When it rains....it POURS

SUNDAY:
“Whitney, this is Dr. B------ I am calling to let you know that you have Strep throat and a severe case of Mononucleosis. You should be feeling better in 8-15 weeks.”

TUESDAY:
“Whitney, this is Dr. B------, your other test results came back. It looks like your liver enzymes are elevated which could be the mono, or it could be auto immune liver disease. You also tested positive for Lyme disease, and your ANA test (tests for rheumatologic diseases like lupus) came back positive. You need to see a rheumatologist.”

WEDNESDAY:
“Whitney, this is Dr. ‘He-who-shall-not-be-named’.”

Seriously??? Haven’t you done enough!

“Normally I wouldn’t give this kind of news over the phone, but I am leaving town tomorrow for a week, and this couldn’t wait……”

Words you NEVER want to hear...from ANYONE... (unless, of course, it was Michael Buble calling to let you know that he did feel the connection at the concert last March and he knows you are meant to be together)

Wait a minute…the only other test he ran was…

“Your HIV test came back….it was positive. Here is the name of an infectious disease specialist. I am so sorry.”

And people wonder why I don’t answer the phone.