Erykah’s Story on Positive Living

My name is Erykah. I am 31 years old and live in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sometime in 2001, I experienced some changes in my physiological health. As a young woman, I thought that I was lucky to have a small waistline and body size. But I also noticed that the acne that suddenly appeared on my face was appearing quite late for my age. Both of these things turned out to be something else all together.

Before long, general body weaknesses and a sharp pain in my left hip made my life a nightmare that rendered me helpless and with much less joy. My productivity at my work place started to dwindle as time went on.

My visits to several private doctors turned out unfruitful, as none of them could explain the cause of the persistent pain in my hip joint. I even used some traditional concoctions that gave temporary relief, but the pain still remained.

One doctor in the Aga Khan suggested to me that I take an HIV test. At the time I thought that was ridiculous since I was a married woman and did not think HIV infection was possible in a marriage setting.

Early in 2002, the symptoms did not get any better – in fact, they became worse. After a series of many illnesses ranging from migraine headaches to meningitis, I went into a coma for four months.

When I came out of the coma, the first people I saw were my family members. They tried to explain the situation to me, that I was already on antiretroviral treatment (ART). It was not easy for me to accept that I had HIV, but with time and their continued support I was able to recover fully and learned how to walk again. My son who is now 12 years old and HIV-negative is my source of inspiration.

I joined several support organizations where I found care and support from other HIV-positive people and even worked with some of them in various capacities.

I am now the ICW-Kenya intern for the Parliamentarians for Women’s Health project. I am going to be doing what I always wanted ever since I recovered and joined the rest of the world: to address HIV/AIDS issues.

In the AIDS community, people often talk about “positive living.” “Positive living” to me means being proactive in addressing issues affecting HIV-positive women and always finding “me” time. Even if I only have five minutes to spare in a day for good thoughts, and perhaps give myself treats – that’s great!