HIVhomegirl tested HIV-positive when she was 19. She didn't know she had been born with it until she became sick and a doctor suggested she get tested. This is her story.

It’s taken me a long while to realise that HIV is not just a virus. It is a lifestyle. It is not just about getting a test and a diagnosis. It is not just about the medication, the constant blood tests and clinic visits. That's not even the half of it.

The most important part is what happens in your head. How you tackle it and how you take control of your life.

Treating HIV requires a selfish and focused mentality. ARVs don't just work on their own - they require a strong and positive mind set.

Sadly, you cannot buy nor drink a pill for this state-of-mind. You have to work at becoming a disciplined and focused person. You must have a clear headspace that allows you to completely cut out stigma, period.

I have been living with HIV since I was 19. I am 28 now and I live a normal and healthy life. It is a part of who I am. Maybe one day I will have negative kids with the help and planning of my clinic. But when I first learned about it, I didn't realise that HIV meant all of this stuff. In fact, I didn’t know much about it at all. I thought it was a story exaggerated to keep us from having sex.

This journey that I'm on has been far from easy. I wouldn't wish what I've gone through on anyone. But it was my journey - and I had no choice but to move forward.

Starting the HIV lifestyle means you need to know your status. But life goes on and you can live a healthy life.

To find out how HIVhomegirl got to this point click on the link below to start her story from the beginning ...