health
A moment that changed me: My diagnosis seemed like a death sentence
To HIV researchers, I am an ‘elite controller’ – someone whose immune system has enabled them to live for decades without symptoms or medication. I hope that one day science will understand this tiny but lucky minority
TL;DR
- The author was diagnosed with HIV positive in 1986 at the age of 22.
- He became an 'elite controller,' a rare individual whose immune system controls HIV without medication.
- He has been living 'undetectable' since 1996 and has not needed antiretroviral therapy.
- He has lost many friends to HIV/AIDS and experienced survivor's guilt.
- He is now involved in research projects at institutions like Imperial College London, Harvard, and Erasmus MC to understand elite control and its potential for a cure.
- He hopes his unique status can contribute to scientific understanding and help millions globally.