2005 Interview with an Aleut male who has since passed away.

How long have you been living with the disease?

I was diagnosed during Easter week in 1990 at the old Alaska Native Medical Center.

What was your understanding of HIV or AIDS when you found out your status?

HIV/AIDS was a new thing in Anchorage at the time and many people were dying because it was so new in Anchorage. I didn’t know that my partner had it and I asked about the carposious on his chest and I found out that he was infected. He was a regular cocaine user.

What are some of the some of the things that came to your mind when you were told that you had tested positive to HIV?

I thought the end of the world had come. At the time, many people didn’t know about it. A friend of mine in Fairbanks died and it was confusing and difficult. At the time we didn’t know that he died from AIDS...many people in my generation died from AIDS.

What are some of the things that have helped you cope or address some of your fears, or understanding of the disease?

To really say that I understand would be a lie. I know that my immune system is giving out. I am trying to learn more, about the medications to treat HIV and I know that my body has become immune to some of the medications.

What have you learned about HIV/AIDS since your diagnosis?

It was confusing to me at first. How can you live with it, who can you tell? I do not share my status with uneducated persons. I just go on living, take meds like you are supposed to.

What would you recommend to someone on how to live with HIV?

Go on living. Like I said, take medications like you are supposed to. Exercise has been one of the best things that has helped me personally. Stay positive and surround yourself with friends who are supportive.

Have you disclosed your status and how did you disclose to your family/relatives? Friends? Colleagues? Other community members?

I didn’t want my family to hear it from someone else so I told them. It just so happened that the same doctor who gave me my diagnosis, was the same doctor who told our family that my father had cancer on the same day. I told my family that I was okay but that we need to be there for dad. My dad had told me, "Don’t give up!" One of my sisters couldn’t handle it, she reacted very strongly and displayed hating gays. Her message and reaction was, "This can’t be happening to me." Most of my family has been supportive because of spirituality and they are spiritual.

What other things would you like to share for others who are living with the disease, their relatives and providers?

Continue to do things you love to do because it helps you relax and not think about it. I play the piano which has helped me relax and cope with it.

Anything else you would like to share for others to hear or learn?

Although some people may not agree with me, the best thing that has helped me is smoking marijuana. There are some medications that helped but not as much as pot. Lots of people think that you’ll die right away but as long as the person is healthy, they will live a longer life because there are more medications than before. Eating regularly, especially fresh fruits and vegetables are also very helpful. Unfortunately, when you become disabled, you don’t have enough money to enjoy the things that you used to.