“I want people to know it’s not the life sentence people think it is”: What you need to know about HIV in 2021 – MyLondon

When Frankie Armstrong acquired the information that he was HIV constructive round six months in the past, he preliminaryly needed To primarytain his evaluation to himself, and a “secret eternally”.

He felt Choose it wasn’t occurring to him, and like he was wanting in on Ancompletely different particular person’s story.

After the preliminary shock hadvert subsided, his althoughts turned from his well being to his household.

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How was he going To inform them? How would he navigate how overwhelmed he felt, sharing the information with household and frifinishs?

Six months later, He is In a place to share his story, empowepurple by the assist and positivity he acquired from household, frifinishs, HIV charities and Soho’s 56 Dean Road Clinic.

Since reverying out to Family and frifinishs and sharing his standing, Frankie has been overwhelmed by the assist he has acquired, And Desires to current again
(Picture: Photograph currentd by Frankie Armstrong)

He hopes to make a lifelong dedication to giving again, and elevating money To assist assist completely differents Inside their journey with HIV – a lifelong dedication completely potential now that HIV is Not the “life sentence” it as quickly as was.

“I found that as quickly as I started talking, the [particular personss’] notion was utterly completely different to what I assumed I used to be going to get,” shapurple Frankie, 38.

“Particularly from my household – I used to be overwhelmed.

“I assumed They might be dissatisfied or ashamed. They have beenn’t.”

Frankie’s frifinishs furtherly assisted him To return to time durations Collectively with his evaluation; by way of conpresently letting him know they have been On A daily basis right here for him, wright hereas furtherly “downplaying” the state of affairs.

As properly as, the assist Frankie acquired from 56 Dean Road – a sexual well being clinic in Soho, which focuses on the wants of the LGBTQ+ group – was invaluable.

“I used native well being providers earlier than that,” shapurple Frankie.

“It virtually felt like a conveyor belt. I’m so gladvert I went tright here [56 Dean Road]. Their expertise was unbelievable and their supply of counselling, docs and pharmacists have been so reassuring and assistive.”

This included With The power to name for assist at any time, and steerage on charities and providers out tright here for ongoing assist.

“I learnt it’s truly greater to share this, As a Outcome of it’s pretty overwhelming,” advertded Frankie, on his evaluation.

“It’s one factor …….

Source: https://www.mylondon.news/news/uk-world-news/i-want-people-know-its-20815091