On being undetectable and in recovery

I'm officially undetectable as of April 12, 2012! My virus is in check. I have to say that when I heard this news I was elated. I was only diagnosed in December 2011, started taking Atripla on March 9, 2012 and just a month later my viral load is undetectable. Prior to starting Atripla my viral load was 218 copies/mL. My doctor thinks that this means my body is either primed to manage the virus or that the strain of virus I contracted is slow producing. Either way this news was warmly welcomed and brings me into a new phase of life with HIV. My thoughts are now on how to maintain my health with a chronic condition.

I also have 36 days clean/sober and I take medication for depression. All in all, my life is back on track. I am focused on recovery and improving my health: mind, body and spirit. I must say I'm a grateful recovering addict and have grown tremendously in the last nine months. If I hadn't experienced the traumatic events that led me to where I am currently I wouldn't be the same person. It is true that my choices led me to where I am currently. My choice to have unprotected sex and use drugs led to my acquiring HIV. My choice to drink excessively and try recreational drugs led to my becoming an addict. I am learning to accept responsibility for my actions. This, to me, is growth. I hold myself accountable today for what I do about these choices and how I live my life from now on. I appreciate each day for what it brings and what it's worth. I live only in the present. The past is a memory, the future isn't promised and the present is a gift.