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I tested positive in 1990 after a routine HIV test. What a surprise. Looking back a year I can almost pinpoint my infection date, so let's say I have been positive since 1989.

I went through the standard terror, life flashing before my eyes. I hopped on to the HIV bandwagon and started taking AZT. I was going to Harbor-UCLA at the time. At first I took the prescribed dosage of 600 mg a day of AZT and then I cut it to 300. The doctors found that the lowered amount did the same thing as the 600 mg. Anyway, a year into my AZT odyssey I started getting sick (flu symptoms) day and night. I kept getting worse and worse. I would come home from work and just collapse on the couch. When I told my doctor how I felt he said "Well, what do you expect, you're HIV positive?!"

To make a long story short, I prayed a lot and listened to my "inner voice". The ultimate answer I got was to stop the meds. That was 1991. The last straw was when I was put on ddI. I got quite ill and was throwing up all over the place! The next day, everything went into the trash. After about a week of being off the meds I felt like a cloud had lifted off my shoulders, like I could feel the drugs leaving my body. I have been fine and healthy ever since.

I am open to talking with anyone who would like to talk with me. My phone number is (310) 275-6404. My advice to anyone in this situation is to get educated, listen to your body and remember that people do get sick from time to time, so if it happens, don't freak out. Take care of yourself, trust yourself and be realistic!

Eric Dahlgren, West Hollywood

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