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Preface to the First Edition
| Last updated: 14.02.06 |
The first guide to survival written by people living with AIDS in the UK was published in 1987. Looking at "Living with AIDS" now and comparing it to "Living with HIV 2004" shows both how much has changed and how much we still have in common with those writing 17 years ago.
Many of the personal issues remain - coming to terms with your diagnosis, who to tell, looking after yourself, sex life, employment, coping with fear, illness and going into hospital. But the emphasis is wholly different. In 1987, preparing for the future included making a will and considering the kind of funeral you would want. Now, for many people, it's about staying in work and planning for a pension.
"Living with AIDS" was just 20 pages long, mentioned only two anti-HIV drugs and yet was optimistic about research and the future. For many, that optimistic future has arrived. So we now need to understand things like viral load and CD4 counts, combinations of 18 drugs in four classes with more to come - as well as getting on with life.
Like its predecessors, this book comes directly from the experience of people living with HIV. It pools and shares information, knowledge and insight, which has always been the foundation for taking control of any illness. For anyone living with HIV, this guide will be invaluable.
Nick Partridge
Chief Executive
Terrence Higgins Trust