Interview 24

At one stage, he was very unwell and his CD4 cells were as low as 200. Since drug rehabilitation in the Russian Exodus Christian charity, he has been able to get his life back on track and his CD4 cells are now 900.

Age at interview: 47
Age at diagnosis: 41
Sex: Male
Background: A 47 year old heterosexual married man, originally from Russia, who has 2 grown children. He became infected with HIV 6 years ago through needle sharing.
Outline:A 47 year old heterosexual married man who has 2 grown children who was originally from Russia. He became addicted to heroin as a way of dealing with the pressures of war. He became infected with HIV and hepatitis B & C through sharing a needle with a friend. At one stage, he was very unwell and his CD4 cells were as low as 200. He said he had been at the ‘very bottom of society’ and he had thought about suicide. However, since rehabilitation in the Russian Exodus Christian charity, he has been able to get his life back on track. He has been re-united with his family, and his CD4 cells are now 900. He has not needed medication for his HIV, and he hopes to help other people addicted to drugs and alcohol to get help.

He was addicted to heroin and tells how turning to Jesus as a trusted friend was important in his…

Age at interview 47

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 41

Found it easy to introduce condoms into his sex life with his wife.

Age at interview 47

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 41

His belief in God and eternal life means he feels secure in dying.

Age at interview 47

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 41

He became addicted to heroin when he could not find a job.

Age at interview 47

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 41

He felt depressed and useless after his HIV diagnosis.

Age at interview 47

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 41