Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Interview 31

While he did not become very ill with HIV, his GP proposed HIV testing when he had skin rashes in 2000. An early diagnosis meant it was possible for his health to be monitored. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A black African man, married with one child. He has discretional leave to remain in the UK.

  • Age at interview 32
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 25

    He currently takes didanosine, ritonavir, lamivudine and saquinavir for HIV. He has suffered from non-painful peripheral neuropathy and some lipodystrophy. With treatment, he now looks forward to a long retirement.

  • Background

    A retired GP living with his partner of 9 years in London. He was diagnosed in 1990 after unprotected sex at a time when he assumed he was HIV positive.

  • Age at interview 63
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • 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.

  • Background

    A heterosexual married man who has 2 grown children who became addicted to heroin as a way of dealing with the pressures of war. He became infected with HIV through...

  • Age at interview 47
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 23

    He was shocked when he found out he was actually infected with HIV, and he wanted to kill himself. Since his viral load has reduced to undetectable with medication (currently emtricitabine, efavirenz, tenofovir), he has felt much better physically and psychologically. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    An Asian gay man who was diagnosed in 2001 when he went along for tests following his partner having a sexually transmitted infection.

  • Age at interview 34
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 20

    He started treatment soon after diagnosis (efavirenz and Combavir) and his viral load quickly became undetectable and he had few side effects. He resists blaming his life problems on HIV. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A gay man who works full-time in job he loves, and is in a long-term relationship. He was diagnosed in March 2002 when he presented feeling unwell.

  • Age at interview 38
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 17

    He took time to work out who to disclose to and to make treatment decisions (he currently takes Combivir and efavirenz). He initially suffered mental health side-effects (e.g. trouble sleeping, irratibility) but now has few problems with medication.

  • Background

    A gay man born in France who immigrated to the UK 19 years ago, and is in a long-term relationship. He was diagnosed following a period of poor health.

  • Age at interview 39
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 30

    He was admitted to hospital with a high temperature and headaches where he was diagnosed with HIV. He negotiated his current treatment regime with his doctor (Kaletra and efavirenz), (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A highly educated health professional working full time. He is a black African man married with children.

  • Age at interview 45
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 27

    He currently has a viral load of about 160,000 and 360 CD cells, and has not yet begun anti-HIV medication. His diagnosis has been a catalyst in facing up to many issues in his life. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A 30 year old gay male medical doctor who grew up in a town outside London. He was diagnosed in 2002 after unprotected sex at a sauna.

  • Age at interview 30
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 26

    Her medication (lamivudine, efavirenz and ddI) brought her viral load down to undetectable, but she has had some side effects like loss of memory, tiredness and nightmares. She does get depressed at times, but has a faith that God is helping her. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A 35 year old woman who came to the UK 3 years ago. She found out she was HIV positive in 2003, and her visa to stay has now expired.

  • Age at interview 35
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 15

    He is determined not to let HIV rule his life. He takes Sustiva/Combivir with no current side effects. He exercises and is careful about his diet to stay healthy. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

  • Background

    A gay man born in the Caribbean who immigrated to the UK. He presumes he was infected in a relationship after not always using condoms consistently.

  • Age at interview 33
  • Sex/Gender Male