Personal Stories by Trainees

Nokuzola Scott (Trainee)

I'm so glad to get this opportunity to share my story with you. When I went for HIV-testing, I was not sick. I decided to be tested because my husband had just tested positive. After I was given my results that were positive I never accepted my status. It was like the end of the world. I was mostly thinking about my children, the last born was only one year then. I thought I was going to die soon leaving them behind.

In 2002 I got sick with TB Meningitis until I was hospitalised in Jooster Hospital. After that I was diagnosed with shingles around my tummy, they were hot and painful, I couldn't sleep at night. I also had mouth & vaginal herpes. I'm glad my husband was so supportive and took care of me until he died. I started my ARV's in November 2003. My CD4 Count was 84 and I was weighing 39 kilos. I started with 3TC, D4T & Stocrin or EFV.

In 2006 my drugs were changed because I developed Lactic Acidosis. I'm still taking those drugs without experiencing any problems. I joined Yabonga support group and that is where I became strong and got the skill of disclosing my status in public. Yabonga is of so much value to me. I thank Yabonga for all the good work you have done to me by teaching me how to live positively with HIV and the importance of treatment adherence.

Thanx Nokuzola Scott