WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: LISA'S STORY

My name is Lisa. I am 48 years old and was diagnosed HIV positive in 2005 towards the end of a 15-year long imprisonment by drug addiction. Luckily at this time I had already been working to change my perspective on life, which meant that, when the nurse gave me my diagnosis on that wintery November day, my first thoughts where not what some may expect but instead, were,

“Thank god I am in a country that gives me access to medication!”

“Thankfully I have not got Hepatitis C as well” (which would have complicated treatment).

“Will I be eligible for a disabled bus/rail pass?”

In spite, of my initial buoyancy, (deflection with humour or some may call it denial), reality soon hit. Feelings of stigma, fear and isolation crept in. I also did not understand how I had contracted HIV. Despite my being a drug user and being in a high-risk group, I did not consider myself high risk.

I had only had unprotected sex with my long-term partner who I had been together with for several years. It was an abusive relationship and I later found out that he was HIV positive himself and had felt it unnecessary to tell me. Thankfully, I was eventually able to escape from this several years after my diagnosis.

In the meantime, I needed to find others who understood my situation and I found George House Trust and the women’s group. It was a long road of rebuilding my own self-esteem and learning how to take responsibility for my own feelings, consequences, and life in general.

I have no doubt that my amazingly beautiful and empowering upbringing has founded my resilience, strength of character and personality. I have my incredible Mum and Dad to thank for this.

After causing much harm to my family and community, I now try and hope to be a loving and caring daughter, girlfriend, neighbour and friend to others. Within this, I have also learnt to be loving and caring to me too.

I am 18 years drug free (including alcohol). 18 years into my diagnosis I am supporting others with an amazing career as a drug worker and an addiction psychotherapist, working with drug users and their families.

I also mentor others outside of work with complex needs – addiction, mental health, abuse issues, sex workers and women coming out of prison etc.

With George House Trust’s support, along with the support and mentorship from others in recovery from drug addiction, I have come to understand that my HIV status does not define me. It is part of my life and can be used either as an excuse to stay stuck and live in self-pity and resentment or as a reason to live the best most positive, productive life I can have.

22 March 2024