Miguel Hernández: Survival and Resilience After 25 Years with HIV

Miguel Hernández, a man who faced an HIV diagnosis in his youth, has exceeded the expectations set by doctors over two decades ago. At the age of 25, he received the news that would change his life forever: he was a carrier of the human immunodeficiency virus. Back then, healthcare professionals predicted a life expectancy of only 20 more years if he started antiretroviral treatment. However, today, at over 45 years old, Miguel has not only surpassed that expectation but has also become a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity. The diagnosis came in a context of fear and misinformation. In 1999, societal perceptions of HIV and AIDS were marked by stigma and ignorance. Miguel vividly remembers the moment he received the news, when reality felt so overwhelming that he even worried about the cold air coming in through the window of the doctor's office. The fear of death consumed him, and memories of people who did not survive the disease haunted him. However, amid his anguish, the need to be strong emerged, not only for himself but for his friend Miguel Ángel, who also received a positive result that same day. Unfortunately, his friend did not have the same luck. Miguel Ángel's story adds to the many others who succumbed to the virus, and for Miguel, each loss serves as a reminder of the suffering the epidemic has caused in his life and the lives of others. Over the years, he has seen friends pass away while he continues to fight for his health, transforming his existence into a bittersweet experience. From the very beginning, Miguel set out not to be a victim of his diagnosis. Although he went through a phase of denial, hiding his serological status even from himself, reality brought him to a turning point. It was in a hospital bed, facing the effects of HIV, that he began to accept his condition and take responsibility for his health. The hospitalization was the catalyst he needed to start his treatment, and from that moment on, he committed to taking care of himself. Living with HIV has involved significant changes to his lifestyle. Miguel has become more conscious of his diet and habits. Moderation has become his mantra, avoiding sugars and irritating foods, and opting for a healthier lifestyle. This transformation is not only related to HIV but also to the pursuit of a balance that keeps him strong and active. Despite the fact that HIV changed his life in many ways, Miguel has found ways to enjoy it. Walking his three dogs has become a daily ritual that keeps him active. Although his social life has changed drastically and he has had to say goodbye to many friends, he has learned to value the relationships that have endured, and those friendships have accompanied him on his journey toward resilience. His story is a testament to how far medicine has come in the treatment of HIV. Miguel has managed to surpass the initial expectations placed upon him, and doctors now tell him that he is more likely to die from causes unrelated to HIV. However, this has not made him forget the struggle he has faced. Despite the good news, the uncertainty of living with a virus that carries social stigma remains present in his life. Miguel Hernández has embraced the idea that his journey is not only about his own survival but also about breaking down stigmas and promoting education about HIV. His personal experience has taught him that beyond prevention, it is crucial to work towards a cure that eliminates the discrimination and fear surrounding the virus. The need for a cure becomes a constant hope, not only for him but for all those facing the reality of HIV. Miguel's story is a reminder that, although the road has been difficult, life can continue, filled with lessons and opportunities. He has learned to live fully, feeling that he has nothing to lose and much to gain. His testimony is a call to action, empathy, and understanding regarding HIV, a virus that, although still present, does not have to define the lives of those who carry it. The fight for health, acceptance, and life is ultimately a journey worth embarking on.