A Personal Letter: Living with AIDS-related dementia

[Guest guest]

Friend of my Heart:

On August 6th 2003, after batteries of tests since March 2003, I have been

told that I am one of those thousands with HIV/AIDS afflicted with early

manifestation of AIDS-related dementia. Despite been on HAART for a while I

have developed resistance towards HIV medications and acute liver toxicity

from most of the HIV medications, which had forced me to stop the medications,

ofcourse with the advice of doctors.

Upon learning this news….I had to decide whether as private citizen I would

keep this as a private matter or whether I would like to make this news known

to others. In the past I have been open about my HIV/AIDS diagnosis as well as

other conditions related to HIV/AIDS. I found through my open disclosures

about my HIV status, I had been privileged to be able to raise public

awareness. I am honoured that as a result some people underwent testing. They

were treated in early stages and able to take care if they have been diagnosed

with HIV and those do not have HIV/AIDS was able return to normal, healthy

lives, and tried to stay HIV negative.

So now, I believe it is important to share it with you. In opening my

diagnosis, I hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition.

Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and

families who are affected by it.

At the moment except for some memory impairment, I feel just fine. I intend to

live the remainder of the years as long I am destined to on this earth doing

the things I have always done – reaching out to the under privileged and fight

for social justice. I will continue to share life's journey with those who are

closed to me, understand me and wish to continue be my friends, despite my

imperfection. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my

friends and supporters. Unfortunately, as Dementia progresses, those closest

to the person with dementia, often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was

some way I could spare my near and dear from this painful experience.

In closing let me thank you, for giving me the great honour of allowing me to

serve in HIV/AIDS field as an activist, as an academic and as a Person with

HIV/AIDS. When the times comes for me to go home, whenever that may be, I

will leave with the greatest love for social and racial equity, and eternal

optimism for its future.

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know

that for those fighting for social equity, there will always be a bright dawn

ahead.

Thank you for your support

In Solidarity

Surendra

E-mail: <surendra@...>