There was no one for my family to
talk to. Today when you get tested
regardless of the results there is a
counselor on site to talk to.
I cant imagine that getting a positive
result has gotten easier. Its
still a life change, and adjustment.
iPain: Are There Any Treatments
That Help You Control The HIV/
AIDS Disease, Pain and Other
Symptoms?
DGG: There are about 30 different
HIV medications that help
manage the virus, which help with
any symptoms that may cause
pain. But as far as actual pain
caused by neuropathy, bone density
issues or headaches I need to
take a different medication.
Any secondary effect caused by
HIV will require a separate medication.
iPain: As iPain Hero of Hope
2019 Patient Advocacy Winner;
How Do You Think Self-
Advocacy Plays A Role In Getting
The Care A Patient Needs Despite
Stigmas in Society?
DGG: First, thank you to all the
folks that supported me with their
vote. I was so honored and grateful.
At first, I wasnt very good at
advocating for myself. I had never
had HIV before. I didnt know
what my body was supposed to
feel like or do. Over the years I
learned to trust my gut, follow my
instincts. With the creation of the
internet I was able to do research
and find out how a medication
would react, how my body was
going to react. What questions to
ask the doctor. When to ask for
therapy. If financially things got
tough to ask for food pantry.
I let go of my fear of asking other
patients about their journey in order
to make mine less stressful.
iPain: How Do Family and
Friends Encourage You To Have
Better Days?
DGG: My family and friends support
me by pushing me, being honest,
and tough love when I need it.
I do my best to be there for them
when I can, and they are there for
me.
iPain: How Have You Changed
As a Person Because of Your Experience
with HIV-AIDS Disease?
DGG: From where Im standing, I
dont think Ive changed. I still
look at myself as the same immature,
Photo Credit: Richard Wayne Kilgo II
insecure, and scared guy
drinking and doing drugs.
But the fact is I have changed.
Ive grown up quite a bit spiritually,
emotionally, professionally. I
take my insecurities and use them
to move me forward. Im still
scared but I do it anyway.
I love life more than ever. I like
me. Im happy even when things
are tough and rough.
Im over 12 years Clean & Sober.
Ive been with my boyfriend for
over 7 years. Ive been through
anal cancer and colostomy.
Yeah, Ive changed.
iPain: What Therapies Or Exer-