Dear Jessica, HIV is no minor problem, but today it is considered a chronic illness. Please take your medication in a timely fashion, as skipping doses could set you up for developing a tolerance for the medication. Also, please visit your nearest T/LGB Center, where they have excellent free magazines on the subject, such as "POZ." Have several friends who have had HIV for DECADES. It is possible to become "undetectable," where they can't find the virus in your blood. My heart and prayers are with you. Your friend, Monica