Kenn Chaplin is a 50 year old Toronto blogger and former radio news reporter who has lived with HIV for over 20 years. He was first diagnosed as HIV-positive in May 1989.

“I think I was kind of numb at first – suspicious that I might be positive, but hardly prepared to be given the news,” he said of his initial diagnosis.

Unfortunately, it was not his family’s first experience with HIV. Chaplin’s brother Craig was also diagnosed as HIV-positive prior to Chaplin.

“I was, and still am, part of some large support groups, so the night I got the news [of my diagnosis] I went to a meeting, told them about my day, cried as I did so, and was warmly hugged and supported by a room with many other HIV-positive people in it,” said Chaplin.

With what started as a personal year-end letter to his friends and family, Chaplin was drawn into the world of blogging and currently maintains a personal blog called “My Journey With AIDS,” in which he writes and updates about all aspects of his life.

“I include other issues in my blog because day-to-day interests, and even my life history, contribute to the big picture of ‘my journey.’”

Due to the strain and stress brought on from the disease, Chaplin left his job at an international reservations center for a Canadian hotel chain in 1990.

“I have never seriously considered going back to work, so I am trying to channel my limited energy into writing, which I have always liked to do,” explained Chaplin. “Interestingly enough, I was never one to keep a written diary. I simply lacked the discipline to do so, especially given my idea that it had to be an everyday thing. Blogging works better for me.”

When first diagnosed, Chaplin found himself constantly trying to learn more about HIV/AIDS and likened himself to a “student of medicine.” However, over the years, he has found it less necessary to know everything. Now, he tends to only update himself with essential information, such as treatment options.

Chaplin offered some advice to newly diagnosed patients: “Surround yourself with people you love and with whom you can trust to share the news of your HIV status. When times are difficult, they will offer you support that you would not necessarily seek from a professional. On the other hand, take advantage of any professional help you can. Many great people are trained to walk us through the early days of HIV diagnosis.”

Chaplin’s 21 years with HIV have not been easy. Immediately after diagnosis, he began treatment for depression, due to what he described as “survivor’s guilt.”

“There were waves of deaths among my peers, so I was involved with home-care teams and other community efforts to cope with what was unfolding, all the while believing I could be dead at any time,” Chaplin explained.

After a severe car accident in 2003, Chaplin battled post-traumatic stress disorder, which later led to a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder. In 2004, he was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, which initially came as a surprise to him. It is now speculated that this condition may be due to the long-term use of antiretrovirals, in particular protease inhibitors.

For Chaplin, support from his family and friends is what gives him the strength to survive.

“I have been inspired by the courage of those friends who were sick and died before better treatments came along, and I remain inspired by long-term survivors who continue to live into uncharted waters,” he said.

“Living with this disease can feel lonely sometimes, but remember there is not a large ‘plus’ sign on our foreheads. We can participate in life as fully as we wish and are able.”

For more information about Kenn Chaplin, please visit his blog, “My Journey With AIDS.”