Cathy’s Story

My story begins way back in 1990. I weighed about 320 lbs., was working 2 jobs in San Diego, had no car and rode buses back and forth to work. I began having a numbing feeling on top of my left foot. I didn't think much of it until it gradually started moving up my left leg. I went to my doctor and was referred to an orthopedic doctor not once but twice. They both stated it was due to my weight. I knew I was obese, but I kept thinking something else was going on. I went one more time to another orthopedic doctor where x-rays were done. This doctor did a dye injection and found that surgery was necessary. At that time, I asked to use my own blood for my surgery only to be told further testing was needed. They didn't say why, just that I couldn't use my blood.

When the surgery was done and I was home from the hospital, I got a call from the lab that took my blood stating I needed to come in to get the results because they weren't available over the phone. I demanded to speak to a supervisor, explained my situation and was told my blood was infected with the AIDS virus. I wanted to die right there. My 7 year old son came running into the room crying, “Mom, mom what’s wrong?” I'll never forget looking into his eyes too afraid to even speak. Because of my diagnosis, my friends turned away from me and some of my family blamed me. I never felt as alone as I did that day.

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