Glasgow man who went to the doctors with stomach pain told he had HIV

Steven McLaren was just 24 when he received the bombshell news that ripped his world apart and caused him to withdraw from the family and friends keen to stand shoulder to shoulder with him through his darkest hour.

Now he is bravely sharing his story on World Aids Day to help challenge the misconceptions and stigma people living with the condition in the city are facing every day.

He exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “During routine tests for stomach issues, my doctor informed me that I’d been tested for HIV due to being in a high-risk group. I was completely shocked to learn the test had come back positive.”

Steven told how the news of his diagnosis had an immediate impact.

Steven McLaren (Image: supplied) He added “That night and in the days that followed, I felt a weight of isolation. I realised that the stigma was very real and I became the subject of gossip, which chipped away at my confidence. For years, I coped by withdrawing, keeping people at a distance and telling almost no one what I was going through. It was my way of protecting myself, but it also made me feel incredibly alone.”

After reaching his lowest ebb, Steven turned to Waverley Care, a leading charity that advocates against the stigma surrounding HIV, Aids, Hepatitis C and sexual health conditions in Scotland.

READ MORE: Over £126k handed out by charity to struggling Glasgow families

After accessing their support, he says he was finally able to come to terms with his diagnosis.

If left untreated HIV typically turns into Aids in about eight to 10 years. By the time this change occurs, the person's immune system has normally been severely damaged, meaning they are more likely to develop diseases that wouldn't usually cause illness in a healthy person. These are called opportunistic infections or opportunistic cancers and can ultimately lead to death. 

Steven, now 34, from the Southside of the city, explained: “Thankfully, over the years, I’ve connected with amazing people who’ve been vital in helping to rebuild my self-esteem and find my voice. Nowadays, I am much more equipped to deal with instances of ill-treatment.

“Organisations like Waverley Care and the NHS have been essential. They’ve educated me, given me a supportive space and introduced me to a community of peers who understand the journey I’ve been on. Through these connections, I’m learning to push past the isolation and I’ve finally found the courage to share my story and know that my voice matters”.

Steven McLaren (Image: supplied) Steven is living well with HIV, and thanks to remarkable advancements in medical treatment, he has experienced no health complications from the virus. Shortly after beginning treatment, his viral load became undetectable, ensuring he could enjoy a full and healthy life.

He explained: “One of the most important things for people to understand is the reality of living with HIV today. I take one pill each day, with no side effects and no interruptions to my daily life.

“Those with an undetectable viral load can’t transmit the virus through sexual contact - a concept known as undetectable equals untransmittable. We need better education to help society move beyond old misconceptions, ensuring that HIV doesn’t stand in the way of love, friendship or opportunity.

“The impact of HIV goes beyond physical health; the emotional effects are significant. For years, I grieved for the life I imagined and could have had without HIV, but now I don’t and I hope sharing my experience can create something positive.”

The support worker says coming to terms with his situation has inspired him to help others and encourage a shift in how society approaches HIV.

He adds: "I love what I do today, helping people with varied needs navigate life with greater independence and support. Almost a decade ago my life took a turn I never anticipated and the journey that followed changed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Knowing that there are people who understand, who don't judge, has made all the difference,

“This kind of peer support can be a lifeline for anyone newly diagnosed or grappling with stigma.

“Isolation is hard enough on its own, and accessing support is invaluable for those already feeling cut off from the world.”

Grant Sugden, Chief Executive of Waverley Care, says the bravery of people like Steven in stepping forward to give hope to others is invaluable.

Grant Sugden (Image: supplied) He added: “It is essential that peer support - where individuals with lived experience can share guidance and understanding - is accessible to everyone.

“As the recent Beyond the Virus report by the National AIDS Trust highlights, there are significant gaps in mental health support for people living with HIV across Scotland. At Waverley Care, we have seen first-hand the transformative impact that peer support has on the mental health and wellbeing of those living with HIV."

For help or advice, visit www.waverleycare.org