Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 1/6/2007

Question
I have a friend that he has aids. after first we know each other he told me about the way that he had lived and we decided to change it. first i must tell that we love each other. so he found a new job and there was the time that we understood that he has aids. we do not leave in a country and i am a Ph.D. student, i have still 2 years study. when he knew it he started to talk about death and told that he is a dying person and we must not meet and like these ... he left me for about 2 months but i thought and decided to live with him even if there is the danger of receiving HIV, so i sent him mails even everyday tried to make him accept that it is my choice not just his choice and now i thanks God that he answered me.
he did not told me that in which stage he is and even it is not important for me. but as i told before still i have 2 years from my studies and i want to ask you to tell me how much time i have. even i can leave everything now if it be needed. i thought for a visit in this summer but i do not want that it be too late.
could you tell me that after a patient called" a person who has aids" normally how many years he could be alive? i know that they live many years and i know that may our love even help him to fight more.
please answer me  

Answer
I'm sorry but I really cannot answer your question. Life expectancy depends on many things that are specific to the individual- which I do not know. I can tell you that if he receives treatment, his life expectancy will be much longer than if isnt receiving treatment. The best person to answer this question would be the doctor that he sees.