The bold and brave IG model who publicly revealed earlier this year that she has been diagnosed with HIV is giving supporters an update on her health.
While speaking with TMZ, Gena Tew shared how she’s been doing since she had surgery back in August, after losing her vision in her left eye following her HIV diagnosis. She explained to the outlet that since then, she has become completely blind in that eye for a second time — all she can see is pitch-black darkness. TMZ reports that 5 days after the surgery her vision appeared to be better but it reverted.
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She went on to share that she has been prescribed new medication by the docs, but all the drugs have done is made her sick. They are suggesting doing another round of eye surgery but as the news site notes, no decision has been made yet. Now, despite all of this, Gena’s health in some areas has been improving. Thanks to treatment, she has gained some of her weight back — going from 90 lbs to 105 lbs. In addition to that, she’s also regaining her ability to walk, with the help of a walker.
In July, Gena also spoke with TMZ and shared how she was initially apprehensive about telling her story to the world. However, she said she wanted to share the importance of young people getting tested.
Gena opened up about how the diagnosis has changed her life, as well as the life of her mom, who has been taking care of her.
She also told the outlet at the time she wasn’t sure when she contracted HIV, but has called her sexual partners to let them know of her status. Gena said everyone she’s called had been very supportive, checking in on her and making sure she’s doing OK. Thankfully, no one else has tested positive.
Gena has been receiving tons of support online with many sending her prayers, advice and words of encouragement to keep staying strong through her difficult health journey.
Such a pretty girl. I hate this happened to her. Let's find a cure ❤️ https://t.co/3aQ37XXq4A
— PRINCESS (@gaiathesecond) November 28, 2022
Prayers to Gena Tew. Her health status shouldn’t be weaponized. Teachable moment: she doesn’t know how she acquired HIV or by whom. None of us are invincible. Black Women are at a higher risk for all things. Get tested annually. Stop living wreckless. Be self aware…#GenaTew 🙏🏽
— #Justice4TakeOff 🕊 (@devine187) July 27, 2022
This is some scary shit .. Prayers up for her #genatew if you don’t know.. she’s been having aids for over 10YEARS and never got treated for it which caused her to get real sick and she lost her ability to walk GO GET TESTED REGULARLY PLEASE.. pic.twitter.com/DhyVG5UBaf
— 𝓑𝓔𝓔.𝓗𝓐𝓡𝓚𝓘𝓝𝓢 (@LADDY__BEE) July 30, 2022
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