Charlie Sheen wishes he spoke sooner about HIV

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How is it possible to have HIV and seem absolutely healthy?

Drs. Marc Siegel and David Samadi weigh in after Charlie Sheen goes public with diagnosis

In November, The National Enquirer published a report claiming Charlie Sheen was HIV positive. The tabloid's claims prompted a nervous Sheen to sit down with Matt Lauer on the “Today Show” and reveal he was in fact HIV positive. But Sheen seemingly harbors no ill feelings toward the publication that spilled his closely-guarded secret.

The actor sat down with the gossip rag to speak about his diagnosis. 

“It was such a tremendous weight lifted off my shoulders when I made the announcement,” he told The National Enquirer. “I realized afterward, I wish I had possibly done it sooner.”

He also revealed that his mother was with him at the time of the diagnosis and he asked her to keep it between the two of them for some time.

“I thought I was going to wake up from a bad dream, but that wasn’t the case. Then I gave it some time. I told my father about a month later and he was shocked at first and sad, but ultimately, everyone’s come to a place of love and support and helping me stay and get healthier."
The 50-year-old actor told the Enquirer that he is dedicated to fighting his condition.

“It was shortly afterward — I think it was the second day — I said to my mom, 'This disease picked the wrong guy.' If anybody can fight this thing and discover a cure, it’s me. I will exhaust every resource available to me. I will sit with every expert. I will move forward until something’s revealed.”

Sheen said these days, he wonders if everything happens for a reason. 

“It makes me take pause and ponder the concept that perhaps everything that led up to this was to gain the spotlight of popularity to finally deliver a message that truly matters. I’m grateful for everything I’ve been able to do in life,” he explained. “I’ve made a lot of people laugh and see the world differently through me. Now, maybe it’s time to change the world.”