As HIV/AIDS has been considered in the literature to be a more manageable condition versus a terminal illness due to the advances in antiretroviral treatment, perception associated with infection has likely changed. This study has set out to explore the processes involved in approaches to coping, establishment of meaning, and development of personal growth while living with infection. Phenomenological inquiry was utilized to explore the perceptions of nine HIV-positive males, gaining an understanding of their experiences with managing infection amongst other co-occurring stressors. Content analysis of transcripts from 27 semi-structured telephone interviews (three per participant) revealed that active versus avoidant styles of coping were more beneficial in managing the various stressors associated with infection. Both positive and negative meaning was associated with infection and promoted an active style of coping. Other shifts in coping involved the influences of perceived controllability with the advances offered in treatment. Substance recovery was also identified as an influential aspect. Positive growth from living with a highly stigmatized illness was identified and perpetuated through involvement with support from membership with the local AIDS service organization. Similar to the literature regarding growth with HIV/AIDS, cognitive processing was identified as a central component to the facilitation of positive changes from a highly stressful experience. This study offered further insight into the processes that influence changes with management of a highly stigmatized condition no longer considered to be a death sentence.