It is that time again

[aztecan]

It is July, the month of my birth.

More importantly, it is the month of my HIV diagnosis. It was 29 years ago this month I was told by a rather drab doctor at a clinic in Los Angeles that I "had it."

I celebrate this every year, which some people view as strange. I celebrate mainly because in July 1985, the doctor who gave me the news told me I had about two years to live and that I should get my affairs in order.

I remember the scene quite clearly. He (the doctor) never made eye contact. He stared at his clip board most of the time.

I was in my 20s, and, when he told me, I was scared, somewhat, but mostly numb.

All around us was death. There were no meds. AZT, the first approved med, was still two years away.

As an aside, March was also an anniversary, which I forgot to celebrate. So, i will now.

That was the month I began my first HIV cocktail - 17 pills a day.

So, today, no, not just today, but this month, I plan to celebrate:

* I celebrate outliving the doctor who told me I had two years to live. (I had no ill will toward him, but am glad to say I didn't die as he predicted.)

* I celebrate surviving 29 years with a virus that has led to the death of far too many people.

* I celebrate taking only three HIV pills a day, not the 17 I started with.

There is much for which to be grateful, so I will raise a glass, or several, of Pinot Noir in a celebratory toast.

HUGS,

Mark

[BT65]

Congrats Mark.  I remember taking that damn AZT every 4 hours around the clock.  Science has come a long way since those days.

Have a glass for me, will you?  Or two. And again, congrats! 

[Tony123]

Congrats Mark. I am just a newbie but 29 years - wow! You see guys - it can be beaten. What an inspiration. 17 pills a day - eek! Unfortunately many many people have passed away but I am glad that there have been leaps and bounds made in medicines and that nowdays one just needs one pill a day - depending on circumstances.
Heres to another 29 healthy years to you Mark.

[mitch777]

Congratulations Mark! I hold up my glass with a toast you, well, it's 9AM so I'll hold up my coffee cup. It IS a milestone worth celebration! I will be doing the same in October. *clink clink*

[J.R.E.]

There is much for which to be grateful, so I will raise a glass, or several, of Pinot Noir in a celebratory toast.

HUGS,

Mark

I will raise a glass with you Mark.( Of orange juice)     Toast ! You were diagnosed positive at this time in 1985, and I became HIV positive at this time ( July 4th week) in 1985. I Didn't test positive until October. I was treating a wonderful , milky,  penis discharge at this time back in 1985, and getting shots in the ass, and swallowing antibiotics.


Stay well ---Ray

[bmancanfly]

Congratulations,  definitely something worth celebrating.   I hope there are many more anniversaries for you to come.

[Jmarksto]

Mark;


Congratulations and thank you for the post -- it is a nice reminder for me to be grateful too.


Thanks,
JM

[phoenix]

congrats Mark    29 years!  A toast (mines milk)  to many more.

[absopozilutely]

What a nice post to read, I was just thinking the other day about how people my age don't get this (24) and how will I love to see 50, etc and to read this now is beautiful timing. You do your damn curtsy, encore sir! You will never know you much this post meant to me. Thank you! I really just hope to outlive my parents, then I'm golden I pray everyday for that. My parents are only 46, 48ish so it concerns me.

Love,
Abso!

[Jody]

Congrats dearest Mark and I for one am glad you are still here.  Hugs and hope to see you again soon.

Jody

[zach]

mark, there hasn't been a single constant in my life thats lasted 29 years.

well done sir

[tednlou2]

Glad you are here to tell your story and the stories of others. 

[wolfter]

Most excellent Mark.  It's almost surreal to think we're still around.  I loved the part about out living your doctor.  I too outlived the doctor who said I could possibly live to be 30 if all went well.

As bad as AZT was, we were fortunate to have it and tolerate it long enough to watch improvements to meds come forth.