First Post

[chipsir]

Hello everyone, I have just joined the forum page so thought I would introduce myself where I thought I might fit.  I am 60 years old and have been + 23 years that I know of.  I certainly have been more fortunate than others as my health is reasonably good and I still work part time (3 days a week).  I am on ODSP a government pension for those of you who are not from Ontario ODSP = Ontario Disability Support Program, we in Canada seem to be much better off than our neighbours to the south.  All of my medical needs are taken care of by the government providing they fall with in the OHIP regulations again OHIP = Ontario Health Insurance Program....I think lol.  I will likely be pretty quiet for awhile as I am not familiar with how things work on here just yet.
Having said my physical health is in reasonable shape, unfortunately my mental state has not been so lucky, I do suffer from long term survivor guilt and can be extremely depressed at times.  I do have medical treatment for it both therapy and medication so generally can keep on top of it.  Hope I get to know some people through this page. Thanks for reading and I look forward to reading your blogs.......Dennis

[J.R.E.]

Hello Dennis,

From one long-termer to another Welcome to the forums. I've also been positive 23 years. In fact, this week back in 1985, is when I became infected.

I am originally from just north of Buffalo, New York, and moved to Florida in 1980. I used to spend a lot of time in Ontario (Toronto) years ago.

Glad to have you with us.


Ray

PS 56 years young here !

[AlanBama]

Hi Dennis, and welcome!   Yes, I know well of the "survivor's guilt" that disturbs you.   Here, we've taken it a step further to call it "LTSPTSD"  (long-term survivor's post traumatic stress disorder) or something like that....

Those of us who have managed to 'hang on' while so many of our brothers and sisters have fallen, have many issues to deal with.   I often ask "why them, and not me?"   I was no braver, no stronger, no smarter....yet here I remain.
We now face "aging with AIDS" and all that it entails.   Like you, I am in reasonably good shape (especially on paper!).   My heart keeps trying to act up, so there must be some "life lesson" I have yet to learn.....  I also work part-time, approx. 20-23 hrs. per week.

Welcome to AIDSmeds, and especially to the Long-Term Survivor's Forum.  We all love each other (most of the time!) and in this forum we have a lot of combined "years of experience".  (we should add it all up, just for curiosity's sake)

hugs,
Alan

[aztecan]

Hey Dennis,

Welcome! I tested positive 23 years ago as well, as a matter of fact, 23 years ago this month.

I am in relatively good health, with a few side issues like everyone else.

I work full-time, been on meds for 12 years plus  and live in the Southwestern U.S.

Glad you've joined in. I look forward to reading more from you.

HUGS,

Mark

[YaKaMein]

Welcome Dennis ... you'll enjoy it here on the forums. -YaKa

[rondrond]

Hi Dennis,

I just wanted to welcome you to the Forums.

ronnie

[BT65]

Dennis, I posted a welcome in your other thread you started, but I'll say it again....welcome.  I tested positive 19 years ago.  I've been on meds ever since they started giving them out (remember the large doses of AZT so many moons ago).  I'm in a lot better shape than I used to be.  And like Alan said, I'm not really sure why.  I did nothing different than all my friends I've lost.  Just lucky I guess.

Anyway, make yourself comfortable here.  We're really a good lot.
 Luv,
Betty

[chipsir]

Thanks again for all of your nice welcomes!!!!!!!

[DanielMark]

Hi Dennis,

Glad you found the site and hope you find the support you are looking for.

I was diagnosed 20 years ago this September, and apart from a few episodes I’m doing okay most days. Like you, I am on ODSP support (as well as one other disability pension). I'm grateful for both because without them I very likely would not have made it this far.

I don’t hang out here often, but welcome just the same!

Daniel (in Ottawa)

[chipsir]

Daniel in Ottawa.....Thank you so much, you are the fist Canadian to contact me, much appreciated

[heartforyou]

Hi Dennis ,

Welcome from Belgium.
I was diagnosed in July 1987, that makes it 21 years ago.

Infected in 1983.

unfortunately my mental state has not been so lucky

... that sound familiar!!!!! HIV and AIDS changes you, both physically and mentally. Though I am in good shape at almost 53, I have battled my demons of depression as many of the LTS here know.
Welcome to the club.

Yes Alan, if we would add up all the years with HIV.....

Hug

Hermie

[bear60]

Hi
I am 64 years old and still going after 20 some years of being HIV positive.  But I am a LTNP and have never had to take meds...yet.  My mental health has suffered greatly from losing so many friends to this disease.
Joel aka Bear

[pozniceguy]

Welcome Dennis....I am another Long term survivor..officially AIDS in 1994 but infected in early 80"s..  over 60... pretty healthy.."retired"  no one will hire a "diseased old guy"  they have too many ways to turn you down.....get by with pension and Social Security....lots of great folks here so join in ...

Nick

[denb45]

Welcomed Dennis, I'm a Dennis too guess that makes 2 of us then  glad to know ya, hope you stick around  and share with us all............

[ubotts]

Hi and nice to meet you.

I also been hiv pos for 23 yrs.

I also have survivors guilt as well.. My lover of 10 yrs died and so many of my friends I hung out with have passed, even my brother..

Its mentally draining so I starting seeing a therapist who talks to me and also put me on an antidepressant...

So far, so good...

Anyway I am glad you found your way to our forums and eventually you ll know how to post and reply, and go to other forums as well..

Nice to meet you Mr. First Post.