HIV is just there now, not a huge issue

[naftalim]

Haven't posted in a while, which actually made me think of this post.

Most of the time, HIV is not so much of an issue for me as it was a year or two ago. Sure, I take my meds twice daily, have my visits to the Doctor every 3 months, have no sex life, but other than that, its not at top of mind that much.

What with work, friends, social activities, it seems just like it was before. It certainly has a lot to do with the quality of meds these days. Then again, I am taking anti-depressants so that might be part of it. It does seem though that one can adjust and adapt to this.

What do others think/feel?

[allopathicholistic]

What do others think/feel?

This earlier thread http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=17620.0 is just one of the many reasons why it's a huge issue here in the USA. Huge ain't the word, more like massive 

Question: You live in Canada, eh?

[Pilot]

Adjust and adapt !!!! I hope your on some powerful anti-depressants. I sit here thinking of all the people who are fighting for their lives against this disease and the ones who have lost the fight.
Maybe if they had only adjusted or adapted.

[OzPaul]

Good for you.


As you might know,  there are millions in this world today with HIV/AIDS who don't have it so good.

[DCGUY2007]

Good for you Naft in doing so well. I think Hiv effects everyone differently. Enjoy your good moments. With everything in life there will be good times and bad times. I seem to be going through a bad time now  (where I am concerned about Hiv issues a lot) but I keep hoping for more good times soon.

[Dragonette]

Good for you Naftali!

I hope your life keeps getting better and better... you absolutely deserve it - knowing a just tiny portion of what you have had to deal with in this life.

[BT65]

HIV (AIDS) was an issue for me since I was diagnosed HIV+ in 1989.  Then in '94, it became an all-too-real issue for me when I dropped to 87 lbs from the wasting syndrome.  It was a very slow crawl back to a "normal" weight.  Fast forward to today.  It's still an issue as far as lipodystrophy (my gut), lipoatrophy (face, legs, arms), blood work (currently waiting on results from a phenotype), things like that.  I feel, though, that I'm very lucky in that I have a good family, some really good friends, I go to NA meetings (good support there), and I have a good therapist.  I guess there's some kind of balance, but to me, it's kind of a high price to pay for balance.  Just sayin'

[hartiepie]

I like reading that someone is feeling better and that HIV hasn't taken over his life to the exclusion of everything else. It reminds me that there is a cycle to it.

Why mention that others are still suffering when someone is saying he or she is OK? Don't know that noting others are miserable has any bearing on any of it. Their suffering won't be relieved by saying they are OK.

No one is allowed to be OK until everyone is OK?

[David_CA]

There's nothing wrong with acceptance of your HIV status and having it become 'just one of those things.'  I'm slowly getting to that point.  It is a very individual thing, though.  Without (good) insurance, there could be a lot more anxiety about it.  Without access to meds, there could easily be a lot of health issues.  As you have health coverage and access to meds, and your health is good, I'd hope you would reach this level of 'comfort' in dealing with your HIV.  It's certainly not something to get complacent about, as situations can change almost instantly. 

I'm feeling similarly these days; my health is good, my family and close friends are supportive about my status, and I have good insurance.  If any one of those changed, I'm sure I'd be singing a different song.  When life is good, enjoy it.

David

[vokz]

There can be a big difference between how you view HIV as impacting you personally and how you see HIV as a wider issue.

I don’t personally regard HIV as a big burdensome personal issue for me; but globally it is a huge issue and close to home there are many friends who have a much tougher time of it than I do.

I some ways, I guess, I feel guilty that it isn’t a bigger issue for me. This is probably why I do my stuff with THT and try to coach others in how to deal with the psychological aspects of HIV.

As far as I am concerned, it is perfectly acceptable to separate the personal experience from the wider issue – it certainly isn’t disrespectful, or insensitive, as some would have us believe - so good for you.

[BassMan]

I’m with naftalim and hartipie on this one. Speaking personally, my life now is pretty much the same as it was before my diagnosis 5 years ago this month. I’m lucky enough not to have any real health issues to speak of and these days I hardly think about being positive except briefly when I swallow my pills every morning, or when I’m having sex or going to the hospital once every four months. I agree, a lot has to do with the quality of the meds and the fact that I don’t have any side effects (any more), and that I’m also fortunate to live in a country where I have access to the treatment I need without having to worry where it’s coming from.

But just because I’m doing well doesn’t mean I can’t (and don’t) spare a thought for the millions who aren’t; that’s why I donate every month to NAM and do regular running events for HIV/AIDS charities, to try to give support to people less fortunate than me in one of the few ways I know how.  I’m not saying I’ll always be able to do that – who knows what’s around the next corner? But right here, right now, I feel fine, I’m enjoying and getting on with my life and I think it’s OK to be OK.

Carl
Manchester, UK

[naftalim]

Yes, I do live in Canada, and my meds are free, so thats a big help. I certainly do feel not only for those who have it harder, but also those who dealt with this 20 years ago (and I personally know a few people like that) who had no proper meds and no support system.

I see lots of posts from people recently diagnosed who think their world has come to an end, and I wanted to let people know that in time, it becomes a small part of their lives and not an overwhelming one.

This earlier thread http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=17620.0 is just one of the many reasons why it's a huge issue here in the USA. Huge ain't the word, more like massive 

Question: You live in Canada, eh?

[Henritx]

"I see lots of posts from people recently diagnosed who think their world has come to an end, and I wanted to let people know that in time, it becomes a small part of their lives and not an overwhelming one"

Nafta: I appreciate your doing so. i am not included in that group any longer but, at the time, it was exactly my thoughts. Frankly many aspects of my life 3 years ago have ceased to exist. BUT my world has certainly not come to an end. Changed yes... cease...no.   Thanks for the post.

[allopathicholistic]

Yes, I do live in Canada, and my meds are free, so thats a big help. I certainly do feel not only for those who have it harder, but also those who dealt with this 20 years ago (and I personally know a few people like that) who had no proper meds and no support system.

I see lots of posts from people recently diagnosed who think their world has come to an end, and I wanted to let people know that in time, it becomes a small part of their lives and not an overwhelming one.

Point taken. You're right, the world needn't end with a poz diagnosis. However, I'm saying every American must realize that one can have a good job with great insurance one month but then lose everything and need to rely on ADAP and
various other programs the next.

That's how precarious life is here. What's more is that an all-or-nothing atmosphere has been  created by our government. 'All' = a good job with superb insurance and 'nothing' = assistance programs and/or disability which are kind of like traps meaning they  penalize participants who try to rise above to a better level. 

While it's  right and smart and beneficial to appreciate stable health, Americans in particular need to realize what's going on. Moffie said stuff like this all the time. I cringe to imagine a healthy poz American reading your  post and forgetting  about the flip side.

In closing I want to tell you I'm glad to hear you have stable health and I hope it lasts your entire lifetime. I also wish America was as cool as Canada and for Americans to wake up and smell the Starbucks.