Thank you guys

[kelvin2029]

Hi guys,

I have been a regular visitor to this forum since august 2010 when I first tested positive to HIV. Thrice, I tried to register and thrice, I was not accepted (I don't know why). Finally I have now register and I just want to shout out to you guys for the good works you have been doing. I was encouraged by the kind words directed to the registered members and I have benefited immensely from them.

I have been on medication since I was diagnosed in 2010. My cd4 count at the time of diagnosis was just above 200 and the viral load about 25,000 copies. I became undetectable within 6 months with a cd4 count range of 400- 600 over the last one year.

Thinking about the improvements I have made so far, I can't but thank my God. I'm in the military and have been representing my unit in cross-country races even after my diagnosis. I feel healthy. I feel good. Only the chain of command know my  case.

I am also grateful to my stars that I didn't end my life when I was told of my infection. Ever considered being on a life range with a loaded rifle when you get the call? That's what happened to me. I picked up the phone and asked "I hope I'm not positive for HIV" and the response from the other end was "I'm sorry the result came back positive. Could you make an appointment for a confirmatory test please?". That single call changed my life.

[Matty the Damned]

Hi Kelvin!

I'm sorry you've had to join us but I'm glad you've found us all the same.

Welcome!

MtD

[WillyWump]

Welcome Kelvin! Nice response to the meds. What are you on?

-Will

[Jeff G]

Welcome to the forums !

[phildinftlaudy]

Welcome Kelvin -
Glad you were able to successfully register, that you are responding well to treatment, and that you see that there is life after diagnosis.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

-Phil

[Ann]

Hi Kelvin, welcome to the forums.

Thrice, I tried to register and thrice, I was not accepted (I don't know why).

I'm not sure why you weren't accepted either - and I'm one of two people who do the approvals. It could be because the country you are posting from is known for people using ISPs based in your country for the sole purpose of spamming sites like this and you may have been trying to register from a flagged IP address. I'm glad you got through in the end.

It sounds like you're doing well - and I'm glad to hear you didn't do anything silly out on that rifle range.

Ann

[kelvin2029]

Thank you all; Ann, Phil, Willy, Matty and jg. I'm obliged to you all.

Welcome Kelvin! Nice response to the meds. What are you on?

-Will

I'm on Atripla. The first few nights were awful. It was as if I had a drummer sat on my ears as soon as I took the tablets. The dreams were horrifying, but I'm ok now. I never had the need for counselling. It was suggested to me by the guys at the GU clinic, but I declined. I now visit the clinic at 6 monthly intervals for my medication.

Welcome Kelvin -
Glad you were able to successfully register, that you are responding well to treatment, and that you see that there is life after diagnosis.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

-Phil

Thanks Phil. I have decided to get on with my life irrespective of all the odds. I'm planning to quit the military next year as I have already got a place for mental health nursing in the university.

Hi Kelvin, welcome to the forums.

I'm not sure why you weren't accepted either - and I'm one of two people who do the approvals. It could be because the country you are posting from is known for people using ISPs based in your country for the sole purpose of spamming sites like this and you may have been trying to register from a flagged IP address. I'm glad you got through in the end.

It sounds like you're doing well - and I'm glad to hear you didn't do anything silly out on that rifle range.

Ann

I'm doing well Ann, thanks. I'm also glad I didn't do anything silly in the life range. I was lucky to have had a basic understanding of the HIV prognosis before I was infected.

Cheers all!

Kelvin