Finally speaking out.

[synergyhomepage]

Just wanted to introduce myself, and say hello.

Tested poz in 1994 at age 24 , and then ran around with a blindfold on till 2007, I felt healthy but was incarcerated and when the labs came back I had less than 2 t-cells left and a viral load well over a million.  I began meds and then a year later I moved back home to a small town in the webfoot state,  leaving my health care and meds in CA. 

You would think I would have learned, but although I was out no one in my family knew I had Aids.  By the end of 2011 I was sick, people were asking what was wrong, eventually I came clean, got a new doctor here (he is great) and am working myself back to health.  Back on Meds, and have found that everyone's reaction to the news was so supportive and loving. 

I have applied for  SSDI  and am waiting to see a ALJ.  The process itself is pretty much a downer, so I recently went looking and found a local group that (dont know if I can name them so I wont) that works to educate and inform people about HIV Aids and Hep C.  Still in the training process but will be speaking to schools and the public about how I have been affected in hopes that others dont make the same mistakes I did.  It is great to finally have others "like me" to talk to and am so glad I found your forums here.

Really I found your site a year ago but was just an onlooker, thought I might as well introduce myself and say Hello  . 

With permission I would share the information on my local support group so that others can find it.[/font]   
 

[aztecan]

Welcome aboard. Glad you decided to join in.

HUGS,

Mark

[BT65]

Welcome!  I'm glad you found us and decided to join in.  Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Betty

[leatherman]

Welcome synergy!
Glad to hear that you've been lurking around and liking what you see; but much happier to hear that you're taking charge and taking care of yourself. Getting care, keeping care, and staying adherent are huge challenges and people often have problems with them. Just take it one day at a time, and eventually it'll all be old hat for you.

yes, the process of getting onto ssD is almost always a bitch. Hang in there!

Still in the training process but will be speaking to schools and the public about how I have been affected in hopes that others dont make the same mistakes I did.

That's excellent! With the stigma that's out there sometimes, putting a "face" to the HIV crisis helps a lot to educate people. We have a speakers bureau at my clinic (we even videoed some and posted them on youtube), and get a lot of good feedback every time anyone speaks. I know I enjoy it and I'm sure you will too.  Best of luck and "break a leg"

[Theyer]

Big welcome from London , glad you decided to join us , it was good to hear a story about receiving love and support, more details please

michaeltheyer

[harleymc]

welcome

[wolfter]

Welcome to the forums.  I think a lot of us recognize the denialism that you expressed.  I existed for several years in the beginning refusing to even address my status.  There wasn't much that could be done about it anyways.

Volunteering is a great way to occupy yourself while also educating others.  Kudos.

Take care and best wishes.

Wolfie