My 18th year with HIV

[newbernswiss]

Hello All,
I just got back from the doc's office. My doc and I had a good conversation about the 18 years we have spent together. We started our relationship 2 weeks after I found out I was HIV positive. My CD4 count was in the 30's, my VL back then was ? due to no test being available for such. I remember the panic of getting me on meds and prophylactic meds for CMV and TB since my CD4 count was so low. She told me that I'd probably only live 6 months to a year so get my affairs in order and enjoy the time I had left. . .
I've enjoyed every minute of the last 18 years. Sure I've had my ups and downs, had some very difficult challenges, had to see a few close friends and a partner die, deal with the daily task of living with HIV.
My doc and I reminisced about how much her practiced has changed. When I started seeing her there was only 2 very small exam rooms, 1 nurse, and an office manager. Today their is 8 exam rooms, a state-of-the-art infusion center, lab rooms, and more staff than I'll ever meet. I've watched my doctor age, my doctor has watched me grow and live. I feel like her teenager now. We have a great 18 year bond.  Today the news was CD4 count of 435, undetectable VL, nothing new to complain about. . . just a long way, and many changes for both of us since my first visit.  I'm looking forward to many more years with my doc. 

[Snowangel]

Newber,
That is so great you have such a good relationship with your doc.  My first doc was good but his nurse was awesome, she knew everything it seemed.  I have since moved away from them but still send X-mas cards.

Congratulations!
Snow

[AlanBama]

Congrats on the milestone, honey.   I left my doctor of 18 years at the beginning of last year (not by my choice).   I hope things continue to go well for you!   You're very blessed to have such a good and longlasting relationship with your physician.  Celebrate that too!

hugs,

Alan

[BT65]

Newbern, it's great that you've been able to keep the same doc for 18 years.  And congratulations on your numbers!

[mjmel]

Hi There! I am having my 18th year anniversary too. Same median figure on VL too. eep!!
Congrats on having a close, long term relationship with your doc.
Mike

[Texan38]

Congrats!! And here's to many more anniversaries! CHEERS! 

[gurtzie]

hey i'm right there with you found out in 1990 my t-cell were 98 so they think i got it around 1981 and in 1994 my t-cells were 16 been see my doc for 15 years and now my t-cells are 770 is that crazy are what.best is yet to come......enjoy every day........

[aztecan]

Congrats Newbern, I wish I could have stayed with my first doc through the past many years. Count yourself lucky.

I had to switch several times over the years, not by my choice either. Alan and I commiserated this, I think.

Anyway, glad you've made the 18 year mark and hope you are around for many, many more.

HUGS,

Mark

[simon2]

You are indeed lucky to have had the same, good doctor for 18 years. I have not had the same doctor for one year....
I am an Englishman living in Spain and was diagnosed 3 years ago........
My changing doctors stare at the computer screen, don't look at me, and rarely touch me. I am greatly envious of your caring doctor and think you are truly fortunate to have her.
I am not sorry for myself, as I feel fine.
Just envious!
Hope your great state of mind and great numbers continue....for ever!
Hugs,
Simon.

[Fabrizio]

Thanks for sharing this with us...