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Author Topic: A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors  (Read 68864 times)

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Offline Joe K

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A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors
« on: April 06, 2007, 12:18:05 pm »
I would like to propose the addition of a new forum for us longterm survivors who have been living with HIV for a very long time.  There are so many pozzies on here who number their infected years in decades and just like the other segments of these forums, I believe that we have unique needs that may be met by adding a new forum.

These forums have changed dramatically in the last two years and while I may not always like some of the changes, I will always support this site because there are many people here who I love deeply.  We all know the face of HIV has changed as is reflected in the diversity of this site.  However, for many of us, little has changed and I want to return here and resume my friendships, but I cannot do that in most of the forums that now exist.

I need a place to feel safe and discuss some real issues that are affecting us all.  I want a place where we can exchange ideas and offer support, without the personal attacks from others who do not share our outlook.  Many of us are facing real "end-of-life" issues and we need the support of our brethren, many of whom have been pushed aside by the forums explosive growth.

The face of HIV for many of us, is the one we see in the mirror each morning and for many, it may be all that we have.  Those of us who have lived for decades with this disease have unique needs and we need a place to share our hopes and fears without reprisal from others. many of whom paint our laments as insignificant whining.  And to an extent I can understand the divide, yet our needs remain.

To some, it may appear that this is just another "complaint" from an old-timer, when it fact it is a plea for help.  I want and need these forums and since we have the ability to adapt, I respectfully submit my idea for consideration.
« Last Edit: April 07, 2007, 04:11:30 pm by killfoile »

Offline Moffie65

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Re: A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2007, 12:24:38 pm »
  I want and need these forums and since we have the ability to adapt, I respectfully submit my idea for consideration.

Geez Joe,

You go away for awhile, and then come back with this......  Me thinks your testicles have once again grown to the size of a Volkswagen.

Through the tears that your post brought to this way too sensitive survivor, I found this one last statement that really sums it up for me also.  As a matter of fact, this suggestion has been in my brain for about a month, but I was unable to compose a post so effective as yours is.

THANK YOU JOE!

Love,
The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals,
and 362 to heterosexuals.
This doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals,
It's just that they need more supervision.
Lynn Lavne

Offline thunter34

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Re: A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2007, 12:26:31 pm »
Holy Smokes!  I just came to a similar idea in a new thread I posted!  ("Of Man Things and Lady Places")  I wondered at the bottom of my thread if there might be a need for what I called HIV and Aging...in other words, being a long-term survivor and all that entails.  The shaping of life experience from that, plus the combination of ordinary health situations from aging with the added weight of HIV.

I'd take that as a sign it is worth investigating.
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline shepsmom

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Re: A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2007, 12:26:51 pm »
great idea!


Offline AlanBama

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Re: A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2007, 12:27:22 pm »
Here here, Joe!   Thank you for saying exactly what I have been thinking for quite some time now.

So many issues seem to involve the "newbies vs. oldies" mess, so let us who have the issues that 10, 15, or 20+ years of liiving with AIDS brings have our own forum, where we can discuss it freely.

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline milker

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Re: A New Forum: Long-Term Survivors
« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2007, 12:29:51 pm »
As a newbie I think it's a very good idea and I will surely read this new forum with much interest because it's your experience that will help me going through the rest of my life. I just hope that you let newbie ask questions to you guys as long as they are related to your long experience.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline ademas

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2007, 12:32:30 pm »
It's crossed my mind before, too, Joe.
I think it's a great idea.

Offline Joe K

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2007, 12:36:41 pm »
Thanks for the support and Thunter, I like your forum title, so I changed the suggested name to HIV and Aging.  I know the need for an aging forum is paramount, because us dinosaurs have always looked to each other as we truly share the history of being on the front lines and that has shaped our HIV world in a way that can never be repeated.  I need my friends to support my challenges, the same as you all do.

And Milker, since you asked, I would see no problem with anyone using the forum as long as they respected the purpose of it.  Nobody is seeking to exclude anyone, just create a new space for a segment of the forum with some unmet needs.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2007, 12:39:40 pm »
I think this is an excellent idea. Moffie, pass the prunes please. ;)

Offline Lis

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2007, 12:40:05 pm »
Hi Joe, Ive really missed you..

I think that your forum idea is great!!
poz 1986....

Offline keyite

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #10 on: April 06, 2007, 01:00:20 pm »
As a newbie I'm here to learn from other newbies and long-term survivors alike - I would be sad to see further division between the two sides. But ultimately I would be even more sad to see long-term survivors leave because they feel unwelcome or unsafe. On that basis I'd support the proposal.

Dan J.

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2007, 01:03:20 pm »
Great idea Joe. There is  quite a bit of info on the web about this topic. Here is one of the better links I found.

http://www.hivoverfifty.org/

also

http://www.uic.edu/sph/aids/index.htm Chatting About Aids And Aging.

also

http://www.thirdage.com/features/healthy/aids/index.html A 4 page article on Aids and aging and the issues this secment of the population faces.
« Last Edit: April 06, 2007, 01:05:31 pm by Dan J. »

Offline allanq

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #12 on: April 06, 2007, 01:07:58 pm »
Joe, your suggestion comes at a particularly appropriate time for me, since today is my 59th birthday. I think your idea for a forum on HIV and Aging is a very good one. I just hope that people wouldn't feel that they have to post in a particular forum because of their age or gender.

Allan

Offline Joe K

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #13 on: April 06, 2007, 01:26:21 pm »
Allan, my proposing a new forum is so we can have a place to talk about the challenges of HIV with advancing age.  I would hope that everyone would feel welcome, but they would respect the fact that this forum would probably be the "darkest" if you will, of all the forums.

I believe we need a forum where we can really express our issues and those include loss of quality of life, increasing illness and preparation for our own passing.  I have real issues that only long-termers can understand and I want and need their help and that is why I asked for a new forum.

Offline woodshere

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #14 on: April 06, 2007, 01:37:41 pm »
I think this is a wonderful idea.  I recently went on a retreat.  One of the guys I went with was diagnosed in 1985 said that the retreat was geared way to much to newer pozzies and wouldn't it be nice to have a retreat for long term survivors since his problems were far different than mine.

Of course my question regards respect.  Would someone who shows disrespect in a Living With thread have enough class to stay out of the HIV and Aging thread.  I would hope so, but then you are dealing with a callous individual.

Good Luck with this Joe!
Woods
"Let us give pubicity to HV/AIDS and not hide it..." "One of the things destroying people with AIDS is the stigma we attach to it."   Nelson Mandela

Offline Bucko

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #15 on: April 06, 2007, 02:01:01 pm »
This is appropriate too, because there are different stages of aging that everyone will (hopefully) go through and much wisdom can be shared.

I rarely post in the newly-infected forum because I'm not sure how helpful I'd really be.

I don't see this as a balkanization of AIDSmeds, just an overdue tweaking of the original concept.

Brent
(Who is, after all, 47)
Blessed with brains, talent and gorgeous tits.

Blathering on AIDSmeds since 2005, provocative from birth

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #16 on: April 06, 2007, 02:02:10 pm »
Thanks Joe.  As someone who is currently in a "Treatment Experienced/Long Termer" support group here in Philadelphia I'm actually surprised that such a section in these fora didn't already exist, so I totally support this.

Now, how would it be defined in terms of years?  While I was not diagnosed until 1993, based on my lab work then they estimate I was infected within an average of five years earlier... or 1988.  Theoretically I'm a year away from my 20th birthday!
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Joe K

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #17 on: April 06, 2007, 02:15:15 pm »
Woods, you bring up a good point about respecting posts, but from my perspective I do not have the will, nor the time to deal with insensitive people and I would suspect that any such intrusion would be met with the SILENCE that it deserves.  Nothing grates the trolls more than when you ignore them.

Philly, I do not believe that physical age  will be the issue in the forum, as opposed to the number of years infected and the content.  Just like the newly infected have their issues, those of us aging with HIV (at any age) have our own issues.  I would hope the forum would attract those who have been marginalized by the other forums.  It is very hard to  bear your soul while some clod tells you how insignificant or important your experiences are.

Given who I expect to frequent this forum, there will be little patience for those who only seek to disrupt the forum.  I do not have the time for bullshit anymore and anyone who will not respect that will find a very cold reception indeed.
« Last Edit: April 06, 2007, 02:22:53 pm by killfoile »

Offline thunter34

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #18 on: April 06, 2007, 02:17:34 pm »
If this can be a tool to bring out more voices from the long-termers, I am ALL FOR IT.  Some of the posts I have read from the old guard has literally stopped me in my tracks.  There is so much to learn from you folks.  

I gotta go for now.  Funeral to get to.  Look forward to reading more of this later tonight when I return.  I see several posts in response to it already...that's telling, eh?

Tim

(who loves it when things like this get rumbling)
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline ACinKC

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #19 on: April 06, 2007, 02:27:32 pm »
This is one of the first constructive things that has come out of all of this.  I think if it encourages more to post then go for it.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Christine

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #20 on: April 06, 2007, 03:17:48 pm »
I think it is a good idea. There is a huge difference between being newly infected, and infected for 10-20 years. I do think it is very sad that some newly diagnosed members can't recognize how much knowledge and wisdom can be gained from people who have lived with hiv for 20+ years.

I fear that history is doomed to repeat itself. I fear that the recent feelings of hiv being manageable, and the perceived safety, and long term usefullness of the new meds can lead to a sense of complacency, and eventual reckless behavior for the next generation.

A long term survivor can teach one what the future may hold for a newly diagnosed person; how to deal with those hardships- physically, mentally and spiritually.

For me, it is not a matter of hope. It is a matter of preparing oneself for what the future may hold. Pray for the best, prepare for the worst.

Just my two cents.

Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #21 on: April 06, 2007, 03:38:44 pm »
Well, I've long been of the mind that once you cross the 10 year mark, certainly if you started at diagnosis hovering around the legal AIDS lab number, you begin having a whole host of ancillary issues as well as intensified mental ones.  Or at least that's been my experience.  I agree with killfoile that we need a section that maintains a level of seriousness grounded in good science and personal experience, separate from much of the kii-kii-ing in other sections (and that's not being judgmental as I surely kii-kii with the best of them) but in this hopefully to-be-approved Old Timers section we can explore things that haven't been fully discussed elsewhere.

I look forward to being an active participant, as I don't often share all the ins and outs of what I've endured for the past 15 years.  Some of it is often difficult to drudge up, though at other times I also realize I have at times had it much easier than others (though not always... just really currently... but only on paper, NOT in my head!).

ps:  How have you been doing Christine?  You live in Harrisburg, don't you?  I know that's hours away from me but perhaps one day our paths can cross and we can meet.

xx
David
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline bear60

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #22 on: April 06, 2007, 03:38:56 pm »
I turned 63 today. HIV and Aging is a constant issue for me. As is:
HIV and Retirement.
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline StrongGuy

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #23 on: April 06, 2007, 04:18:57 pm »
I think it's a good idea insofar as the mission and posting parameters are clearly hashed out. 

By this I mean labeling it "aging" is way too vague and I don't think it's going to satisfy what the intended goal for some are. I'm in my seventh and soon will be entering my 8th year and I have a much different experience and view point than some others but I'm sure as heck not a newbie but in two years would I be "aging?"

I think drawing the line will be difficult because just because your "aging" doesn't mean everyone shares the same perspective or has similar needs. I've seen people diagnosed two years relate more with those diagnosed 15 years and on the flip-side I've seen those diagnosed 12 years relate more with those diagnosed 3 years.

Is it years living with the virus? Experience with the virus? A Certain viewpoint? Or an age range (anyone over 45?). What is a "very long time" and how is it defined? Those are areas that would be need to be defined clearly.

I think it's a great idea in theory - just needs to be defined as to what its mission is and who exactly it is for (age, persepective, years with virus, viewpoint, or health condition, etc.?). Otherwise, I could see it getting very messy.

I hope it gets fleshed out and works out...

Best,
Mike :)




« Last Edit: April 06, 2007, 04:46:43 pm by StrongGuy »
"Get your medical advice from Doctors or medical professionals who you trust and know your history."

"Beware of the fortune teller doom and gloomers who seek to bring you down and are only looking for company, purpose and validation - not your best physical/mental interests."

"You know you all are saying that this is incurable. When the real thing you should be saying is it's not curable at the present time' because as we know, the great strides we've made in medicine." - Elizabeth Edwards

Offline DanielMark

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #24 on: April 06, 2007, 04:34:12 pm »
I would like to propose the addition of a new forum for us longterm survivors who have been living with HIV for a very long time.

An excellent idea! You've got my vote.

Daniel

(Diagnosed in 1988)
MEDS: REYATAZ & KIVEXA (SINCE AUG 2008)

MAY 2000 LAB RESULTS: CD4 678
VL STILL UNDETECTABLE

DIAGNOSED IN 1988

Offline J.R.E.

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #25 on: April 06, 2007, 04:44:18 pm »
Hello Joe,


I am completely for this !! I will be 56 years old ( young) this year, with 22 years of living with this virus. I had touched on this, ever so lightly in the other thread,.... That perhaps a forum "HIV veterans" for those of us that are dealing with the normal aging process,Those of us getting up there in our years besides the HIV issues. A more mature forum..  Something on that order.....



Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Dachshund

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #26 on: April 06, 2007, 04:50:44 pm »
Count this geezer (55) in...with each ailment I always wonder is it aids or age?

Offline Ihavehope

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #27 on: April 06, 2007, 04:53:13 pm »
i think it is a terrific idea.

Kudos to those whose idea it was.

Al
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline Joe K

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #28 on: April 06, 2007, 05:26:06 pm »
I am pleased to see so much support and for StongGuy (Mike) there will be no criteria for posting in the forum, just the knowledge that this forum will allow people to address the darkest and most challenging aspects of their life, without the fear of being ridiculed.  Actually Ray said it very well, when he mentioned a more "mature" type of forum.

This is not an attempt to separate anyone, just create a forum that will embrace those of us, who like others here, have unique challenges due to our long history with HIV infection and our increasing age.

A safe forum, like most of these used to be, before the sites popularity over powered some of us. 

I need to talk with someone and describe what is happening to me and the only ones I can do that are with those who have lived with HIV for decades.  Sadly many of those people have been driven away and for me, it really boils down to a simple wish.

I want a forum where Lis and Nancy and Tim (Moffie) and Jonathan will feel welcome, one where we can agree to disagree and treat our issues with the respect and seriousness they deserve.  It breaks my heart everytime I see someone come here with real issues (sorry, but there are degrees that warrant increased attention) only to have their issues and feelings trivialized by some posters.  And we cannot, nor should we, insist that the Moderators monitor every forum.

It is time to meet a very real need on these forums and I believe that if we share the vision for what this forum will be, it will become just that, because all of your posts, especially yours Tim (Moffie) express the same need, if not in the same words.

We deserve the chance to create a new forum and I believe that we are on the right track.  Again, this is not about exclusion, rather inclusion by once again expressing the diversity of these forums and needs by creating a new forum.

Offline anniebc

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #29 on: April 06, 2007, 05:45:03 pm »
Dearest Joe

I wish I had more time to write but Easter and family are keeping me busy..I just wanted to say I'm behind you 100%.

I have missed you
Love and hugs
Jan :-*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline aztecan

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #30 on: April 06, 2007, 05:57:30 pm »
Hey Joe,

I think it is a great idea. While I appreciate the concerns of those who are more recently infected, they often don't apply to me.

I will be celebrating my 50th birthday in a few months and have lived 22 years with the bug. I am having a number of health issues at the moment that I would like to discuss, but don't because it simply is out of place in the "Living With" forum.

I'm behind you all the way.

Edited to add: Its just coincidence, but I note POZ magazine just did a spread about AIDS and Aging in this month's edition.

HUGS,

Mark
« Last Edit: April 06, 2007, 06:27:12 pm by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #31 on: April 06, 2007, 06:02:00 pm »
While I honestly prefer the title "HIV Veterans" I would be happy to post in any forum that is relatively free of infantile internet trolling. If that makes me aged or aging, then so be it :)

Joe, if this works, you might just have saved this place.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline newt

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #32 on: April 06, 2007, 06:12:57 pm »
Yes
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline penguin

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #33 on: April 06, 2007, 06:25:03 pm »
occasionally, I think there are too many (sub)forums. It gets difficult to keep up with them, to remember where you're supposed to post which issues.

While I'm deffo not over 50, other times, yes there are things I would perhaps like to write about, which somehow don't seem to quite fit the mood in the existing space…like having more spare change in my pockets than tcells, or incontinence, or dodgy organ function, or crushing, breath stealing fatigue. Or maybe just those moments in single digit hours, when things get kinda overwhelming & bleak.
I could, I guess, post all those things here. I just don't, for whatever reason. probably a British Thing  :)

so yes, a good idea.

kate

Offline DingoBoi

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #34 on: April 06, 2007, 06:26:35 pm »
I'm in favor of a 'geezer' forum.   Some of my favorite people here are geezers which is just a fun word to say.  I learn alot too from those different perspectives.

Offline OzPaul

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #35 on: April 06, 2007, 06:27:31 pm »
Great idea Joe !

Yes

Offline Dachshund

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #36 on: April 06, 2007, 06:29:28 pm »
occasionally, I think there are too many (sub)forums. It gets difficult to keep up with them, to remember where you're supposed to post which issues.

While I'm deffo not over 50, other times, yes there are things I would perhaps like to write about, which somehow don't seem to quite fit the mood in the existing space…like having more spare change in my pockets than tcells, or incontinence, or dodgy organ function, or crushing, breath stealing fatigue. Or maybe just those moments in single digit hours, when things get kinda overwhelming & bleak.
I could, I guess, post all those things here. I just don't, for whatever reason. probably a British Thing  :)

so yes, a good idea.

kate

You are your own wonderful, sweet, darling little lesbian...a forum in itself and I love you for it.

Offline Just John

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #37 on: April 06, 2007, 06:41:21 pm »
Yep, with you 100%.

John.
Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.

Offline AlanBama

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #38 on: April 06, 2007, 07:49:34 pm »
I am anxious to know what Peter, Tim, Andy and Ann's thoughts on this are...

I agree with Jonathan, I prefer the term "HIV Veteran".

Thanks again Joe, for making this proposal.

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline manchesteruk

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #39 on: April 06, 2007, 08:03:29 pm »
First off I have to say I wish that this didn't have to be the case.  When I joined 18 months ago this just wasn't an issue I'm not sure what exactly has changed but there seems to be a lot of people now who seem far too willing to dismiss the views of longterm survivors as out of date.  I honestly can't think of anything more ridiculous, maybe it's just easier for some people to not face the reality of HIV I don't know.  The fact that a lot of the longterm survivors don't post so much anymore hasn't gone unnoticed on me and if a new forum would help reverse that I'm all for it definitely!

Chris
Diagnosed 11/05

"Life is too important to be taken seriously" Oscar Wilde

Offline Nico

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #40 on: April 06, 2007, 08:12:27 pm »
Joe,
A big thanks.  I echo the other longtimers, geezers and veterans.  I only came out a few months ago on this board, but have been doing the AIDS thing since '89.  I think a new forum might help regroup what was the spirit of this board in the past.  I only say this from the posts I have read since joining.

Being the ripe old age of 43, I fall in the old farts club quite nicely. Hope it becomes a reality.

Rog
Poz since 1990.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #41 on: April 06, 2007, 10:00:18 pm »
I'm 42 and I refuse to consider myself and old fart!
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Robert

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #42 on: April 06, 2007, 11:00:30 pm »
joe and thunter...

thanks a lot for this.  Like Ray, my posts have gone to the wayside and I've been sitting, bidding my time, hoping to get back on track.

I don't think length of time with the virus is the criteria for this particular forum but rather how we learn to cope as we grow older.  Not all of us are "Veterans".  I've only been diagnosed since 2003 (I have NO idea when I contracted this little bugger) but I am getting old (57) and feel the effects everyday, from depression to fatigue to forgetfulness.  LIttle things, you know, that maybe those younger than us, just don't focus on. 

robert

(who wonders where all the cum went)



..........

Offline thunter34

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #43 on: April 06, 2007, 11:24:02 pm »
Robert,

Much appreciated, but I would say the lion's share of credit should go to Joe.  I just happened to be pondering a similar idea at the same time, but Joe has clearly got the clearer vision for this- and rightly so.  Others have also voiced that this had crossed their minds at some point.  If anything, I would say it hints that perhaps the chasm isn't as deep as it might appear between the newly initiated and the veterans.  Many of us still aspire to maintain a shared home here that can serve the broadest spectrum of people.

T Hunter
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline milker

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #44 on: April 06, 2007, 11:26:24 pm »
I'm 42 and I refuse to consider myself and old fart!

I don't consider my self an old fart either, althought some 20 something may think so but it's rare. I think the forum they are proposing is about length of living with the disease, and for some, getting prepared for the end. So I would imagine that people who are in their 30s and 40s having lived with this for 10+ years will enjoy the forum, but not be ready for the "end of life" posts, they may be disturbing for some people (not me).  I still think that it's a great idea.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
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Offline DanielMark

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #45 on: April 07, 2007, 03:58:50 am »
I prefer the title Longterm Survivors ... because we are.

Daniel
MEDS: REYATAZ & KIVEXA (SINCE AUG 2008)

MAY 2000 LAB RESULTS: CD4 678
VL STILL UNDETECTABLE

DIAGNOSED IN 1988

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #46 on: April 07, 2007, 04:13:12 am »
I like "Treatment Experienced"
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Imma_poz

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #47 on: April 07, 2007, 04:22:09 am »
Hi ! I'm new here and not so able with english...but i'm a longterm  survivor so I vote for it!  ;)

Ciao  :)
Imma

Offline Peter Staley

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #48 on: April 07, 2007, 07:24:01 am »
Joe -- it would help me if you could clarify your exact intent for this new forum idea.  Would this new forum be intended for those who have been living with HIV for many years, or for "older" members who are HIV positive (regardless of how long they've been HIV+)?  In other words, would this forum be intended for a 55 year old member who just seroconverted?

Your first sentence of this thread makes it pretty clear that you intend this forum to be for those living with HIV for many years.  But the title that you propose, "HIV and Aging", implies that a senior citizen who recently seroconverted (and there are far more of these than many people realize) would be welcome in this forum.

If that's not your intent, then I think "HIV Veterans" of "Long-Term Survivors" would be better proposed titles.  I just want everyone on the same page here, as the mods consider this proposal.

Peter

Offline Joe K

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Re: A New Forum: HIV and Aging
« Reply #49 on: April 07, 2007, 09:05:54 am »
Thanks to all of you for supporting this idea and Peter, I know what I want the new forum to accomplish, but I do not know what to name it.  To clarify, my suggestion centers on a new forum for Long-Term Survivors and by that term I mean pozzies who have lived with HIV for a long time.  The problem I have is what to name it.  I really like the title of HIV Veteran, but I fear it would be confusing to the public, as the term "Veteran" generally applies to those who have served our military forces.

Given the history, I believe the LTS moniker may be the best one to use as the term is firmly rooted in the HIV community.  I also propose that the forum would be open to anyone/everyone and I would hope that within a very short time the forum would become kinown as a safe place where we could discuss some of the most unsettling aspects that face us LTSers.

I suppose to answer your other question about someone 55+ who just seroconverted, while they would not be a LTS, they may still face many of the same issues that many of us LTSers do, simply by the fact of their aging.  So while the forum would be for LTS, it would still support all of those members who have HIV, regardless of actual age, because many older members, while HIV newbies, still face the same physical and psychological challenges, again due to aging.

Finally, I know most of the people who are supporting this proposal and I believe they share the frustration that has been experienced in some of the forums, due to the explosive growth of the forums.  Personally, I believe it will be easier to maintain a LTS forum as I expect most of the posters in the actual forum will insist on the existence of a respectful and supportive place to share our challenges.

 


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