Author Topic: POSTING (Read 9677 times)

BUZZCUTT · « **on:** January 27, 2009, 02:19:02 pm »

Can someone please tell me why if I am not a LTS how come i can not respond to a post on the LTS thread? Newly diagonosed individuals want to be a long term surviors and if they are reading a post on that particular thread especially if that post really does not have anything to do with LTS thread then why is it taboo to post a reply on that thread, instead i was told i should private message that person.

Am I violating forum posting etiqutte?

Ok I am new to posting boards such as these, but i feel like its a clique sometimes like back in grade school .

I had stopped posting questions and responses because of some individuals remarks on the boards, in general most everyone has been helpful and i may be a bit over sensitive these days,k but i am going to give it a rest or find another forum.

Venting

Dachshund · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2009, 02:28:58 pm »

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=25182.0

woodshere · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2009, 03:47:34 pm »

Buzz,
I checked your profile and read some of your past postings. We are the same age and were diagnosed about a year apart. Excluding HIV we probably are closer in age and life experiences to those who post in LTS than the young 'uns who are receiving their diagnosis's today. However, our HIV experience is completely different than a LTS. We were not told when diagnosed to get our affairs in order. We don't suffer the long term side effects from early medications and the mental anguish of why did I make it when so many others didn't. I was told start these meds and my life expectancy will probably be no different from someone who is HIV-.(subject to debate i a different thread) So how on earth am I able to contribute to a LTS thread. To be honest I wouldn't even know where to begin in offering advice or my 2 cents on some of the topics in that forum. I do go there and read occasionally for there is much to be gained and learned. I also get a sense of community in that forum that I find lacking in the general population on these forums. But that only comes from the experiences they have shared over the many years.

If you have a question there are other forums to post in, where you are able to get advice from both newbies and LTS who have had similar experiences as yourself.

Finally, grade school is a microcosm of our entire society. Show me anyone place that doesn't have "cliques". Any place where there is a whole group of people there will be sub groups. My HIV+ social group is no different. The young guys are in one room and us middle aged and up are in the other, we float back and forth but for the most part spend most of the time with guys close to our own age.

Best to you.

YaKaMein · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2009, 04:19:26 pm »

Hey Buzz,
Reading the post that Dachs outlined should help to explain why LTS has its own forum. There's plenty of discussion and sensitivity to go around. Like you, I initially had some difficulty with it. But, now I better understand the complex issues and history that LTS share. It's the same respect given to Poz Women and Am I Infected forums.

There's nothing preventing us diagnosed later from posting similar topics anywhere else in the forums or searching the LTS forums for information or understanding, just not posting there. It's good that you're venting and I hope that you'll stay an active member. I've learned a lot here from LTS and newbies; all of whom are very willing to help each other. -YaKa

David_CA · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2009, 04:31:29 pm »

In a sense, I can understand Buzz's question. He's asking about responding to a thread, not starting one. Sometimes, those of us who are not LTS' have experiences or knowledge that are relevant to a question that an LTS has posted in that particular section of the forums. That's sort of a gray area in my mind. So, to keep things simple for me, I don't read posts in the LTS section. It keeps me from even wanting to post. On the other hand, if there's a thread in 'Long Term Survivors' pertaining to issues from 'the old days' and numerous folks (who are more recently diagnosed) panic and ask questions that don't relate to being an LTS, it can ruin the thread. It's the same reason that those in the 'Am I Infected' section aren't supposed to post in 'Living with HIV'. In a nut shell, you shouldn't post there because that's what the rules say.

David

sharkdiver · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2009, 04:41:17 pm »

If you have a question about something similiar you can always post a similar thread in Living With.

please read through the thread that Dachshund has linked .. and btw the request you were given to not post in LTS was polite, respectful and mature.

Respectfully,
Sharkie

here is another thread you may want to read

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=23059.0

Gary85741 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2009, 08:37:02 am »

I confess I'd not read the 'rules' either, though I am a LTS of nineteen years. But I think Buzz's question gets at a larger issue. Maybe it's not what is said, but how it's said...or maybe by whom it is said. There seem to be a handful of folks on here who are hypersensitive and overreact by taking things either out of context and/or blowing things out of proportion. I'm not referring to this topic in particular, just some topics in general. You'll come to recognize who they are. I don't post much on here, and surely am not in the cliques, but will continue to periodically offer my thoughts irrespective or whether or not I think my perspectives are popular.

Gary

aztecan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2009, 10:30:24 am »

I'm not sure that its people being hypersensitive, but rather having suffered the slings and arrows of those who haven't had similar experiences.

That is why the LTS thread was created. It is a safe harbor for those of us who have already had a long journey and have the scars to prove it.

It doesn't make us better or worse than the more newly infected, but it does often make our perspective different and, at times, unpopular.

Prior to the creation of the LTS Forum, long-termers were often virtually attacked when they posted topics not welcome by those who have had a gentler experience.

That is the reason those more recently infected are asked to refrain from posting in the LTS forum.

HUGS,

Mark

MarcoPoz · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2009, 01:19:08 pm »

I guess for my 2-bits I'm with both Gary and Mark. Yep, there is SOME hypersensitivity, but as I was once told in an support group in my early days, "Sweety, the difference between drama and issues is---I have issues, everyone else has DRAMA" ;-)

I've looked at some posts and wondered why the poster was all twisted up about something seemingly small and un-twist worthy, yet I've done the exact SAME thing myself here a few times.

I wouldn't have made it 18 years living with HIV without the love, support and guidance of LTS's. So I understand the benefit of asking questions, newbie-to-old fart. At the same time, Mark is right. We LTS's REALLY need a place where we can vent with others who have had similar experiences and do it in a way that doesn't 'freak' someone out, like a newbie might get. We vent for support, not to then be hammered with questions coming from a place of oh-my-god-will-that-happen-to-me from someone who hasn't walked our miles.

So I guess for me, the typical answer is "balance". We need to be able to foster support/mentoring between those with experience and those just recently learning to live with HIV AND we need a place for us veterans to tell our war stories and show our scars with others who have been wounded similarly.

Reason why today I'm glad there's a LTS forum:

-Most of my HIV positive friends and loved ones are dead.
-I've been on AZT since 1991
-I've lived with the roller coaster of livng with/dying from HIV for 18 years
-Sometimes the darklest aspects of this disease can be very damned funny because at times one realizes that gallows humor might just increase t-cells. If it doesn't, well then, at least it made ya' laugh.
-I've struggled with and accepted the ebb and flow of a serodiscordant relationship and what it means sexually, senually, romantically, emotionally and mentally.
-Some days I'm nothing but a hot mess and I want to stay in bed and cry
-Some days I'm Suppah-HIV-Man able to leap big-haired conservatives in a single bound, faster than a speeding Christian Coaltion nasty-gram
-Sometimes I lay awake and remain barely able to function as I ponder WHY so many I loved have died from HIV yet I continue to walk, almost as an 'un-dead' not feeling completely alive, but not given benefit of the warm blanket of Mother Earth to sing me to slumber

Without going into the kind of detila I would want to--and expect to be able to on the LTS forum--this was just some of what I dealt with, or thought about since this morning.

-Peace

AlanBama · « **Reply #9 on:** January 28, 2009, 03:00:12 pm »

It's not about 'cliques' or 'select groups'. The very idea that someone would think this is a GREAT explanation of why we need our LTS forum.

To me, it comes down to a matter of respect. You wouldn't post in Positive Women. Why? you aren't a female. Why try to post in LTS if you are not one? As the wise Philicia has stated, it's not rocket science we're dealing with here, folks.....

Many LTSers have stopped posting altogether on AIDSmeds, in part, I believe, because of this lack of respect. It has hurt the site, in my opinion (and definitely hurt me).

Alan $:-\$

Basquo · « **Reply #10 on:** January 28, 2009, 04:06:09 pm »

I don't know that I'll ever feel welcome in the LTS forum. No matter that I've been infected for 11 years, diagnosed for 9 years, lost several close friends including an ex-lover to this virus starting 20 years ago, no matter that I've been on horrible meds for conditions that I relate to HIV, no mater that I'm well into middle-age now, no, I'm afraid that I will get the same reaction that I've gotten in my local HIV community: As a Long-Term Non- Progressor, you don't fit in with us. You just don't understand and you never will.

That's what I'm afraid I'll be met with.

Winiroo · « **Reply #11 on:** January 28, 2009, 07:33:26 pm »

I dont think you have anything to worry about Basquo.

BT65 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 29, 2009, 07:12:31 am »

Quote from: Basquo on January 28, 2009, 04:06:09 pm

I'm afraid that I will get the same reaction that I've gotten in my local HIV community: As a Long-Term Non- Progressor, you don't fit in with us. You just don't understand and you never will.

That's what I'm afraid I'll be met with.

Cr8on, there's LTNP's that post in LTS. Joel (Bear60) being one. We don't kick-out LTNP'ers.

Dachshund · « **Reply #13 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:12:07 am »

Quote from: Basquo on January 28, 2009, 04:06:09 pm

I don't know that I'll ever feel welcome in the LTS forum. No matter that I've been infected for 11 years, diagnosed for 9 years, lost several close friends including an ex-lover to this virus starting 20 years ago, no matter that I've been on horrible meds for conditions that I relate to HIV, no mater that I'm well into middle-age now, no, I'm afraid that I will get the same reaction that I've gotten in my local HIV community: As a Long-Term Non- Progressor, you don't fit in with us. You just don't understand and you never will.

That's what I'm afraid I'll be met with.

Actually, it sounds like you do know how an LTS feels. This is exactly why we wanted a LTS forum because we felt like we didn't fit in.

Not to change the subject, but I've always found the definition for a LTNP a bit broad (sound familiar) and vague. I went way over ten years, which many people have, without symptoms or meds, stable numbers, etc., but I never considered myself a LTNP. If you've been treated with meds that are HIV related how does that fit into the paramiters of a LTNP? Just curious.

Since a LTS can't be described in one word like woman, I'm afraid this argument will come up again and again.

bear60 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:17:45 am »

Quote Betty "Cr8on, there's LTNP's that post in LTS. Joel (Bear60) being one. We don't kick-out LTNP'ers."

Hugs and kisses. Betty
And......Cr8on, I think Dox is right. You really do fit the LTS definition. The rejection you feel is partly in your head. I think we LTNP's have a huge dose of "suvivors guilt" and you just showed us yours.

Joel

LTSurviver · « **Reply #15 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:33:37 am »

I'm an LTNP LTS. 22 years without drugs. That doesn't negate the experence of being diagnosed i before HAART, told to get your affairs in order, treated like a biohazard, and watching so many die.

So I just stay out of conversations about the early AZT overdose nightmares. I witnessed it in others, but did not expereince it myself. I also only ask questions about things like drugs since I just started HAART and Lipo since the only slight lipo (VAT) I have is HIV related, and not drug related.

I know there is some resentment towards LTNPers and I don't blame it at all. Hell, I would resent me too. So I keep a distance and respect those who have had a much more trying time than me.

AlanBama · « **Reply #16 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:48:33 am »

Quote from: Winiroo on January 28, 2009, 07:33:26 pm

I dont think you have anything to worry about Basquo.

Very true Wendy!

Creighton, honey you are MOST welcome to post in LTS. You are a LTNP, and you are right up there at meeting the "standard" definition of LTS anyway. I certainly always read everything you post, no matter which forum.

love & hugs,
Alan

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2009, 09:16:40 pm »

Quote from: Gary85741 on January 28, 2009, 08:37:02 am

You'll come to recognize who they are.

Indeed.

BT65 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2009, 10:27:41 pm »

Quote from: Miss Philicia on January 31, 2009, 09:16:40 pm

Indeed.

Hee hee.

BUZZCUTT · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2009, 08:00:05 am »

Well I may not be a LTS but I am sure an LTI "Long Term Insomniac"

I replied to a thread regarding Insomnia and sleeping pills, that happen to be in the LTS section being an Insomniac is something I have been dealing with since the early eighties, I personally do not care how old you are or how long you have had your illness you can always learn something new. You never stop learning no matter what age or if you are newly diagnosed or a long term survior.

With that said I have to get back to work.

Everyone Have a Magical Day

mecch · « **Reply #20 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:00:30 am »

My experience with the LTS forum matches some others here. I fall upon interesting topics in "show unread" and some of them are in LTS. I posted without thinking one time and was criticised. Then I read the Intro to the forum. A second (or third?) time I posted, thinking I had something to add and was not being inconsiderate to the LTS "specialness", I was criticized again.

I think this would be much CLEARER for everybody, including all new people coming into these forums generally, if the Intro to LTS comes out and says it - ONLY LTS can post in this forum. Period. If FORUM administrators do NOT want to say that clearly, they should police the overly sensitive types who WILL react to any post in LTS from a non-LTS. Which they don't.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #21 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:24:48 am »

I use "show unread" and never have a problem avoiding any posting in the Positive Women or Am I Infected section. If I can achieve this feat within a posting super score of 10,000 I'm sure average mortals can do similarly.

Dachshund · « **Reply #22 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:34:15 am »

It is clear to most forum members why the Long-Term Survivors exist and the majority are considerate enough not to post in the forum if they don't consider themselves a LTS. Yes, the welcome is a bit vague, but most folks understand the intended meaning and abide by the suggested guidelines.

It's a bit rich that some bemoan the fact that they can't post wherever they want and then want the mods to "police" a small segment of forum members.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:36:33 am »

Would that be the "clique" or the "cabal"? I get them so confused.

mecch · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:45:16 am »

I don't mind not posting in LTS. My suggestion is simply that the POZ Forums state it plain and simple. I have only been a member a few months and I am not the only one to have misread the INTRO to LTS. Why not just make it clear. ONLY LTS can post there. period.

mecch · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:50:11 am »

"We are not excluding anyone from participating here, but we do ask that you be mindful of the special needs for which this particular Forum has been established.

Thank you for your cooperation."

change to - "Everyone is welcome to read and benefit, but we ask that only LTS's post and reply in this particular Forum."

mecch · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:53:45 am »

Quote from: Dachshund on February 01, 2009, 10:34:15 am

It's a bit rich that some bemoan the fact that they can't post wherever they want and then want the mods to "police" a small segment of forum members.

I want to follow the rules and the rules are vague. Its not rich on my part. Just come out and say what the rules are. I don't post in women's, and I stopped posting in LTS. New people will join these forums all the time. Make it easy. This is about clear instructions. Not "vague" understandings among long-time members of these Forums.

komnaes · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2009, 10:59:27 am »

Quote from: mecch on February 01, 2009, 10:50:11 am

"We are not excluding anyone from participating here, but we do ask that you be mindful of the special needs for which this particular Forum has been established.

Thank you for your cooperation."

change to - "Everyone is welcome to read and benefit, but we ask that only LTS's post and reply in this particular Forum."

The thing to do is to just start your own thread in other appropriate forums (Living with HIV, etc) if you think you have something to add. It's been done many times before - just refer to a particular thread and add whatever you want in a new post in other forums.

There has to be reasons why a LTS chooses to post in there, or otherwise s/he can take this to other forums. They don't owe you/us any explanations why they choose to do so. If you think there are relevant points just take the discussions elsewhere.

AM is not a pre-school, we don't need rules for toddlers to guide our behaviors.

leatherman · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:36:10 am »

Quote from: komnaes on February 01, 2009, 10:59:27 am

we don't need rules for toddlers to guide our behaviors.

obviously we do need rules/guideline or no one would be having an issue here and there would be no discussion about this topic.

and we already have rules/guidlines aplenty.

just read the intros for the women's and AIF threads. and rules do not make us "toddlers"; rules bring order to chaos.

Why not make the change Mecch suggested? Is there something wrong with that wording? I would even suggest incorporating the idea you mentioned about starting another thread in those other forums. These "rules"/guidelines would steer a poster to the "right" forums in which they could post.

Isn't that the conclusion reached in the other threads on this topic? All that is needed is for AM to change the LTS intro to read similar to the Women's thread intro. Surely, if they can make a guideline to keep men out of the womens forum, then they can make similar guidelines to keep the other forums "segragated" too.

Until the LTS intro guideline is rewritten, it does actually state that ANYONE is allowed to post (it does not encourage them, nor does it mention, starting a similar thread elsewhere)

Quote

We are not excluding anyone from participating here

however, the other forums' guidelines actually request that posters refrain from posting in those areas if not part of that specific group. It seem AM should fix the "rules" here to make things more consistent.

komnaes · « **Reply #29 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:43:49 am »

Right, seriously, you don't think there are enough rules here already for an online forums?

In that case why don't we take it further. How about starting a tribunal?

And once we have a tribunal, we should start developing case laws and have a case book?

Should we follow the common laws or continental system?

I prefer to use common sense .. but whatever..

leatherman · « **Reply #30 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:58:25 am »

please look through all those intros, like I just did. The guidelines clearly state that ANYONE can post in the LTS forum, though the other intros clearly ask people not of that group to either steer clear or to stay in that forum.

there is no special guideline that keeps anyone from posting into the LTS forum. so I really don't understand this discussion then, and why people like buzzcut and mecch are getting flack for posting there. Personally, I understand and like the idea of an LTS forum; but there are no guidelines specifically set up to "protect" that forum like some of the other forums are.

I'm not the one that complained, or told mecch to take his topics to another forum

Quote from: komnaes on February 01, 2009, 10:59:27 am

The thing to do is to just start your own thread in other appropriate forums

according to the guidelines, there is no reason for anyone to start another "duplicate" thread in any other forum. If everyone is free to post in the LTS then it makes more sense to just stick to the one thread rather than have 3 or 4 scattered through the forums. If a thread in the LTS forum is receiving that much attention, then that post has actually been mis-posted into the wrong forum and should be moved.

emeraldize · « **Reply #31 on:** February 01, 2009, 12:07:50 pm »

Quote from: leatherman on February 01, 2009, 11:36:10 am

obviously we do need rules/guideline or no one would be having an issue here and there would be no discussion about this topic. and we already have rules/guidlines aplenty. just read the intros for the women's and AIF threads. and rules do not make us "toddlers"; rules bring order to chaos.

Why not make the change Mecch suggested? Is there something wrong with that wording? I would even suggest incorporating the idea you mentioned about starting another thread in those other forums. These "rules"/guidelines would steer a poster to the "right" forums in which they could post.

Isn't that the conclusion reached in the other threads on this topic? All that is needed is for AM to change the LTS intro to read similar to the Women's thread intro.

komnaes · « **Reply #32 on:** February 01, 2009, 12:22:32 pm »

Quote from: leatherman on February 01, 2009, 11:58:25 am

.., and why people like buzzcut and mecch are getting flack for posting there.

So is it all come down to why certain individuals got flack? I haven't read the threads in question but isn't it simply an issue to take to the mods?

The bottomline or, er, common sense approach is this, IMHO - the LTS forum exists for a reason, and folks choose to post there for a reason. The obvious one is that they want only to solicit opinions or responds from other LTS, or they think that it's an issue that only other LTS can relate to. It's the same with the Women's forum. But it doesn't mean that others cannot have good points to add - in that case, we (not LTS) can choose to either respond in LTS forum by starting it with, say, "I know it might not be appropriate for me to post here, but.." or start another post in other forums.

How difficult is that? If some members decide to "flack" you for doing that with disrespectful, take it to the mods.

And, just for the sake of argument, not every rules will make us toddlers, unnecessary and stupid ones will..

Dachshund · « **Reply #33 on:** February 01, 2009, 12:23:48 pm »

Quote from: leatherman on February 01, 2009, 11:58:25 am

If everyone is free to post in the LTS then it makes more sense to just stick to the one thread rather than have 3 or 4 scattered through the forums. If a thread in the LTS forum is receiving that much attention, then that post has actually been mis-posted into the wrong forum and should be moved.

Redundancy is the life blood of the forums. Same topics, same answers, different day. The mods move topics out of LTS all the time without the worse for wear.

I've been here since the inception of LTS (and longer) and you can count the "why can't I post there" complaints on one hand. For the most part the complaints are personality driven and childish. Yes, quote me the welcome verbatim, but somehow 99% plus are able to figure it out.

leatherman · « **Reply #34 on:** February 01, 2009, 01:00:24 pm »

Quote from: komnaes on February 01, 2009, 12:22:32 pm

So is it all come down to why certain individuals got flack?

imo, it comes down to different rules for different forums.

i don't understand your reasoning either komnaes. In one post you tell the "interloper" into the LTS forum to take it elsewhere; yet in another post you say that same person can post there, as long as they add a disclaimer. So which side are you on in this discussion? Are you "for" a LTS forum that has guidelines to protect it or are you for an open forum allowing anyone to post? You really seem to me to be arguing for both sides.

Quote from: komnaes on February 01, 2009, 12:22:32 pm

The obvious one is that they want only to solicit opinions or responds from other LTS, or they think that it's an issue that only other LTS can relate to. It's the same with the Women's forum. But it doesn't mean that others cannot have good points to add

No, it's not the same as the Women's forum. Though I may have a "good point to add", trust me, if I posted there (which I did once by using the UNREAD button and not paying attention to the specific thread's forum), they would not care to hear my "good point" and I would be summarily told (nicely of course, and usually by several posts and PMs) to not post there again. My "good point" would go unheard and/or unanswered.

Quote from: Dachshund on February 01, 2009, 12:23:48 pm

I've been here since the inception of LTS (and longer) and you can count the "why can't I post there" complaints on one hand. For the most part the complaints are personality driven and childish

I only joined into this discussion because there have been a handful of posts with similar topics, along with several other threads about what an LTS is. It's all about the same issue - posting in the LTS forum. It seemed like after a dozen threads or so in the last year, some sort of consensus could have been reached to end this discussion.

Either everyone can post in the LTS forum or only LTSs should. Why even have this separate forum at all if anyone can post (with or without a disclaimer)? I think it's all rather confusing and, unlike Dachshund's opinion of 1%, I think this topic has come up quite frequently over the last year and it would be nice to see a resolution. Simply wording the LTS intro as the Women's intro is done, seems consistent and fair.

mikie
(who is for the LTS forum because he, after 16 yrs of fighting this disease, got tired of being called a pessimist so much by the "newbies" after he joined AM

)

Peter Staley · « **Reply #35 on:** February 01, 2009, 03:50:14 pm »

Gang -- after what we've been through on setting up and maintaining the LTS forum, hell will freeze over before we edit the Welcome Thread.

Here's why -- it was kept vague intentionally, because defining "LTS" became nearly impossible. Some thought the forum should be open to older folks (over 50? 60?) that might be more recently infected, but had to deal with the same kinds of extensive health issues more traditional LTS's deal with. Others pointed out that a fast-progressor that ended up with major OIs might actually have more in common with a tradition LTS than a long-term non-progressor would.

Most importantly, those that originally asked for the forum felt strongly that it could be largely self-policing, and that some basic respect would be all that's needed. I think the good news about the LTS forum is that this has WORKED as originally conceived, for the most part. As Hal rightly points out, the issue raised in this thread has been a very, very rare issue.

I must say, those insisting on arguing with the status quo, or insisting on rule changes, seem to want a pissing match just for the sake of having one. If the regular members of the LTS forum ask that you not post there, then don't -- it's as simple as that. It's called "respect."

Cheers,

Peter

Basquo · « **Reply #36 on:** February 01, 2009, 06:49:14 pm »

Quote from: Dachshund on January 29, 2009, 08:12:07 am

Actually, it sounds like you do know how an LTS feels. This is exactly why we wanted a LTS forum because we felt like we didn't fit in.

Not to change the subject, but I've always found the definition for a LTNP a bit broad (sound familiar) and vague. I went way over ten years, which many people have, without symptoms or meds, stable numbers, etc., but I never considered myself a LTNP. If you've been treated with meds that are HIV related how does that fit into the paramiters of a LTNP? Just curious.

Since a LTS can't be described in one word like woman, I'm afraid this argument will come up again and again.

Hal, I just want to clarify that I meant I have conditions that I relate to HIV--conditions that I developed after I became poz. I've not taken HAART, because my numbers are stable and thankfully do put me in the general category of LTNP. But I've had depression, anxiety, IBS and other little things that I didn't have before. I don't know if it's HIV or age that causes these things, or aggravates them, but currently I do take a couple of meds daily (one of them 3X daily) and there's 2 others I take as needed and 3 other ones that I've taken regularly but have not needed for a few years. Fatigue, not healing quickly from injuries like I used to; again, I don't know if those things are from HIV or just getting older. I've done a lot to improve my nutrition and well-being but I still have good days and bad days. I caught bacterial (community-acquired) pneumonia working in a hospital and they let me go home, but when I developed an allergic reaction to one of the antibiotics they sure put me in the hospital pretty fast. I didn't think it was so bad but watching my family and friends FREAK OUT was pretty miserable. The reaction I got when I finally connected with the local poz community was a general "Oh, you don't take HIV meds? Then you have no clue what it's really like." Nevermind that I've taken a med for something else that gave me explosive diarrhea with the morning dose and a splitting headache in the afternoon. Or that I went to a lot of funerals in the 80's and 90's.

Like Joel said, a lot of it's probably in my head, this anticipation of rejection. I've come to rely a lot on these forums and the great people here and so I don't know why I think I wouldn't fit in. I'm just afraid that someone's going to say, until you've had this, or this, or that happen to you, you haven't really experienced it. Call us back when you can demonstrate that you've actually been to Death's door.

Winiroo · « **Reply #37 on:** February 01, 2009, 09:12:43 pm »

You can put your fears aside. There is no reason any one should reject you in the LTS forum.
I'm pretty sure most people on the site like you and I feel that you with no doubt qualify to post.

Dachshund · « **Reply #38 on:** February 02, 2009, 09:43:59 am »

Quote from: Basquo on February 01, 2009, 06:49:14 pm

Call us back when you can demonstrate that you've actually been to Death's door.

Gee, thanks for perpetuating that stale myth. I'm not sure how much time you've spent actually reading the LTS forum, but I can assure you that's not the attitude of the majority of the folks that post in LTS. In fact, you've had the opportunity to meet several LTS at AMG and form lasting friendships. Do you really think they believe this nonsense? The truth is that the majority of the threads in LTS deal in the now and not in the past.

We have members in LTS that come in all shapes and sizes. Each following their own road (by choice and by circumstances) towards becoming what we loosely call a LTS. Only you can decide if you fit that criteria. I can assure no one would challenge it.

Please don't paint the LTS forum with this negative broad brush. We're not a group of grumpy, old geezers waiting to pounce on unsuspecting members. Challenging them to prove their LTS staus with an O.I. history, that must date back to the 80's, or proof of twenty friends names etched in needlepoint on the AIDS quilt. You more than anyone should know this.

From the responses you received in this thread alone proves that your LTS friends would welcome you with open arms.

Me, I'm out of here. I'm exhausted by the subject. You'll find me in my rocking chair parked in LTS.

aztecan · « **Reply #39 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:55:32 am »

Creighton, you know you're always welcome.

Doxie, I, for one, am lurking in the LTS forum ready to pounce on unsuspecting newbies. But I am not elitist. If they're cute, I'll pounce on them in any thread they like!

HUGS,

Mark

(Edited to add I hope people realize I am just kidding about the newbies. I'll pounce on anyone who doesn't get out of the way of my walker fast enough.

.)

fearless · « **Reply #40 on:** February 02, 2009, 09:11:47 pm »

I've never supported the division into LTS and women's forums but can also appreciate and respect that those who fought for them saw a real need for them.

I just steer clear of them all together. That my experience may be diminished and the information and support I receive lessened is a little sad. But, so long as the protagonists are happy then I'm happy too.

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