2 Years Ago Today

[cubbybear]

Hey All.

Forgive me for not having posted for quite some time, I've been busy doing a number of things but still checking in here to see how my friends are doing.

Today is my 2nd year anniversary for my AIDS diagnosis, and I reflect especially on those who were there for me when I expected to die.  To those who don't know me, I joined here two years ago and I was a worried well posting in the Am I Infected forum, worried because I'd lost almost 30kgs in a couple of months, had PCP and was fainting at the drop of the hat, could barely breath, and was rushed off to hospital, where I stayed for a month diagnosed with end stage AIDS.  After being treated for severe PCP, osoephageal thrush, severe anaemia, a few nasty infections, countless other things, and enjoying a couple of blood transfusions.. here I am today, back to my normal self.. well almost.

I'm back at work doing 10 hour days, four days a week working as a medical imaging registered nurse in a busy city hospital.  Admittedly I have had my fair share of sick days off, where I have been too exhausted to go to work, and having caught satan's own very special strain of influenza this year that knocked me for six.. but my boss has been great, and I told her I am +ve.  She has been very supporting, and even called me on my annual leave to make sure I was okay.  God bless her, she brings me ginger tablets for nausea.

I've got a new man in my life... though not of the two legged variety. I am the proud daddy cub of "Boston" the 8 week old boxer.  If I remember I will post a pic of him below.  He has dragged me kicking and screaming out of some pretty bad depression that I just couldnt get out of, and now I am on top of the world, and love the little bugger to bits.

On the two legged variety, I have had my fair share of offers over the last 2 years, and I've disclosed most times purely to put them off.. but that backfired in all cases, and didn't seem to make them head for the hills.  Still, I am happy by myself, and with little Boston.  I still live with my ex partner and we get on great and are best of friends, even if he does give me the shits faster than my HARRT does.

Health wise I'm doing fine.  VL is still undetectable, and has been since a month after meds, which I have been on for 2 years now, Sustiva and Truvada still.  My CD4s wer 233 a few months ago, and will get my new ones next Tuesday.  They've come a long way from the 35 I was left with.

Finally.. I just want to thank everyone here for being there when I needed some help, advice, a life line, or just to talk to someone who knows what it's like and to let me know I'm not the only one.  A very special thank you to those whom took me under their wing when I first was diagnosed.. you know who you are and I always think of you guys. 

And lastly, OsoWoofy.  He has been my guardian, and I love him eternally.

Thanks everyone for being there when I needed you most, and for continuing to be there.
Much love.

Onward and Upward.
Matt

aka Cubbybear

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Peter6836]

Gosh,
Here I sit not feeling too good again a bit afraid. Then I open this thing up and see you too hotties. You Cubby and your pup. I am glad your feeling better and working and moving on with life. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face.
Peter

[JohnOso]

Onward and upward indeed.

Here's to a long and happy life, Matt, leading to a cranky old age for both of us  ;-)
Can Boston be much cuter?  I don't think so mate!

Much love back atcha,
John (Oso)

[DanielMark]

Ahhh, Boston is a real cutie. He looks as cuddly as you do Matt.

Congrats on your 2 years!

Daniel

[Lostgirl]

Hi Cubbybear

I am glad I stumbled across your post today.  My husband is seeing (only for the second time) his specialist today.  We were only diagnosed a couple of weeks ago (trauma time for both of us) and are still recovering from the shock of it all.  I went with hubby to his first visit - very nice chap but a bit gung ho and I got the feeling he wasn't telling all.  I know because of my husband's numbers and three bad infections that he would be classed as an AIDS diagnosis here in the States, not as HIV+, but I may be wrong here.  Anyway my husband is a real head in the sand character and doesn't really want to face up to things.  I try, a little bit here and there, to prepare him gently for any news I know would devastate him.  I had to bring up the word AIDS last night as I feel his specialist (who is a different one today) might drop the word in conversation.  I didn't say he had AIDS just that he should not get worried should the specialist mention the word, and you are living proof that it is not the always the death sentence people think it is.  I am going to print out what you said and if my husband is very depressed tonight it is something I can produce to show him that it is not the end (and he is not nearly so ill as you were two years ago).  He doesn't go on line himself or talk to anyone - even me (I have to initiate all conversations and they are brief!) as he lives in fear of his boss finding out.  In time, I know I will be able to persuade him to seek out emotional help but in the meantime you are all my lifeline.  I have to see my specialist for the first time in a couple of weeks and reading your story has given me a real boost.

Again thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Regards
Lostgirl

PS Love your puppy!

[Robert]

Not having heard from you lately, I just figured you had been out in the woods at one of those picnics that seem to attract a lot of bears.

YOu look great!!!.  It's so good to hear from you.

And Boston is just what the Dr. ordered.  I had a white Boxer named Soapy who would not leave my bedside during my recovery from PCP.  He was the one who got me out of the house for long walks.  He was the one who put the smile back in my life.  So I know a little about HIV/AIDS/PCP/and BOXERS and BEARS 

Take care, my friend.

robert

my soapy:  rest in peace......




[attachment deleted by admin]

[Buckmark]

Good to hear from you Matt -- it's been a while.  Seems like you have certainly turned things around in the past 2 years.  I hope it continues, and I wish you all the best.

Hugs,

Henry

[Matty the Damned]

Papa Bear!

So good to hear from you babe, especially about the numbers and the new puppy. Keep well!!

Baby Bear

[komnaes]

Boston is so cute he looks like a toy!

Cheers, Shaun

[Dachshund]

Hey Matt great to hear from you. Next to the weiner (dog) boxers are my all time favorite. I've had three in my lifetime and they make great pets. Your Boston is a real beauty, as pretty as a picture.

[randym431]

 
Yes its good to hear you're doing so good. Both of us came here about the same time as newbies (newbies in shock that is).
But somehow we are still here and kicking. Say what some will about drug companies, they earn their $$$ in my book.
I too have good days and icky days. Also been <50 since on meds and cd4 was 485 last visit 4 months ago (85 in 9/2005)
ps.. never missed a dose to date. doc gives that credit to my success.

Having been a skinny lot back in 9/2005 and down to 150#, I'm back to my 185# normal.
And just to add there is hope, while on the bike trail Sunday, another biker passed to me "you have a great bod".
NEVER thought I'd hear THAT again!! If he only knew...

Wishing continued positives in your life Matt. And take care of that cutie little pup.
Take care chubby bear
xoxo randy

[J.R.E.]

Hello Matt,

It's hard to believe that it's been two years. You went through a tough spell, but your a trooper !! Glad to hear that everything is going well for you, Keep it going. It's also great, that you have an understanding boss that you work for. Makes things a hell of a lot better !!


Take care of yourself--------Ray