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Off Topic Forums => Off Topic Forum => Topic started by: Growler on February 01, 2012, 05:44:53 am

Title: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on February 01, 2012, 05:44:53 am
After spending last night in hospital with chest pain (heart was going a bit too slow) I realised that if the worst happened to me I dont want to be found in the hell hole where Ive been living so I made up my mind to leave. Tonight I was woken up by a massive scary fight on my floor and there were police everywhere. I packed a suitcase and my backpack and grabbed Sebastion the bear and we have left!
Not sure what to do yet but I am free and Im never going back!
Wish me luck.
Talk soon
Joe
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Theyer on February 01, 2012, 06:42:00 am
All the luck there can be Joe,
mhtv
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on February 01, 2012, 07:00:03 am
Found a cheap hotel to stay the night....they accepted payment in $2 coins! Thank Jebus I grabbed the piggy bank before I left. Its 11pm and Im buggered so Im going to get some sleep.

GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Ann on February 01, 2012, 07:08:36 am
Hey Joe, I'm really happy to hear you have a roof over your head tonight. That's what worried me most when I read your OP. Good luck tomorrow in finding more permanent accommodation. I'm glad you got out of that hell-hole, but I hope you haven't made yourself homeless in the process! Best of luck to you and take care of yourself.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: wolfter on February 01, 2012, 09:29:15 am
Hoping everything works out for ya.  If you lived her in the states, I'd give you room and board in exchange for services provided. :o  Seriously, wishing you well and sending strength your way.

Take care and best wishes.

Wolfie
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: denb45 on February 01, 2012, 09:42:45 am
Good 4 u, it's best to find a less stressful living situation, in the long run it's better for u and your over all health........good luck  ;)
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: skeebo1969 on February 01, 2012, 09:46:42 am


  Joe,

    I hope things work out for the better, and quickly may I add.  Sending you good vibes on finding a suitable nest.

  Thomas
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: GSOgymrat on February 01, 2012, 03:05:57 pm
I hope you find a permanent new place to stay soon. Where you were staying sounded horrible and not at all safe.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: WillyWump on February 01, 2012, 04:49:30 pm
Glad you and Sebastian are out, but I must say I am really worried about where you are going to stay after the $2 hotel, etc...

please check in and let us know whats going on.

-Will
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Lugzsoo on February 01, 2012, 06:07:47 pm
Good luck hope you be well and safe out there  joe





Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Solo_LTSurvivor on February 01, 2012, 06:48:38 pm
That's fab news, Growler!

Please be sure and post some pix of your new abode once you and Sebastion get settled!
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Hoover on February 01, 2012, 07:53:01 pm
Good luck with the move!
Embrace the change even if it is scary, it is good.

If you were in our present country, I would give you a place to stay and a gun to use at your leisure. Family next door would be so fun. ;D

Hugs from Hoover and the boss
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: OneTampa on February 01, 2012, 07:56:55 pm
Good luck with the move to a better place.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: spacebarsux on February 02, 2012, 06:00:27 am
Glad you're out of that hell-hole! Hope you find a nice cozy home real soon!!
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on February 03, 2012, 04:14:34 pm
Just a note to let you all know I'm alive and well. I haven't started looking for a place to stay yet but that's not a problem.
Only thing I have to complain about is the on going saga with the diarrhea....I think I now know every public toilet in Sydney....Yuck!

Keep well and take care of yourselves.

GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Theyer on February 03, 2012, 07:33:40 pm
Good to here from you, none off the bung you up meds are good for you ?
Lomitil works well for me I think it locks your muscles down---trouble is you don,t know you need it till you do.
Take care
mhtv
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: denb45 on February 03, 2012, 08:12:28 pm
Growler keep looking, I'm sure you'll find something a lot more better than where you lived before  ;)

as for the diarrhea, don't worry, I've had it for the last 15 yrs. and I can tell you, that Cherry Flavored Pepto-Bismol works wonders  8)

I swear by it, and and buy it by the case, when nothing else worked for my shits, THIS STUFF sure dose the trick  ;D

keep us posted and up to date, were all pulling for you  ;)

HUGS

Dennis in ABQ
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: buginme2 on February 03, 2012, 08:13:08 pm
Hope you're doing well.  Did the hospital say why your heart was beating too slow?   Keeping you in my daily anxieties (as it has been said).
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Since2005 on February 04, 2012, 12:51:53 am
I packed a suitcase and my backpack and grabbed Sebastion the bear and we have left!
Joe
And the computer!?

I had really fallen in love with those  ex-residents of yours; Mary the vampire, "lets pee in the can and the bottle" promoter, oh the other “very quiet guy” who doesn't talk to anyone even if he sees someone is dead in the kitchen!

Damn. Now, who is going to tell the tale?

Again, for your safety, I am glad that you are outta there.

P.S. he said he paid $2 worth of coins not that he is staying at $2 hotel!

Since (who is sending good vibes meaning best wishes to dear Joe and Sebastion)

**Edited to add Sebastion in the wishes
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: leatherman on February 04, 2012, 01:28:22 am
Cherry Flavored Pepto-Bismol works wonders
be careful if you have allergies, Pepto has aspirin in it.  I found out the hard way during a weekend bout of flu with a small bottle of Pepto when I developed an extreme case of Hives and had to be hospitalized. Also through reading other posts here and researching, I learned that Pepto can cause "black hairy tongue".

Imodium (Loperamide) is my drug of choice for the "runs".


best wishes, Growl, on finding a better home for yourself really soon!
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: denb45 on February 04, 2012, 11:18:35 am
be careful if you have allergies, Pepto has aspirin in it.  I found out the hard way during a weekend bout of flu with a small bottle of Pepto when I developed an extreme case of Hives and had to be hospitalized. Also through reading other posts here and researching, I learned that Pepto can cause "black hairy tongue".

Imodium (Loperamide) is my drug of choice for the "runs".

I cannot take Imodium (Loperamide) that gives me hives, and i only take the pepto once or twice a week, to slow things down in my gut, seem to work well for me, when nothing else did  :D
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 04, 2012, 11:35:55 am
I have to take loperamide with every dose of HIV meds, so twice daily -- and not just one -- it's three of them twice daily, plus pancreatic/digestive enzymes. If I take them "as needed" instead of with every dose of HIV meds then food just shoots right through me. Been like this for 15 years.

Even with doing all of that I can still get diarrhea, but it's down to maybe just once a week. If ADAP didn't pay for poopey meds I'd be up shit creek.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: denb45 on February 04, 2012, 11:46:50 am
I have to take loperamide with every dose of HIV meds, so twice daily -- and not just one -- it's three of them twice daily, plus pancreatic/digestive enzymes. If I take them "as needed" instead of with every dose of HIV meds then food just shoots right through me. Been like this for 15 years.


Yeah My GI-doctor told me that I cannot take any of those pancreatic/digestive enzymes ( got's something to do with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth SIBO) I forget what tho, I see him again for a follow up in March 2012, hope he can help me again w/ all my Diarrhea  :-[   no matte what i do or eat it always comes back to haunt me without fail  ::)
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Hoover on February 04, 2012, 10:15:58 pm
My best advice for anyone with diarrhea is to keep toilet paper in your car or in your purse. It never hurts to have that bit of comfort with you where ever you go.
Traveling over two volcanoes with parasites has taught me a thing or two!

Hoover
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: wolfter on February 04, 2012, 10:27:07 pm

P.S. he said he paid $2 worth of coins not that he is staying at $2 hotel!


Well color me illiterate.   :o
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Since2005 on February 04, 2012, 10:54:19 pm
Well color me illiterate.   :o

LOL! If hotel rate is $20, say he paid $18.00 notes and paid $2.00 worth of coins. I would not imagine to get $2.00 hotel in Australia. May be in India if u are lucky!
Get more wine, better yet keep your bartending job, that will do!!   ;D

Edited to add: Nothing wrong with any jobs as long as they pay the bills. At least, now, you know the difference between staying at $2.00 hotel and paying partial hotel charge in $2.00 worth of coins. Before calling anyone illiterate, look yourself at the mirror. Boomerang!
 
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: wolfter on February 04, 2012, 11:04:40 pm
LOL! If hotel rate is $20, say he paid $18.00 notes and paid $2.00 worth of coins. I would not imagine to get $2.00 hotel in Australia. May be in India if u are lucky!
Get more wine, better yet keep your bartending job, that will do!!   ;D

Are we debating academic and professional credentials?  I'm pretty certain you'd lose!  But I'll give you credit for trying.   ;)

Edited to add.  As I'm heading out to work this morning I was still thinking about that comment.  I work with many people who don't necessarily have the capacity to work in more skilled fields.  They are no less important and in fact, they are grateful to work and provide for their families.  Be it a bartender, cook, dishwasher, janitor or whatever, they work all work hard for a living.

I currently work there for personal reasons that I won't delve into.  I'm working because I chose to, not because I'm forced to. 
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Rev. Moon on February 04, 2012, 11:08:17 pm
Are we debating academic and professional credentials?  I'm pretty certain you'd lose!  But I'll give you credit for trying.   ;)

Don't sweat it, Wolfie.  Since2005 is so innocent that he hasn't been able to figure out that Philicia is a 320 pound Latina girl who wears a strap-on in order to infect her unsuspecting victims. 

Short bus, anyone?
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: wolfter on February 04, 2012, 11:10:12 pm
Don't sweat it, Wolfie.  Since2005 is so innocent that he hasn't been able to figure out that Philicia is a 320 pound Latina girl who wears a strap-on in order to infect her unsuspecting victims. 

Short bus, anyone?

Did she loose weight? :o
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: buginme2 on February 04, 2012, 11:14:02 pm
I though P was a Japanese girl
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: wolfter on February 04, 2012, 11:21:37 pm
I though P was a Japanese girl

I see she's on-line but probably has some other poor unspecting victim in her clutches.   :D
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: spacebarsux on February 05, 2012, 01:27:20 am
I though P was a Japanese girl

The school girl types who carry pink mobile phones, have hair in pigtails, an innocent meek look in their eyes but are actually tigresses in the bed room? As far as relationships go, I've heard they are the ones who really wear the trousers.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 05, 2012, 01:30:39 am
Sorry folks -- I've been very busy this evening finishing up video editing on this important public service announcement regarding the Great American Search for Foreskin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeKEH-VXDsw

(and that fetching pose I do at 2:03 was really not easy!)
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Rev. Moon on February 05, 2012, 10:23:38 am
Sorry folks -- I've been very busy this evening finishing up video editing on this important public service announcement regarding the Great American Search for Foreskin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeKEH-VXDsw

(and that fetching pose I do at 2:03 was really not easy!)


How utterly faboolous, dahling.  I read on Amazon that they may turn this book into a feature length film.   Some people are just lucky. 

Maybe we should write a volume on how to score cheap tricks of Dominican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian descent.  Much betta in bed at any rate.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on February 09, 2012, 05:03:56 pm
Thanks for the messages of support. Just a quick note to let you know that Sebastion and I are doing well. Still sleeping out, but feeling secure. GI issues have significantly reduced after I gave up eating solids. Tried a normal meal on Wednesday but the pain & diarraha returned so I'm back on the Sustigen dietary supplement and feeling much better. I better go before the Apple store "geniuses" realise a PC is leeching their free wifi:)
GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: WillyWump on February 09, 2012, 05:16:36 pm
Thanks for the messages of support. Just a quick note to let you know that Sebastion and I are doing well. Still sleeping out, but feeling secure. GI issues have significantly reduced after I gave up eating solids. Tried a normal meal on Wednesday but the pain & diarraha returned so I'm back on the Sustigen dietary supplement and feeling much better. I better go before the Apple store "geniuses" realise a PC is leeching their free wifi:)
GROWLER

Geez Growler, I worry about you  :-\ Perhaps you need to go see a doc, being virtually homeless is tough enough without having the pain and diarreaha to deal with.

-W
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: spacebarsux on February 10, 2012, 01:28:00 am
Geez Growler, I worry about you  :-\ Perhaps you need to go see a doc, being virtually homeless is tough enough without having the pain and diarreaha to deal with.


I feel likewise.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: OneTampa on February 11, 2012, 11:12:18 am
I feel likewise.

Co-sign.

Growler, please take care of yourself.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: WillyWump on February 16, 2012, 10:48:01 pm
What's going on Growler? Im worried about you and Sebastian.

-W
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Theyer on February 17, 2012, 06:16:41 am
Ditto
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Ann on February 17, 2012, 08:48:06 am
Me too. It's been over a week. Growler, wherefore art thou?
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on February 20, 2012, 03:03:13 am
Sorry haven't been in contact sooner. Happy to report all is well. Still sleeping out but now eating normal food without any problems. Found a place to have a shower and wash my clothes for free (12 days without a shower was 11 days too long!) Not much else to report. Hope you're all doing well
GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Ann on February 20, 2012, 09:50:02 am
Good to hear from you Growlie. Is "sleeping out" actually better than that place you were living in? Damn, it musta been bad. :(

Hope you find accommodation soon. Take care of yourself, ok?
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Hellraiser on February 20, 2012, 09:54:16 am
Dude, find some shelter, that place may have been terrible but it beats nothing, right?
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on March 02, 2012, 06:23:32 am
An update on my situation. I'm doing very well and I'm happy to report i've made a friend. We meet at a drop in centre for the homeless where I've been showering.
He's around my age, he doesn't talk to himself, he can string two words together without having to hyphenate them with the word fuck, straight (he knows I'm gay) and "a heroin junkie"(his own words). He also knows I'm poz.....this morning he asked me straight out without me having said anything, saying that I looked poz and he knows a couple of poz guys and before I confirmed his suspicion he drank out of my can to show me that he was comfortable with the fact.

We've been keeping each other company for the last couple of days, mostly just talking and drinking the occasional discreet beer in the park and he's been showing me around the charity stops the town has to offer....I now have a blanket and a pair of jeans, both most welcome with the heavy rains we've been having over the last couple of days. In case you're wondering I've found a place to sleep thats warm, dry, under cover and the security staff  turn a blind eye to my presence.

I now also have some money. I'd been cut off unemployment payments after I left my previous accommodation and when I told this to my new mate he explained that if I told the government I was homeless they would reinstate my payment; he was right. I shouted him a cap of H to thank him.....He never asked, it was I who offered to shout him and I'm not going to judge him for his choices.

It's the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras tomorrow night so the city will be in full party mode (around 1/2 million expected to view the parade). I'm tempted to go but probably won't in case I bump into someone who knows me or even worse knows my ex.

I saw a visiting Dr earlier in week at the drop in centre and  was prescribed an antiemetic  and I'm happy to report the vomiting has stopped (Amen).

Take care folks and I'll be try not to be a so much of a stranger and post a little more frequently.
GROWLER



Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on March 13, 2012, 03:48:46 pm
Hi guys. I'm not sure how you all do it? I can't eat anymore. I went to emergency yesterday and they gave me an antiemetic but I just threw it up.  I look in the mirror and I don't recognise myself . Starring back at me is  a saggy parody of the face that was once mine. Not sure what happens now. Anyway that's about it folks, take care of each other.

GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on March 13, 2012, 09:11:37 pm
Decided it was time to do something so called the HIV clinic today and made an appointment for 2 weeks time.
GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Hellraiser on March 13, 2012, 10:05:52 pm
Did you stop taking your meds?
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: wolfter on March 14, 2012, 11:24:44 am
Take care of yourself buddy.  Hope it all gets better.

Best wishes

Wolfie
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: denb45 on March 14, 2012, 12:05:01 pm
 If you can get re-instated why can't you find another place to live, you really should be on your meds, and lastly, being homeless really isn't where it's at , take care of yourself, and get your ass in gear, you owe it to yourself  ;)
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on March 14, 2012, 02:27:10 pm
I was on Atripla for a short period late last year after an initial weight loss episode. Unfortunately it didn't agree with me (as evidenced by my threatening to rip another forum members head off at the time and rightfully getting my arse banned) so I stopped it with DRs knowledge. This was no biggie as my CD4 count was 560 in Oct.) CD count was still good this Jan, 440, therefore no need to start meds.
We've been exploring the possibility of cancer and although I haven't been back for final results, they haven't tried to get in contact with me so it's unlikely that's the cause.
Having read of other people's experiences on these forums I realise gastrointestinal issues and weight loss are almost par of the course with HIV. In the end I need to man up about this stuff and stop being such a princess (which seems to be my specialty since my diagnosis). It's time I accepted the changes and count myself lucky that it's not eh Aids that I'm having to deal with. 
Anyway thanks everyone for your patience with me and for putting up with my bullshit.
GROWLER (
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: WillyWump on March 14, 2012, 09:15:50 pm
For the love of God Growler, please get your arse to the doc. You need to take care of yourself cause we love you and the bear.

-Will
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Hellraiser on March 15, 2012, 12:18:27 pm
I was on Atripla for a short period late last year after an initial weight loss episode. Unfortunately it didn't agree with me (as evidenced by my threatening to rip another forum members head off at the time and rightfully getting my arse banned) so I stopped it with DRs knowledge. This was no biggie as my CD4 count was 560 in Oct.) CD count was still good this Jan, 440, therefore no need to start meds.
We've been exploring the possibility of cancer and although I haven't been back for final results, they haven't tried to get in contact with me so it's unlikely that's the cause.
Having read of other people's experiences on these forums I realise gastrointestinal issues and weight loss are almost par of the course with HIV. In the end I need to man up about this stuff and stop being such a princess (which seems to be my specialty since my diagnosis). It's time I accepted the changes and count myself lucky that it's not eh Aids that I'm having to deal with.
Anyway thanks everyone for your patience with me and for putting up with my bullshit.
GROWLER (

For some reason I thought you were more experienced and knowledgeable about the disease than this paragraph lets on.  In reference to gastrointestinal issues, HIV wasting happens to anyone with untreated HIV, actually it's pretty much a hallmark of AIDS.  Not trying to scare you but it's definitely time to see an HIV doctor and potentially get on some medication long term regardless of the side effects.
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on March 17, 2012, 06:55:51 am
I have made an appointment with the ID Dr for the 29th so need to worry about me, I can take care of myself and besides there's alot of people out here who are worse off than me....at times I've been reduced to tears at the state of some of the people I've meet and I feel so impotent that I cant do more for for them than give them a couple of bucks :(

PS Sebastion the bear is also well and protected. At night I tuck him down my shirt so if the worse were to happen and my bag was stolen while I'm sleeping I wont loose him....I couldn't bear that happening ( pun intended)

GROWLER
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Miss Philicia on March 17, 2012, 09:26:48 am
 :)
Title: Re: I Have Escaped!
Post by: Growler on March 28, 2012, 07:45:49 pm
I went to the HIV clinic this morning. Meet the new registrar. Lot to think about now so I think I'll take some time out to get it sorted. Keep well
GROWLER