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Author Topic: Yep, it's time for . . .  (Read 4999 times)

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Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Yep, it's time for . . .
« on: July 06, 2012, 12:12:08 am »
 . . . a minor celebration.

This month marks my 27th anniversary of being told I was a pozzie.

Much has changed since 1985, and those dark, dark days that followed.

Despite my humps, lumps bumps and crankiness, I am still here.

After taking Crixivan, unboosted and on a strict schedule, for 11 years, and AZT for 13 years, I am still here.

What makes it even more interesting, at least to me, is that I will shortly be 55, which means I will now have lived longer with HIV than I did without it.

I think that deserves a toast, perhaps that nice Merlot or the tasty Pinot Noir lurking in my kitchen.

HUGS,

Mark

« Last Edit: July 06, 2012, 12:15:04 am by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Jeff G

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  • Posts: 17,064
  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2012, 12:33:09 am »
The world is a better place because you are in it Mark . I hope we can toast and celebrate this in DC .... and give you a birthday spanking too since we will be celebrating your birthday that happens to fall during AMG . 
HIV 101 - Basics
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You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline Joe K

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  • Posts: 5,821
  • 31 Years Poz
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2012, 12:50:40 am »
Congrats Mark.  I started my 27 year in March.  When in DC, find yourself a nice marine in a kilt.

Joe

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2012, 01:09:35 am »
The world is a better place because you are in it Mark .


I agree  !!...

Mark,

I will toast you in DC ! We're all glad your in this world.  July 4th week of 1985 is also when I  became infected with HIV, and then I  tested positive in October.

I never was on the earlier meds, I didn't start meds until almost 18 years to the day after my diagnosis.  It sure has been a journey, of ups and downs and highs and lows, and everything in between...


Hugs back at ya !---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 tednlou2

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  • Posts: 5,730
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2012, 01:10:52 am »
I don't have any Merlot at hand, so I'll raise my Diet Dr. Pepper in your honor for now.   ;)

Hearing stories like yours gives many of us newly dx'd, or fairly newly dx'd, inspiration.  I'm so glad you made it through the dark times and are here to tell your story.  Here's to many more years of good health and happiness!

Offline GSOgymrat

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,122
  • HIV+ since 1993. Relentlessly gay.
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2012, 01:37:34 am »
Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. ~William Feather

Keep hanging in there Mark!

Ford

Offline Ac75088

  • Member
  • Posts: 246
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2012, 02:05:45 am »
I'm still just an HIV "baby" having only had it for 4 years..But it's stories of survival such as yours that make me feel ok about my future :) Thanks and congrats

Offline bocker3

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  • Posts: 4,285
  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2012, 07:54:41 am »
Congrats Mark - you certainly are an inspiration.

Now -- with all the toasts that you are bound to get in DC -- I promise to (once again) walk you safely back to your hotel.  Fortunately, DC is not as hilly as Seattle was, so I won't fear watching your roll down the street........   :P

Hugs,
Mike

Offline wolfter

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Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2012, 08:38:37 am »
Congrats Mark.  Who would have ever thought we'd achieve these milestones.  We're part of an exclusive group that have lived with this virus longer than we lived without it. 

I absolutely adore you and am glad you're still around.  Looking forward to Lavender martinis later this month and perhaps we can put that spanking thing to an unofficial vote? ;D

Now that you've reached that 50% of your live with HIV milestone, perhaps you can achieve the 75% milestone.  I certainly hope so.

Take care and continued best wishes.

Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline denb45

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  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2012, 09:00:43 am »
Congrats Mark on having the AIDS half of your life, I've got 2 more yrs. before I reach that milestone this JUNE was my 25th yr.  ;)


can I be in-charge of the spanking, I have very big hands & strong arms  giggles ;D
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline RWR

  • Member
  • Posts: 138
  • if You think You can’t you can’t
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2012, 09:56:14 am »
Congratulations  Mark I am nipping at Your heels. ;D
Hiv+ 1986


Bobby

Offline leatherman

  • Global Moderator
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  • Google and HIV meds are Your Friends
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2012, 10:37:42 am »
Congrats Mark!!! :-* now that is something worth celebrating. :D

I was infected 27 yrs ago but didn't get my DX for another few years, so I've got a while to go to hit that halfway mark. ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Rockin

  • Member
  • Posts: 507
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #12 on: July 06, 2012, 11:05:54 am »
I think I can safely say that this thread makes everyone feel more optimistic and confident.

Thanks for sharing it Mark.

Offline britchick

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  • Posts: 487
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #13 on: July 06, 2012, 11:56:15 am »
Thank you Aztecan!

Britchick x

Offline britchick

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Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #14 on: July 06, 2012, 11:57:37 am »
Oops I meant to say that your story has helped newbies  like me!

Britchick X

Offline Valmont

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  • Posts: 338
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #15 on: July 06, 2012, 12:33:29 pm »
That are great news, very good to read, I like your attitude !!!!

Enjoy these good wines and celebrate !!!
Apr 2011: Diagnotized
Jun 2011: CD4: 504  VL: 176.000
Dic 2011: CD4: 714  VL: 95.000
May 2012: CD4: 395 VL: 67.000
Jun 2012: CD4: 367
Agu 2012: Starting Emtricitabine 200 mg / Tenofovir 300 mg and Efavirenz 600 mg (2 pills) different brands or VIRADAY/ATRIPLA/Mylan....
Sep 2012: VL: 138
Dic 2012: CD4: 708 VL: <34  %CD4: 32%
Jan 2013: CD4: 707 VL: <20
May 2013: CD4: 945 VL: <34 %CD4: 33%
Agu 2013: CD4: 636 VL: <34 %CD4: 50%
Dic 2013: Latent TB, started Isoniazid

Offline Cojo

  • Member
  • Posts: 232
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #16 on: July 06, 2012, 04:34:39 pm »
Congrats Mark! You have always been so generous in your wisdom, your compassion and you are an inspiration to me. Thank you my friend.
May 2011 - Tested Positive
June 2011 - CD4 330   16%   VL182,000 no resistance
Oct 6, 2011 - CD4 300  20%  VL 60,000
Oct 7, 2011 - start Truvada / Isentress
Nov 29, 2011 CD4 280 26% VL 54
Feb 7 2012 CD4 260 25% UD!
Mar 20 2012 CD4 400 28%
June 2012 CD4 330 26% UD
Sept 2012 CD4 450 32% UD
Dec 2012 CD4 310 28% UD
May 2013 CD4 500 32% UD
Oct 2013 CD4 460 33% UD
May 2014 CD4 360 33% UD
Aug 2014 swap out Isentress for Tivicay
Oct 2014 CD4 320 33% UD
Feb 2015 CD4 420 30% UD
Jul 2015 CD4 480 32% VL51 !!
Sep 2015 UD
Feb 2016 CD4 460 35% UD
Aug 2016 CD4 378 33% UD

Offline northernguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,347
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #17 on: July 07, 2012, 01:53:05 am »
A toast to you Mark!  I can't tell you how much hearing stories from you and others who have been living with HIV for a long time helped me in the dark times after diagnosis.
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline sam66

  • Member
  • Posts: 277
  • Keep The Faith ; Fight The Fight
Re: Yep, it's time for . . .
« Reply #18 on: July 07, 2012, 02:26:36 am »
Hey Mark,
               Congrats, I enjoy reading your posts always.

               Here's to the next 27 years

               Sam
december 2007 diagnosed +ve ,

 


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