Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 05:23:56 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37612
  • Latest: testABC
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772944
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 373
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 1
Guests: 360
Total: 361

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Yep, I've Got AIDS  (Read 10374 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Yep, I've Got AIDS
« on: March 05, 2007, 12:57:36 pm »
I had an appt. with my ID DR. this morning.  One of the questions I asked him was if I was considered HIV+ or to have AIDS.  From all the replies my previous post generated, I pretty much knew.  In researching the definition of AIDS, the answer was fairly vague. 

His answer went pretty much like this.  "I hate answering when healthy HIV+ people ask me that.  AIDS connotes very sick people dying with various diseases with no hope [like the pictures of AIDS patients in the '80's or in poorer countries now].  The definition was created when people were not likely to pull out of their downward trend and were pretty certain to die from their current, and future, complications.  A healthy person with an undetectable viral load, T-cells in the 700's with a percentage in the 30's, but has or had PCP, for example, is considered to have AIDS.  It is a really old definition that needs to be updated, which is why I don't generally use it"

I have to say that what he says makes sense.   I know that there are those that say once the immunity system is compromised to the point that OI's set in, it's permanent.  Maybe so, but aren't there many here that have had OI's in the distant past but haven't had any since HAART?  I know it really doesn't matter, but I just wanted to know.

Anyway, I can now say it... I have AIDS.  I wonder how that will go over when disclosing to a potential partner... "By the way, I have AIDS".  Yikes, even I'd probably jump out of bed if somebody told me that!  Saying "I'm HIV+" or "I'm poz®" just sounds so much better! ;)

David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline Ihavehope

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,366
  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2007, 01:00:16 pm »
Hi there

I understand how u feel. I am considered as someone living with AIDS at 200 t cells and 16%. By ONE measely t-cell I would have been HIV poz. 1 damn c4cell.  it sucks being me.
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 sdcabincrew74

  • Member
  • Posts: 540
    • My Manhunt account
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2007, 01:13:33 pm »
Welcome to the club, I have AIDS too.  I just kind of laugh about it really.  I am healthier than most my friends and CD4's, percentage and VL are all stellar.  But, yes, at one time I was sick and dying.   It certainly provides motivation to remember my meds LOL.  Lets form the "I have AIDS" club. 
The difference between an overnight and a layover is luck!

Offline Longislander

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #3 on: March 05, 2007, 01:13:43 pm »
David, you worried me with the title!! I thought you had a lab done and your Atripla wasn't working!!  :D

I agree, someone telling you they have AIDS vs being HIV+ paints an entirely different picture.
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline Peter6836

  • Member
  • Posts: 391
  • Me and my Granddaughter Noa
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2007, 02:19:33 pm »
Yep I have AIDS too. The thing is I never got to be just HIV+. Not that I am complaining but I went directly to AIDS, it is a difficult thing to get a grip on at times. It also seems to be such a stigma to have AIDS. It does scare the hell out of people. But the fact remains that I can get healthier, I can live on, I can be positive about my condition. I do not like to sugar coat things and like to be realistic about things. But I keep moving forward. I also find it my job to educate others about this damn disease, many people thing that because I have AIDS I am dying faster than they are. Not so true.

Offline woodshere

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,474
  • ain't no shame in my game
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #5 on: March 05, 2007, 02:24:30 pm »
I agree, someone telling you they have AIDS vs being HIV+ paints an entirely different picture.

And today I think a picture that isn't what it used to be.  I too have AIDS, strictly because my CD4 count was below 200 when I was diagnosed. Now it isn't.

HAART has made a huge difference in the treatment of HIV, unfortunately our terminology has not changed as we have.  Maybe it is time to change the language of HIV/AIDS?

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 marc11864

  • Member
  • Posts: 440
  • I apologize for nothing!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2007, 06:37:47 pm »
Hi there

I understand how u feel. I am considered as someone living with AIDS at 200 t cells and 16%. By ONE measely t-cell I would have been HIV poz. 1 damn c4cell.  it sucks being me.

I have to say that this was the only avatar of yours that flipped me out. I thought there was something wrong with my vision... Ok, I'm fine now.  :P
Let us cavort like the Greeks of old! You know the ones I mean.

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #7 on: March 05, 2007, 06:43:40 pm »
Another proud AIDS victim here in Matty the Damned! :-*

MtD

Offline whizzer

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #8 on: March 05, 2007, 08:03:07 pm »

HA !!   TOLD ya so !!

-Whiz
(who also wears the scarlet 'A')

Offline Nico

  • Member
  • Posts: 262
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #9 on: March 05, 2007, 08:07:06 pm »
Welcome to the club!  Yes, I may have 900 T's and 47% and no VL...but I did have the OI PCP!  So I am a charter member.  Going since 1989 - in more ways than one!  8)

Rog
Poz since 1990.

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #10 on: March 05, 2007, 08:08:00 pm »
HA !!   TOLD ya so !!

-Whiz
(who also wears the scarlet 'A')

Ok smarty britches, nobody likes an "I told you so!" (unless it's Whizzer, of course!)   ;D

D
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline whizzer

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #11 on: March 05, 2007, 08:17:28 pm »
Ok smarty britches, nobody likes an "I told you so!" (unless it's Whizzer, of course!)   ;D

D

I prefer the term "sage"

Offline tigger2376

  • Member
  • Posts: 462
  • too bad to die youngish!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #12 on: March 05, 2007, 08:28:45 pm »
I'm so sorry to be so ignorant, but it seems to me the defination of AIDS shifts, from where your'e at physically to where you from geographically.
Please don't shoot me down, yes I SHOULD be better informed
My worst stats have been CD4 147, VL 38000.. I've had PCP, and SJS.
I'm now at 349,VL 75
Its not REALLY an issue because on my GPs computer screen from day 1 after I was diagnosed, it says AIDS, I got used to it.
Just a bit bewildered
please be gentle with me, I realise every day how little I know, and sorry if this is a bit 'me'
jo
x
I know i'm going to enjoy the party in the afterlife, but do you all mind that I'm going to be VERY late!!!

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #13 on: March 05, 2007, 08:35:27 pm »
My worst stats have been CD4 147, VL 38000.. I've had PCP, and SJS.
I'm now at 349,VL 75


Tigger,

No doubt about it you've got AIDS. Your CD4 count at that time and the fact you've had PCP mean you qualify.

Congratulations! Your toaster oven is in the mail.

MtD


Offline tigger2376

  • Member
  • Posts: 462
  • too bad to die youngish!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #14 on: March 05, 2007, 08:45:37 pm »
how dare you gender stereotype me, can i have the chainsaw instead please?
That makes me sound like I'm not being serious, just to have it confirmed freaks me out a bit..had some nasty taunts thrown at me by my ex, and have always said 'get some education, i've ONLY got HIV'.
I know i'm going to enjoy the party in the afterlife, but do you all mind that I'm going to be VERY late!!!

Offline whizzer

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #15 on: March 05, 2007, 08:48:40 pm »
Tigger,

I think we're talking about the CDC definition of what constitutes an AIDS diagnosis.  I wouldn't be surprised if it varies from country to country, but in the USA, if you have ever had  a CD4 count below 200, OR a CD4 percent below 14, OR are simply HIV positive and have had an opportunistic infection, you have, and will always be considered to have, AIDS.  That is, until the CDC changes its definition.  It is an epidemiological construct, and not important to the day to day management of HIV infection.

I'm in the AIDS column of the CDC database, so what?  My CD4s are 1180 and my VL is undetectable.  I'm doing well clinically.  It really doesn't matter how they label my chart.

-Whiz

Offline Nico

  • Member
  • Posts: 262
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #16 on: March 05, 2007, 08:49:46 pm »
Yes Tigger,

You have now crossed over to the other side as MtD has well stated.  

PS -I got the toaster- my buns are HOT!!!  You got the door number 1.

Rog

EDIT - too add: Tigger - you are the same person you were five minutes ago.  Nothing HAS changed.

Damn Typos!
« Last Edit: March 05, 2007, 08:56:29 pm by Nico »
Poz since 1990.

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #17 on: March 05, 2007, 08:52:32 pm »
David, you worried me with the title!! I thought you had a lab done and your Atripla wasn't working!!  :D

I agree, someone telling you they have AIDS vs being HIV+ paints an entirely different picture.

Not to laugh, but this is exactly what I thought too when first reading your thread title.   Clearly, by now everyone knows of my Mystery AIDS diagnosis and miraculous recovery a week later.   While initially that label scared the shit out of me at points I found the situation laughable.  

When I explained it to a couple friends I said wow, don't I look great for having 139 Tcells.   UGH!

What bothers me is there's discrimination even in the POZ community.  Oops, I meant the HIV/AIDS community.   I'm not sure if I'm entitled to use POZ anymore now since it's "trademarked."  

Seriously, I don't believe I will be sharing that info. with potential dates because I really don't want to have another hurtle to overcome when explaining my status.  

Prior to my own mystery diagnosis I personally felt AIDS was just another label and it's really all the same damn virus.   I think with the ambiguous nature of the definition it's likely many of us are Living with AIDS, but don't even know that fact.

Either your sick or your not.   The fact of the matter is AIDS stirs up a whole nother vat of negative conotations.   Seems to me that we need to loose the AIDS club, the POZ club and all the rest on Gilligan's Isle and be more united!   We all have the same damn virus whether we are newly diagnosed or had it for 25 years!

Peace!

Wesley  
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline tigger2376

  • Member
  • Posts: 462
  • too bad to die youngish!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #18 on: March 05, 2007, 08:53:20 pm »
Sorry to hijack someone elses thread, I do apologise.
Thanks guys though
x
I know i'm going to enjoy the party in the afterlife, but do you all mind that I'm going to be VERY late!!!

Offline koi1

  • Member
  • Posts: 713
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #19 on: March 05, 2007, 09:30:07 pm »
Well,

I  have always heard that you don't go back to HIV poz as far as diagnosis is concerned, especially if you need meds to keep the virus at bay.  However,  it is all a matter of perspective and how we feel. I know that I have AIDS, and knowing this makes me more vigilant about my health. Perhaps that is the only good thing about having this diagnosis. It means I have to take extra good care of myself, for the rest of my life.

Sounds dramatic, but that it is the way it is for me now.

rob
diagnosed on 11/20/06 viral load 23,000  cd4 97    8%
01/04/07 six weeks after diagnosis vl 53,000 cd4 cd4 70    6%
Began sustiva truvada 01/04/07
newest labs  drawn on 01/15/07  vl 1,100    cd4 119    7%
Drawn 02/10/07
cd4=160 viral load= 131 percentage= 8%
New labs 3/10/07 (two months on sustiva truvada
cd4 count 292  percentage 14 viral load undetectable

Offline AlanBama

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,670
  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #20 on: March 05, 2007, 09:43:12 pm »
It's just a word David.   In this case, it's YOUR word.   You use it however it suits you.   If the person(s) you are speaking to will "hear" it better if you say "I'm hiv +" then by all means use that.   If you need to use the word "AIDS" that's your choice.

I was chastized in the old forums by saying that I use it however it suits me, but I reserve that right.   I've earned it.   Oh, and you've earned it to, kiddo.   At the end of the day, you're still YOU, that's what matters.

Love & hugs,

Alan
« Last Edit: March 05, 2007, 10:20:51 pm by AlanBama »
"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 Lou-ah-vull

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,029
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #21 on: March 05, 2007, 10:55:10 pm »
It's such a real lesson in the power of language.  HIV+ just sounds nicer than AIDS, but in reality, with the advent of HAART, the distinction between the two terms is certainly fuzzy.  Amazingly enough, most uninformed people simply assume HIV+ and AIDS are one and the same!  I am not holding my breath for a definition change...one can only imagine the politics that would be involved.

David, the key thing is that you are healthy now and getting healthier! 

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #22 on: March 05, 2007, 11:10:54 pm »
I qualify as having AIDS too, even if that was 15 years ago.  I consider it a form well-earned status... sort of like VIP treatment.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #23 on: March 05, 2007, 11:23:45 pm »
It doesn't really bother me; it's more of a surprise.  Just over a year ago AIDS and being POZ® were far from my mind, but obviously shouldn't have been.  I guess I just never imagined myself saying "I have AIDS".  At first, I'd tell myself each day out loud "I'm HIV positive" to kind of force it to sink in.  It's sunk in alright, what with bactrim, pcp, Atripla, viral loads, t-cell counts, the whole package.

I'm still the same person, with the same guy, have (most of) the same friends, same job, and so on, so all is good, except that I have AIDS, damnit.  Damn terminology, who decided the definition of AIDS, anyway?  I guess I'll use which ever suits the the situation best, like Alan said, how it suits me.  Tonight, I'll just say I'm HIV+  ;)


« Last Edit: March 05, 2007, 11:25:39 pm by David_NC »
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline egello

  • Member
  • Posts: 907
  • cb
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #24 on: March 06, 2007, 12:58:39 am »
I got AIDS and I feel Awesome... I think AIDS can be sexy....
1/29/07 14 T, 300 k V, 1.8 %
2/22/07 197 T, 247 V, 6.8 %
3/27/07 164 T, <50 V, 5.4 %
5/28/07 177 T, <50 V, 8.2 %
7/28/07 214 T, <50 V, 9.6 %
10/3/07 380 T, <50 V, 10 %

Offline Matty the Damned

  • Member
  • Posts: 12,277
  • Antipodean in every sense of the word
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #25 on: March 06, 2007, 01:03:18 am »
I consider it a form well-earned status... sort of like VIP treatment.

Damn right. No mere HIV+ for us. I'm rather proud of being a member of the poz Illuminati.

MtD

Offline Bucko

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,947
  • You need a shine, missy!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #26 on: March 06, 2007, 01:29:09 am »
David-

Wear your AIDS diagnosis like a badge of honor and a tool to your advantage. You've earned it...it's yours.

Brent
(Who's not above playing all the cards in his hand)
Blessed with brains, talent and gorgeous tits.

Blathering on AIDSmeds since 2005, provocative from birth

Offline mjmel

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,069
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #27 on: March 06, 2007, 02:42:58 am »
David_NC,
Regardless of what the particular terminology you deem of comfort, you sure do look terrific leaning against that machine.
I noted the registration mark you placed on the "I'm poz"........
xxx,
Mike

Offline Jeffreyj

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,403
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #28 on: March 06, 2007, 02:54:11 am »
David,
I know what you mean, AIDS just has a bad connotation to it, putting it mildly. I have aids. God just having typed that made me a bit squeamish. When you think of all the words that can describe a person it blows the mind. Just off the top of my head i figure, not only I have aids but.....
I'm hiv POZ
I'm a homo
I'm bi sexual
I'm htlvIII poz
I'm gay
I'm strait
I'm a homo (again? WTF)
I'm Daddy

Oh fuck it all....I'm Jeff

Positive since 1985

Offline poet

  • Member
  • Posts: 934
  • Poet living and working in Central Maine
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #29 on: March 06, 2007, 06:33:47 am »
David, and others, I know what you mean because back in time, we would have guys who were hiv positive, who had aids related syndrome and who had aids (before meds. other than those for o.i.'s).  Each week, someone in our support group might shift from one group to the other and, again in those days, there was no moving back up the line.  Then, aids, had a very real, very direct hit as a word or term.  I mentioned in other threads that if you have had cancer, you are always considered somehow to have had cancer, to be 'in recovery' or 'in remission.'  Perhaps we need to read more closely how cancer patients and former cancer patients handle their terminology?  Best, Win
Winthrop Smith has published three collections of poetry: Ghetto: From The First Five; The Weigh-In: Collected Poems; Skin Check: New York Poems.  The last was published in December 2006.  He has a work-in-progress underway titled Starting Positions.

Offline tigger2376

  • Member
  • Posts: 462
  • too bad to die youngish!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #30 on: March 06, 2007, 07:56:21 pm »
 I think your'e an A-wesome I-ndividual D-efinately S-pecial
Who gives a rats arse what the label is...until peoples mind sets are altered, we all know know and what we are.
People
x
I know i'm going to enjoy the party in the afterlife, but do you all mind that I'm going to be VERY late!!!

Offline ScooterTrash

  • Member
  • Posts: 69
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #31 on: March 06, 2007, 08:36:19 pm »
David...
I'm really glad that you wrote this..
I already knew that I have AIDS. But I never considered asking my doctor outright.
Because of this thread, today I asked.
Oddly enough, it felt good to have my doctor tell me I have AIDS.

Still trying to figure this one out  :-\
« Last Edit: March 06, 2007, 09:09:18 pm by ScooterTrash »

Offline tigger2376

  • Member
  • Posts: 462
  • too bad to die youngish!
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #32 on: March 06, 2007, 08:54:10 pm »
I was rude enough last night to hijack this thread and thank Dave for his gracious understanding.
I feel more at peace knowing, its weird.
I have nothing but respect for those who have been there before me who have made it easier for me.
And those who are 'with' me today
whatever the label
love
x
I know i'm going to enjoy the party in the afterlife, but do you all mind that I'm going to be VERY late!!!

Offline dyingYOUNG19

  • Member
  • Posts: 36
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #33 on: March 06, 2007, 09:48:16 pm »
hmmmm...I remember my classmate asked me few months ago...

she said, "Is it TRUE you have AIDS?" :o

I said, "Do I look like I have AIDS?"  ???

I smiles and uttered, "Oh...NOT YET...maybe sooner in LIFE...."

 ;D

there were two GREATEST DAYS in your LIFE:
The day you were born; and
the day you knew why...
___________________________

I will live this DAY as if my LAST. This DAY is ALL I HAVE and these HOURS are my ETERNITY...

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #34 on: March 06, 2007, 10:42:44 pm »
David...
I'm really glad that you wrote this..
I already knew that I have AIDS. But I never considered asking my doctor outright.
Because of this thread, today I asked.
Oddly enough, it felt good to have my doctor tell me I have AIDS.

Still trying to figure this one out  :-\

I kinda knew it, too, but I wanted to hear it from a professional! LOL  That made it seem more clinical and less personal, which was good.  It still seems really strange, almost like it's a really bad joke.  This bad joke doesn't end, though, as long as I'm alive!  ;)  I'm also still trying to figure it all out, as it's all happened so quickly. 

Quote from: Bucko
Wear your AIDS diagnosis like a badge of honor and a tool to your advantage. You've earned it...it's yours.
It sounds to me like you're saying "Work it, girl!", or something to that effect!

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and opinions... this sure is a strange thing we're dealing with.

David

Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline thunter34

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,374
  • His name is Carl.
Re: Yep, I've Got AIDS
« Reply #35 on: March 07, 2007, 12:28:42 am »
My name is Tim Hunter....and I have FULL BLOWN A I D S  !!!!

Like some others up here, I never had the luxury of wearing the more stylish HIV + label.  I tend to use either term interchangeably, depending on the circumstances.  If I want to diminish the likelihood that someone will view me as a completely debilitated pity case, I go for HIV +.  If stalked by some vapid individual that might be scared off by such things, I pull out the A Bomb.

AIDS isn't for sissies.

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.