Good News

[AndyArrow]

After changing my medicine regime completely and dealing with some major problems with my esophagus, things are finally get back to “normal”.   
 
My esophageal stricture was being controlled enough with dilations every three weeks that I was able to have my feeding tube removed in July.  It’s so wonderful being able to wear normal shirts and not worrying about it showing through or worse the tape failing and falling down. It actually happened once while I was walking through Walgreens going to pick up meds.  I was walking along and didn’t notice right away that this 12” clear plastic tube swing down from my stomach.    It was just a tad embarrassing trying to tuck it back in my shirt (with everyone pretending like they weren't staring) and trying to get the tape to hold long enough until I was home to apply new tape.  Now, I am free of the feeding tube and at the point where I can go every couple of months without having a dilation performed.

Then after just recently visiting my ID doctor I found out my CD4 count is now up to 208.  I finally broke through the 200 mark.  I have been undectable for a while but that CD4 count just wouldn’t budge.  It’s a great holiday present.  Yesterday was the first big snow fall where I had to get out and use the snow blower and today it’s time start putting up all the decorations.  Normal is a very good feeling.

Hugs to everyone here.  You all helped so much whether you know me or not.  It has been your words of support, friendship and stories made me laugh and cry.  It is amazing how one year can make such a huge difference. 

Now, if 20 January will hurry up and get here I’ll be a happy and healthy!
AA

[Assurbanipal]

Well... Congratulations!  although that seems a little inadequate to the occasion 

What great news for you before the holidays ... and a pretty inspiring story for the rest of us.

Be well

[Miss Philicia]

Glad to hear that you are doing better, Andy

[Longislander]

That's incredible news!!

Enjoy your holidays!

[J.R.E.]

Hello Andy,

Then after just recently visiting my ID doctor I found out my CD4 count is now up to 208.  I finally broke through the 200 mark.  I have been undectable for a while but that CD4 count just wouldn’t budge.  It’s a great holiday present. 

Hello Andy,

Thats Great news !! Glad to hear that things are going better for you. Enjoy the holidays...


Take care-----Ray

[BT65]

Andy, that's wonderful news.  I'm glad you didn't exagerate the detail also.

Congrats on the numbers, and have a wonderful holiday season.  (And, I know about the snow we just had; remember we're not too far away from each other).

[AndyArrow]

Thanks everyone

and yes, I do remember that we are close BT and did edit myself just a little bit for your comfort level.  They usually take about 5 or 6 pictures each time I have one of those dilations so if you ever wanna see a really sexy esophagus lemme know.

AA

[rondrond]

Thanks everyone

and yes, I do remember that we are close BT and did edit myself just a little bit for your comfort level.  They usually take about 5 or 6 pictures each time I have one of those dilations so if you ever wanna see a really sexy esophagus lemme know.

AA

Andy,
I'm glad to hear that you are doing so well.

Is there enough snow to make a SnowMan? Here in Texas, if it snow, it lasts for about a day. Only the truly gifted and determined manage to make a pile of white about 11"high.....