Author Topic: An anniversary of sorts (Read 5522 times)

aztecan · « **on:** July 15, 2008, 09:57:58 pm »

As some know, this month marks the 23rd year of my testing positive.

Not a big deal really. There are quite a few of us here who tested positive in the mid 80s or earlier.

But July also marks another anniversary of sorts for me. It is the first month I had an undetectable viral load. It was July 1996, and I had been on meds for five months and already had switched once.

That was kinda scary, because at the time, I think there were only two other options available, but it all worked out for the best.

I have been undetectable ever since, save once, when the test results came back with a viral load of 55. My doc determined the blood sample had been mishandled.

Why am I posting this? Mainly because I see so many of the more recently infected who are very nervous about meds, about living with HIV, about how they will live their lives or whether they can live their lives, etc.

I just thought rather than always seeing gloom and doom, some people might get a bit of a lift from a good news story.

I know, soft news doesn't sell. But I did it anyway.

I think we all know there are no guarantees. But I also want people to realize they need not give up on life either .

Heck, if I could manage to make it at least 23 years with the bug, and 12 years undetectable, 11 of those years on Crixivan (which I won't got into here, but it was not quite as simple to take as today's meds), then I think there much more hope out there for people to carry on with their lives, regardless of the stumbling blocks HIV throws their way.

OK, enough of little Suzie Sunshine here.

HUGS,

Mark

redhotmuslbear · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2008, 10:13:19 pm »

Quote from: aztecan on July 15, 2008, 09:57:58 pm

But July also marks another anniversary of sorts for me. It is the first month I had an undetectable viral load. It was July 1996, and I had been on meds for five months and already had switched once.

That was kinda scary, because at the time, I think there were only two other options available, but it all worked out for the best.

I have been undetectable ever since, save once, when the test results came back with a viral load of 55. My doc determined the blood sample had been mishandled.

Mark,

Thanks for sharing the anniversary with us. With HIV as other things in life, the squeaky bottom.... oops, wheel...gets the grease. The 20% with 80% of the worst outcomes heavily out-tallk those who have sailed through with relative success.

Ah, but 11 years on Crixivan???!!! ZOINKS!

Best,
David

texasguy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2008, 10:16:37 pm »

Congratulations on such an achievement Mark. For someone who just started treatment 4 days ago it means a lot. I have a couple of friends who have a few "Crixivan years" under their belt. Boy, what a journey that was for them. They have a lot of respect for the newer drugs that's for sure!

WorriedWife · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2008, 10:19:20 pm »

That is awesome!! Thanks for sharing with us. Yes your good new does matter well to me anyway. As you know (if you remember) I havent been here in a while buy my hubby is poz and doing great. He is undectable and has been that way for at least 6 months now. It is still hard for us even after a year since his diagonsis but we are hanging in there. Hearing a story like you really gives me a lot of faith that my husband will see our children grow up and be there for them and me.

God Bless You

AlanBama · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2008, 10:25:29 pm »

Happy Anniversary honey! Here's to the next 23.....

love,

Alan

Longislander · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2008, 11:18:00 pm »

Mark-

Happy Anniversary

A story of hope can do alot of good around here. Thanks for posting and thanks for being here~

And I'll toast to those next 23 years as well..........

Paul

Patrick · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2008, 01:55:00 am »

Mark, I want to thank you for the post. And I want to let everyone here know how much Mark's success story has meant to me. I seroconverted and was diagnosed about 8 months ago, and found this website. I was scared that I was going to die, that I had no future, that the rest of my days were going to be filled with sickness and struggle.

Mark was the first to respond with a private message telling me about how things would likely work out just fine. He told me about the medicines, about the lack of severe side-effects for most people, and most importantly, that I had many years of life left to live. Mark's success story and the fact that he has lived so well with HIV has touched me very deeply and given me hope when I was my most depressed and distressed.

I have never met you Mark, but I thank you. You continue to be an inspiration to me. May you have many more healthy years ahead of you!

-Patrick

VM-Bass · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2008, 03:54:51 am »

Thank you so much for your story. It's always nice to share good news and milestones with people.

BT65 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2008, 08:26:17 am »

Congratulations, Mark. I remember Crixivan, though I wasn't on it as long as you. Thanks heaven for newer meds, aye.

Here's to 23 more!
Luv,
Betty

auspoz · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2008, 08:32:54 am »

Congratulations Mark. I wish you the best of health.

Auspoz

YaKaMein · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2008, 09:29:38 am »

Mazal Tov, Mark

Seems you'll be sharing your insight for many,many more years to come. Am happy for you and inspired by you.

a big hug, YaKaMein

sharkdiver · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2008, 09:35:19 am »

Congrats Mark!
Thank you for sharing

Sharkie

Iggy · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2008, 12:28:48 pm »

Quote from: aztecan on July 15, 2008, 09:57:58 pm

Why am I posting this? Mainly because I see so many of the more recently infected who are very nervous about meds, about living with HIV, about how they will live their lives or whether they can live their lives, etc.

I just thought rather than always seeing gloom and doom, some people might get a bit of a lift from a good news story.

I know, soft news doesn't sell. But I did it anyway.

I think we all know there are no guarantees. But I also want people to realize they need not give up on life either .

Mark,

It makes me smile that on your anniversary you thought to offer a gift to others.

Thanks for the important reminder and guidance to all.

pozniceguy · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2008, 12:34:05 pm »

Congratulations Mark great anniversary to celebrate..I also was on Crix until earlier this year ( 1994 to 2008) so I understand..also been undetectable for most of that time...It can be done and I intend to keep on doing it as long as possible.

Happy Anniversary to you Mark
Nick

Lisa · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2008, 12:51:05 pm »

Gosh Mark,
Has it been 23 years already? My how time flies when you're having so much fun.

I was infected about the same time as you, but wasn't dx. until '99'. Guess I'll be hitting some kind of milestone myself soon.
I lift my glass to you friend. Happy Anniversary babe!
Lisa (who will raise a glass to about anything)

bear60 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2008, 01:01:55 pm »

Happy Anniversary Mark
You are one cool guy and a mentor to many.

Peter Staley · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2008, 07:57:01 pm »

Congrats, Mark! Here's to many more years, and thanks for being such a friend of these forums.

newt · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2008, 08:02:49 pm »

non-congratulations, so to speak (you know what i mean, the world would be a better place etc...) - but a millestone worth a toast, and who would credit the possibility 23 years ago...

you do realise, the next time you post, you'll be saying, an anniversary of sorts, I started to draw my pension (in England you get a free bus travel pass)

All the best and much respect

- matt (7 yrs+ I guess)

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2008, 08:13:58 pm »

Happy Anniversary, Mark!

J.R.E. · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2008, 08:26:26 pm »

Hello Mark,

Congrats on 23 years, and thanks for being in this world, and for all you do. !! As another one with 23 years of HIV, about the only thing I can say is , we need to keep on keeping on !!

The roads been quite a bit bumpy these past 23 years( especially these past 5), But somehow, I've always been fortunate to change that mental and physical shock absorber, when they get slightly worn out. You know what I mean ?

To many more years Mark......

(((((HUGS))))----Ray

minismom · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2008, 11:35:13 pm »

Congratulations, Mark! Here's to many many more years of pozitive living.

:-*Mum

joemutt · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2008, 11:44:40 pm »

Happy Anniversary Mark & Thank You for your
help and friendliness on these boards.

Movingon · « **Reply #22 on:** July 17, 2008, 12:02:52 am »

Nice one Mark ! You have certainly helped me out and i am sure we all love hearing these good news stories.

Best of luck to you and here's for another 23 !

StrongGuy · « **Reply #23 on:** July 17, 2008, 12:23:31 am »

Big congratulations on the anniversary and kudos to a great guy who means a lot to these forums!

Mike

Cliff · « **Reply #24 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:01:16 am »

Congrats Mark! Glad you are still having anniversaries! You're a really nice and funny guy! Glad we've gotten to know you both online and off.

c

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Author Topic: An anniversary of sorts (Read 5522 times)