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Author Topic: the day of dread may be coming  (Read 12021 times)

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Offline redhotmuslbear

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the day of dread may be coming
« on: March 07, 2008, 01:20:16 pm »
Work and my other full-time job lately as a clinical subject have been keeping me away from here.  Several weeks ago I started having odd memory problems, losing chunkc os time spontaneously without evidence of seizure or other discernable problems.  EEG came back normal, but an MRI showed that I had developed hydrocephalus over 13 years after the last of two dozen surgeries to alleviate similar problems.  The neurologist, one of DC's best for brain-injured people, wasn't frantic, as I ave had none of my usual symptoms of headaches, sensitivity to light, double vision, or being more irritable than normal.  So, we've got a cisternogram www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003823.htm -- go look it up -- scheduled for next Monday through Thursday to see how my spinal fluid is circulating.  The likely result will be brain surgery to open a new route for the fluid to escape the inside of my brain--it would be my first brain surgery since being diagnosed at HIV+, though hardly the first while harboring the virus. It would also be my partner's first experience with this part of being in relationship with me.

I'm being very dutiful and methodical, given that this is the first time I've had the opportunity to plan for having my head cracked open.  Based on extensive research about specialities and the experiences of other patients, I rejected my new primary's recommendation of a neurologist in favor of the doctor I saw.  My primary's favorite just didn't run deep with unusual cases.  And I have rejected the neurosurgeon's preference for surgeons, a seemingly great guy but at an out-of-the-way hospital that largely treats demanding old rich people, in favor of an equally skilled team at a teaching hospital easy to access.

I've executed a fresh medical directive.

I've set up emails to notify friends that my partner can trigger with a text message in the event of an emergency admission.

I've made 6 copies of the CD of MRI images to keep in my long-unused ER bag at home and to share with consulting surgeons.

I've even set up online bill payment for my important bills for the next two months, just in case.

I've also read so much from the medical school llibrary where I'm a part-time graduate student that I'm scaring the neurologist by suggesting novel treatments to hold off any needed surgery for a few more weeks.

Heck, as a courtesy to the surgeons, I've even offered to go back on HAART for a couple weeks, or as much time as I've got, to knock down my viral load that recently spiked over 1000 but is probably down.

What can ya do but prepare, eh?

Namaste,
David
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2008, 01:30:36 pm »
Hey David, sorry to hear of these difficulties as they sound very intense.  Wishing you the best (and yes, you are VERY organized).
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2008, 01:55:04 pm »
Thinking of you David.......
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline minismom

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2008, 01:58:19 pm »
Good luck with procedure.  It does look like you've done everything that you can to not only prepare yourself, but your partner as well.  Let us know how everything goes.  Will be praying for you.

Mum
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Offline Queen Tokelove

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2008, 03:27:07 pm »
What a procedure to endure. I will keep you in my prayers...
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2008, 03:40:33 pm »
Hey David,

Your day of dread sounds more like a day of terror.  Makes me feel guilty because I was only worried about a first date until now.  You are in my thoughts. Have the best day
Michael

Offline pozattitude

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2008, 04:02:07 pm »
David,

My thoughts are with you.  Wishing you much strength and clarity of mind.

 
POSITIVE PEDALERS... We are a group of people living with HIV/AIDS, eliminating stigma through our positive public example.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #7 on: March 07, 2008, 04:15:14 pm »
Thanks for that very well thought out report. WOW! Keeping fingers crossed that everything goes as well as possible.

Hugs and all the best to you, buddy. And to your partner.

Andy Velez

Offline allanq

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #8 on: March 07, 2008, 05:07:26 pm »
David,

And I thought I was the world's foremost hyper-planner! You've got me beat by a mile.

Thinking of you and wishing you the best.

Allan

BobF

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #9 on: March 07, 2008, 07:32:30 pm »
Best of luck to you David!!!

Offline GSOgymrat

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #10 on: March 07, 2008, 10:55:26 pm »
I hope your procedure goes well. You definitely seem prepared.

Offline Jeff G

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #11 on: March 07, 2008, 11:24:59 pm »
  You are in my prayers ...best of luck guy.
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Offline komnaes

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #12 on: March 07, 2008, 11:58:19 pm »
Hey big boy, do take care. Best wishes, Shaun
Aug 07 Diagnosed
Oct 07 CD4=446(19%) Feb 08 CD4=421(19%)
Jun 08 CD4=325(22%) Jul 08 CD4=301(18%)
Sep 08 CD4=257/VL=75,000 Oct 08 CD4=347(16%)
Dec 08 CD4=270(16%)
Jan 09 CD4=246(13%)/VL=10,000
Feb 09 CD4=233(15%)/VL=13,000
Started meds Sustiva/Epzicom
May 09 CD4=333(24%)/VL=650
Aug 09 CD4=346(24%)/VL=UD
Nov 09 CD4=437(26%)/VL=UD
Feb 10 CD4=471(31%)/VL=UD
June 10 CD4=517 (28%)/VL=UD
Sept 10 CD4=687 (31%)/VL=UD
Jan 11 CD4=557 (30%)/VL=UD
April 11 CD4=569 (32%)/VL=UD
Switched to Epizcom, Reyataz and Norvir
(Interrupted for 2 months with only Epizcom & Reyataz)
July 11 CD=520 (28%)/VL=UD
Oct 11 CD=771 (31%)/VL=UD(<30)
April 12 CD=609 (28%)/VL=UD(<20)
Aug 12 CD=657 (29%)/VL=UD(<20)
Dec 12 CD=532 (31%)/VL=UD(<20)
May 13 CD=567 (31%)/VL=UD(<20)
Jan 14 CD=521 (21%)/VL=UD(<50)

Offline Snowangel

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #13 on: March 08, 2008, 12:10:03 am »
Redhot-
I wish you the best for your upcoming procedure.  I will keep you and your partner in my thoughts and prayers.  Your organizational skills are very impressive!
Snow
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Offline Central79

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #14 on: March 08, 2008, 05:55:50 am »
Hey David

Good look with the procedure and thinking of you. You sound like the perfect patient - pretty organised! I guess you control what you can and put the rest in the hands of the doctors.

I wasn't aware that you needed a craniotomy to put in a shunt, which I guess would probably go down to your abdomen? I thought they did it all by tunneling... Either way, I hope it goes well.

Matt.
Diagnosed January 2006
26/1/06 - 860 (22%), VL > 500,000
24/4/06 - 820 (24.6%), VL 158,000
13/7/06 - 840 (22%), VL 268,000
1/11/06 - 680 (21%), VL 93,100
29/1/07 - 1,020 (27.5%), VL 46,500
15/5/07 - 1,140 (22.8%), VL not done.
13/10/07 - 759 (23.2%), VL 170,000
6/11/07 - 630 (25%), VL 19,324
14/1/08 - 650 (21%), VL 16,192
15/4/08 - 590 (21%), VL 40, 832

Offline bear60

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #15 on: March 08, 2008, 08:12:54 am »
Hi
Best wishes for a sucessful proceedure and fast recovery.

Joel
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline J.R.E.

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #16 on: March 08, 2008, 09:29:14 am »
Hello David,

Just want you to know I am thinking about you, and wishing you all the best.


Take care of yourself------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 pozguy75

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #17 on: March 08, 2008, 12:53:06 pm »
Wow, David you certainly seem to be prepared...this is a big thing...I will be thinking of you handsome!
Dx 2005
ATRIPLA

Offline emeraldize

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #18 on: March 08, 2008, 01:57:12 pm »
Hey David!

I hope all goes well for you. You could teach a course on getting your pre-surgery house in order. Dang!

Em

Offline Longislander

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #19 on: March 09, 2008, 10:57:21 pm »
David,
 I wish you the best with it all, and a speedy recovery.

Paul
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 Iggy

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #20 on: March 10, 2008, 11:33:02 am »
David,

I'm joining the chorus of wishing you well...and admiration for how you are handling this.

All my best,

Mark

Offline mjmel

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #21 on: March 10, 2008, 01:40:29 pm »
David begins his Cisternogram today. He'll have radioacitive particles injected into the fluid in the lower spine to diagnose spinal fluid circulation problems. So intense, isn't it.
Lets send him some supercharged energy on this day.

Mike

Offline Snowangel

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #22 on: March 10, 2008, 01:54:15 pm »
I will definately keep David in my thoughts.
Thanks, Mike.
Snow
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Offline BT65

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #23 on: March 10, 2008, 06:46:40 pm »
Thanks, Mike.  I will definitely send some positive, healing energy David's way. Please keep us updated (someone).
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline redhotmuslbear

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #24 on: March 10, 2008, 09:31:24 pm »
Thanks to all for the good thoughts.

This morning I reported to a local private hospital frequented by an older, affluent clientele (read "bitchy") for the beginning steps of the cisternogram to track CSF circulation in my spine and brain.  I had coaching from a friend and pediatrics resident on avoiding headache following the lumbar puncture required to insert dye with a radioactive iridium isotope:  stay flat fo rat least two hours after the puncture and be well-hydrated before and for the twelve hours after the puncture.  The puncture and injection were done on a x-ray bed where a doctor moved metal dots along the small of my back while taking images, in order to locate the gaps between vertebrae underneath my muscles.  The nurse-assistant wanted my legs restrained for the procedure because 'they look like they could stomp someone to death."  I offered that I had only stomped puppies and kittens to death, and she wasn't amused.

Over the following six hours three sets of images were taken of the gamma radiation being disstributed through my spine and brain as the iridium in the dye decayed.  The technician was surprised how quickly the tracer was circulating up my spine at the two-hour scan.  At the six-hour scan he suggested that the scan tomorrow morning at 24 hours might be the last one required, as the dye should be up in my brain.  If tomorrow isn't the last, then Wednesday, but not Thursday as my doctor originally told me to suspect.

I won't learn anything about the results of the procedure until I see my neurologist next Tuesday, unless I can book a consult with a neurosurgeon beforehand.  Whether the underlying build-up of spinal fluid inside my brain has resolved itself or not, I want to get two neurosurgical opinions on how to proceed.  One consult is set for next Wednesday.

My HR rep put me at ease about the effect of any needed surgery on my income and my employment., too.  I'm getting the forms to request short-term disability (at 100% of pay) tomorrow to have on-hand if surgery is indicated.  During the five days of leave that I'll need to burn before STD kicks in, the carrier will process the claim, then my employer will give back the leave days when I cone back from STD.

The most unsettling part of this episode is not that I am helpless against the underlying malady, but that I have the awareness and the time to attempt to manage the situation, while every similar previous episode presented itself as an emergency care need.

Namaste,
David
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline northernguy

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #25 on: March 11, 2008, 12:16:52 am »
Hope everything works out.  I wish I was that organized.
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 BT65

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #26 on: March 11, 2008, 07:29:56 am »
Thinking of you David.......
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline Iggy

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #27 on: March 11, 2008, 11:10:22 am »

The most unsettling part of this episode is not that I am helpless against the underlying malady, but that I have the awareness and the time to attempt to manage the situation, while every similar previous episode presented itself as an emergency care need.


I can appreciate why that is unsettling indeed.  Not that it is practical advice at this moment, but try not to overthink this situation at this time. 

Best thoughts,

Mark

Offline redhotmuslbear

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2008, 10:10:06 pm »

Not that it is practical advice at this moment, but try not to overthink this situation at this time. 


Thanks, Mark.  I got similar feedback from a co-worker, and then I processed it with a doctor-friend.  His perception was that I'm just approaching the brain drama with the same tenacity as my hivvies:  "Does anyone think you over-think living with HIV?"  The bigger problem for me, he felt--and I'll agree, is that I've handled the emotional baggage from HIV but have only recently begun to tackle the emotional toll of all of the past surgery
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline redhotmuslbear

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #29 on: March 19, 2008, 09:26:16 pm »
Still languishing at home.  Vision at all distances is a mess, mental confusion is constant, and gait is like the shuffle of a 95 year-old man.  Still, no severe headaches, sensitivity to vision, or vomiting; so, I'm deemed not in need of immediate surgery.

Saw a surgeon at Geo Wash Univ hospital today who could perform the endoscopic ventriculostomy I need.  His wife just had twins, so he's trying to get me on a colleague's schedule next week.  Prescribed acetazolamide (Diamox ER) to help reduce intracranial pressure -- it could become a staple,even after surgery.  Seeing another surgeon locally in the morning to see if he can move faster or if he would use a different approach.

Worst part is the deep mental fog.  Takes forever to type something short.  Stare at doorknobs and jars for ten minutes trying to recall what to do with them.  Got freaked out being alone in the city, as 25 years ago I was found wandering around campus in a daze when needing CSF shunting.
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline BT65

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #30 on: March 19, 2008, 09:27:59 pm »
I hope you get through this alright.  Don't hesistate to go the hospital if things get too bad.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline Iggy

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #31 on: March 19, 2008, 09:41:56 pm »
Got freaked out being alone in the city, as 25 years ago I was found wandering around campus in a daze when needing CSF shunting.

There are as many of us as you need here with you all night if you want.


Offline sharkdiver

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #32 on: March 20, 2008, 09:19:28 am »
Namaste David

"I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you, I am in that place in me. We are one."

It has always made me smile when i read  "namaste" that at the end of your posts. I learned that as a greeting during my travels over the years. Another version was to greet with namaste.  put your foreheads together and then  proceed with a big manly roar (AAAAHHHHHH!) I have a feeling that would be appropriate for you at this time.

thinking of you,

Sharkie


Offline pozattitude

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #33 on: March 20, 2008, 10:11:45 am »
i'm thinking of you David

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Offline redhotmuslbear

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #34 on: March 20, 2008, 11:36:57 pm »
Thanks to all for the continued good wishes and support.  Today was particularly trying as I blew the first part having a surgeon pull my dick, figuratively speaking >>shudder<<  He was my neurologist's #2 choice to perform the endoscopic procedure I seek to avoid further complications with plastic shunt tubing nd to hasten recovery time.  Problem is, he does not do endoscopy but wanted to take part of my skull off for a few hours to see ie he could clean off/out the tubing in my head which my body has cocooned..."What part of my surgical history didn't you get and what part of 'endoscopy' didn't your receptionist understand when I called and inquired?"  He handed back my imaging CDs and left the exam room with even a "thanks for stopping by!"

During the appointment the secretary for the surgeon I saw at Geo Washington University called to schedule the desired procedure.  I returned the call promptly when my partner and I got back to his car.  "Forst or second week of April???!!  I can barely function!"  After a couple hours to cool down, I called back to give the go-ahead to schedule me in two to three weeks from now -- with a two week recovery time to return to work, it would still get me back to work within six weeks, the original expectation the neurologist had given me if surgery could have been done this week or early next week.

Until the surgery date I will remain in acetazolamide to thwart the production of more CSF--it's normally less than 0.5ml per day, but CSF is already being forced into my gray matter inside of a rigid confined space (my skull), and that's not good.  If severe headaches or vomiting or sensitivity to light set in, we call the resident on-call to get a lumbar puncture in the ER tt drain a few millilitres of CSF..... and I continue to refrain from driving, going out alone, handling knives, etc. 

WOW!  I can graciously accept that my health needs don't trump a surgeon's need for paternal leave to be with his newborn twins or the needs of other people who have waited their turn in line.  This is a big day, indeed.


It has always made me smile when i read  "namaste" that at the end of your posts. I learned that as a greeting during my travels over the years. Another version was to greet with namaste.  put your foreheads together and then  proceed with a big manly roar (AAAAHHHHHH!) I have a feeling that would be appropriate for you at this time.
thinking of you,
Sharkie

Namaste, Sharkie.
I encountered namaste in Yogic practice, finding at the beginning and the end of encounters, in order to center participants in humility on the divine within others and themselves.  'The God in me greets the God in you The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you'  I have begun extending namaste to my life beyond Yogic practice, greeting business and community associates and friends with namaste, in lieu of the American test of hand strength.  It softens others and reminds me to deal with even my opponents as part of The Divine.

Namaste,
David


"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline Snowangel

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #35 on: March 21, 2008, 09:24:42 am »
Hi David,
I am glad you were able to get an appt. even it is a couple weeks away.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Maybe I should try namaste, I have never understood the why  people (mostly men) like to squeeze my hand tightly,  especially since I am a women. 
Stay strong.
Snow
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Offline redhotmuslbear

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #36 on: March 26, 2008, 03:17:27 pm »
YIPPEE!!!  The surgeon's secretary called yesterday morning with a date:  Friday, April 4.  I arrive at the hospital early to had labs done, then get fitted with a frame on my head before a series of x-rays and MRIs, to help the surgeon avoid drilling into a major blood vessel and killing me at the outset of the procedure.  Total OR time should be under an hour.

I'm delighted to have the scheduling done, so now I can concentrate on getting my short-term disability claim finalized >>snarl<< and contingency planning for my recovery period. Insurance company swore this morning they requested docs from my surgeon, and his secretary swears she never saw a request.

Namaste,
David
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline BT65

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #37 on: March 26, 2008, 06:42:09 pm »
Insurance company swore this morning they requested docs from my surgeon, and his secretary swears she never saw a request.

Namaste,
David

That's so typical, isn't it.  Good luck with all this.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline redhotmuslbear

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #38 on: March 26, 2008, 06:56:57 pm »
That's so typical, isn't it.  Good luck with all this.

Thanks, Betty.  I've also got a cardiac stress test Friday after which I'm certain that the cardiologist will tell me that my echocardiogram showed a leaky valve.  My bigger fun still will come two weeks after the surgery upon having a postponed colonoscopy with ibiopsies performed to see if I have Crohn's--I'd be kinda screwed in terms of medical management of it,  As I told the dental hygenist this morning, all I would need is for my partner to leave me and the cat to get run over, and I could have my Country breakthrough hit!

Namaste,
David
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

Offline BT65

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #39 on: March 26, 2008, 07:02:06 pm »
Well, it's good that you're keeping a sense of humor.  Sometimes that's the only thing that gets us through, isn't it.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline SASA39

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #40 on: March 26, 2008, 07:23:30 pm »
When I read your posts , I think ( do not know why  ;) ) at a Terminator.( with a sense of humor )
And you as a row model- practically indestructible..........................
"You will be back......."
12. Oct`06.  CD4=58 %  VL not issued
25.Dec.`06.         203     VL= 0
..................................................
25.Dec`06.- 19.Oct`16 :
various ups & downs- mostly ups - from 58-916 and back in #CD and few blips in VL.
...................................................
19.Oct`16     CD4=644      VL=0

Offline Buckmark

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #41 on: March 27, 2008, 05:19:12 pm »
As I told the dental hygenist this morning, all I would need is for my partner to leave me and the cat to get run over, and I could have my Country breakthrough hit!

David,

You'll have to add something about being drunk, and your pickup truck breaking down, before your country hit will make it to number 1.

All kidding aside, I do hope everything goes well, and I'll be thinking of you.

Henry

(who now cannot get David Allan Coe out of his head)


« Last Edit: March 27, 2008, 05:20:46 pm by BuckmarkTX »
"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things:
     One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell.
     The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love."
- Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Offline scud44

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Re: the day of dread may be coming
« Reply #42 on: March 27, 2008, 05:27:15 pm »
I do hope that  for you, David.
I will be thinking of you as they do these things to you

Regards and hugs
Scuddles
CD4 = 110 - 30 July 2007 - 10%
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June 2010 and nothing has improved

 


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