Biweekly Peer Support Call

[Jim Allen]

Purpose/Scope:
The Peer support call aims to create a safe virtual meeting place for anyone living with HIV, regardless of how long they have been living with HIV, who wants to either offer support or gain support from peers with any aspect of living with HIV, including personal issues, stigma, practical problems, experiences, struggles, thoughts, ect.

Facilitator:@numbersguy82

Meeting Schedule:
The Peer support calls will be held biweekly on Fridays, and one of the facilitators will announce the next peer support call date in the thread.

Meeting time: 
4 PM PDT Friday
5 PM MDT Friday
6 PM CDT Friday
7 PM EDT Friday
1 AM CEST Saturday (Central European Summer Time)
1 AM CAT Saturday (Central Africa Time) 

How to join?
Sign up by sending a (PM) private message to @numbersguy82

You will be sent an email invite once you have signed up, a few days before the support call starts. Video conferencing is through Google Meets; sharing your video feed is optional. 

Questions?
Please send a PM

There is also a social Monthly Virtual Gathering https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=77368

[Jim Allen]

I am posting this and setting it as a "sticky" topic on behalf of @numbersguy82, who is going to be facilitating a peer support call.

I believe the first peer support call will be on Friday the 1st of Sept?

[Tonny2]

            ojo.            Hello there!… I wander what might be the main concern that people need support for. In my case, when I was diagnosed instead of worrying, I kept myself busy, and I think that being a busy I didn’t have a chance to any support. I know that everybody’s different, I wish you luck and I’m here if I can support someone.

[Jim Allen]

I wander what might be the main concern that people need support for. In my case, when I was diagnosed instead of worrying, I kept myself busy, and I think that being a busy I didn’t have a chance to any support. I know that everybody’s different, I wish you luck and I’m here if I can support someone.

 

Tonny, I love you, excellent question, although, you know that things were different for us.

Things people could have issues with sharing their HIV status with their families, getting insurance, navigating the healthcare system, digesting just being diagnosed, taking their meds, facing stigma, internalized stigma, accessing healthcare or dental care, the challenges when dating, or just getting laid, getting jobs, travel, and living their lives etc.

I will not even start about the emotional and mental aspects.

Hope to hear soon that the eye surgery went well

[Tonny2]

                 ojo.            Hello Jim, thanks for replying. I love you too, and I admire you. Well, now we have the basis to start with that by Weeekly support group. I wish you guys the best and I might sign up. to see if I can help someone and maybe I would be help too.

[numbersguy82]

Tonny you are doing so great, I bet you’d be a huge benefit to many others on these calls. I look forward to “meeting you” if only virtually.

Just a reminder to you, and anyone else who is interested, to please send me a PM with your email address. I will then make sure you have the instructions and video link (we use Google Meet- but not extra download is required)

Looking forward to the first one in only a few short days!

[numbersguy82]

The link for tomm's Support Call went out. If you didn't receive an email, or you would like to sign up, please send me a PM with your email address.

[Jim Allen]

👍

[numbersguy82]

It was a great inaugural support call this evening. Topics discussed were:

- Neuropathy
- Primary Care providers
- STIs

Next meeting will be in two weeks, Sept 15th at 7pm. The facilitator for that meeting will be Leatherman, and the headlining topic will be: Switching regiments: Why or why not? Additional topics can be volunteered during the call.

[numbersguy82]

It was a great inaugural support call this evening. Topics discussed were:

- Neuropathy
- Primary Care providers
- STIs

Next meeting will be in two weeks, Sept 15th at 7pm. The facilitator for that meeting will be Leatherman, and the headlining topic will be: Switching regiments: Why or why not? Additional topics can be volunteered during the call.

Correction: Next meeting will be in two weeks, Sept 15th at 7pm. The facilitator for that meeting will be Leatherman, and the headlining topic will be: Switching REGIMEN: Why or why not? Additional topics can be volunteered during the call.

Sigh… I wish I could blame autocorrect but I think I was just absent minded when I posted this 😅

[kentfrat1783]

...Sept 15th at 7pm. The facilitator for that meeting will be Leatherman, and the headlining topic will be: Switching REGIMEN: Why or why not?...

I wanted to remind you that we will be having our bi-weekly virtual Support Call Friday. 

Will we see you Friday?

Even if you want to keep your camera off you can, as you can be supportive to others through just your voice.  In turn we can support you. 

Don't forget to message @Leatherman to get the invite. 

[numbersguy82]

Cannot wait for the next one! It’s always a nice time getting together

[leatherman]

Biweekly Peer Support Call

Purpose/Scope:
The Peer support call aims to create a safe virtual meeting place for anyone living with HIV, regardless of how long they have been living with HIV, who wants to either offer support or gain support from peers with any aspect of living with HIV, including personal issues, stigma, practical problems, experiences, struggles, thoughts, etc.

Facilitators: @numbersguy82, @leatherman

Meeting Schedule:
The Peer support calls will be held biweekly on Fridays, and one of the facilitators will announce the next peer support call date in the thread. (https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=77329.0)

Meeting time:
4 PM PDT Friday
5 PM MDT Friday
6 PM CDT Friday
7 PM EDT Friday
1 AM CEST Saturday (Central European Summer Time)
1 AM CAT Saturday (Central Africa Time)

How to join?
Sign up by sending a (PM) private message to @numbersguy82 or @leatherman

You will be sent an email invite once you have signed up, a few days before the support call starts. Video conferencing is through Google Meets; sharing your video feed is optional.

Questions?
Please send a PM

There is also a social Monthly Virtual Gathering
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=76748.0

[leatherman]

Our main topic for Sept 15th will be "Considering a change in your med regimen"

[numbersguy82]

Fantastic! Looking forward to the call. I hope to send out the meeting link first thing in the morning, but I will add anyone extra up until meeting time.

[leatherman]

Had a good call tonight talking about changing drug regimens.

Good reasons to change are to get your VL to UD or to get away from a negative side effect. Sometimes you might have to change because of costs or changes to your insurance. Another good reason to change is to reduce how many pills you have to take. Of course the new injection med only needs to be taken every 2 months!

We also talked about how we love Arbys and Cedar Point

[numbersguy82]

Had a good call tonight talking about changing drug regimens.

Good reasons to change are to get your VL to UD or to get away from a negative side effect. Sometimes you might have to change because of costs or changes to your insurance. Another good reason to change is to reduce how many pills you have to take. Of course the new injection med only needs to be taken every 2 months!

We also talked about how we love Arbys and Cedar Point

Hey now!!!! Were you posting this while we were still talking LOL

Great to see you and Kent tonight! I am looking forward to meeting (in person) with K this coming weekend in Salem, and hoping that we all can organize a trip to Cedar Point next spring/summer!

[kentfrat1783]

we all can organize a trip to Cedar Point next spring/summer!

Well I have been looking at costs but I think we first need to decide on a time to go. Then again I'd want to go for at least two days at the park.   

On another note, I'll be posting by the end of the week on what next Friday's (9/29) topic will be for the BiWeekly Peer Support Call.  We have a great conversation, do go off topic at time, but most of all help each other. 

I look forward to seeing you their next week.

Kent

[leatherman]

Hey now!!!! Were you posting this while we were still talking ?

LOL I didn't spend 10 years of Ryan White Quality Management meetings in two states taking minutes to not have that committee job down pat.   LOL I just copied over the main points of my outline because we... eventually... talked about all that.  I've got mad office skillz. LOL

[numbersguy82]

Well I have been looking at costs but I think we first need to decide on a time to go. Then again I'd want to go for at least two days at the park.   

On another note, I'll be posting by the end of the week on what next Friday's (9/29) topic will be for the BiWeekly Peer Support Call.  We have a great conversation, do go off topic at time, but most of all help each other. 

I look forward to seeing you their next week.

Kent

Is it the end of the week yet 

[leatherman]

Is it the end of the week yet 

no. it's the end of the world as we I know it. ROFLMAO and apologies to REM

Summer is the BEST; but it's over and I had to close the pool down for the winter.  With the temps at night dipping, the pool lost a lot of much heat. I last got in it Saturday and while the day was nice, sunny and 84F, the water was a ball-numbing very chilly 60F.  I would have safe-worded to get out of that chore if there had been anyone to safe-word to.

To bring this back around to Peer Support, life's not all about HIV; but sometimes it is. If you have issues (and who doesn't?) and would like to chat with us, send a PM to @numbersguy82 or @leatherman and join us Friday(check the opening post in this thread for your timezone).

[kentfrat1783]

no. it's the end of the world as we I know it. ROFLMAO and apologies to REM

Oh, that takes me back to the summers I worked for Upward Bound and the Director loved REM.  Never a day went by without something related to REM. 

Is it the end of the week yet 

Well technically not the end of the week yet, as that isn't until two more days but I'm bad as I got busy and didn't get on the computer last week after I hit PTown then Salem, MA. Time just got away from me. 

But as @Leatherman stated, "life's not all about HIV; but sometimes it is".  Nor does HIV define who we are. 

We hope to see you Friday at 7 PM EST.   

[numbersguy82]

Excited to see everyone tonight. I know Kent will do a great job facilitating this evening. The email invites with the video link have already gone out, but there’s still time to be added- Simply PM me with your email address. TGIF!

[Jim Allen]

Very interesting session. Thanks for facilitating Ken, sorry I had to leave early.

[kentfrat1783]

It was great seeing everyone on tonight and we had an amazing chat about all aspects of life from:
 
-Issues with Triumeq
-Talking to your doctors about your Dx
-How being UD is more important then your CD4 count
-How different time periods of when you were Dx affected when you started treatement
-Differences of having HIV from if your are straight or LGBT
-How we found out about our status

In the end we are better aware of each other, our experience and how HIV has changed us. We just need to remember that HIV doesn't define us but is only a part of us.  We are survivors. 

Next meeting: Friday, October 13th
Topic:  Mental Health and Staying Positive
Facilitaor: @numbersguy82

[numbersguy82]

Next meeting: Friday, October 13th
Topic:  Mental Health and Staying Positive
Facilitaor: @numbersguy82

Ahem I believe we decided on “Mental Health and remaining Positive while being Positive” 🤣

Great call everyone and good job Kent! See you next time!

[kentfrat1783]

Well I also got it right.  I do like how you write it much better.

What I hear and write down doesn't always work.  My bad, but at least I got you to laugh. 

[numbersguy82]

Well I also got it right.  I do like how you write it much better.

What I hear and write down doesn't always work.  My bad, but at least I got you to laugh.

I just fluff it up more (BS artist here) your writing works just fine!

[leatherman]

I just fluff it up more

Been kidding my husband about being a "fluffer"    .....
he's been setting up and "fluffing" Christmas trees. LOL

[numbersguy82]

Been kidding my husband about being a "fluffer"    .....
he's been setting up and "fluffing" Christmas trees. LOL

Honestly I was scared to see how you’d finish the sentence after declaring him a fluffer - could have gone so many different ways 

[kentfrat1783]

Why did that make me think of the movie The Fluffer? 

he's been setting up and "fluffing" Christmas trees. LOL

Did you mean Halloween Trees?  We don't need to be like Lowe's where the left side is Halloween and then look a slight right and it's Christmas.  Ugh

[leatherman]

We don't need to be like Lowe's where the left side is Halloween and then look a slight right and it's Christmas.  Ugh

why, yes! Yes Larry does work for Lowe's

[kentfrat1783]

Well I did hear they were hiring and with as many trips I've been doing lately a second job would be helpful but not sure if I'd actually save money if I worked at Lowe's.  Half of my check went back to Kohl's when I worked their. 

[leatherman]

the lowes employee discount has certainly helped since buying our (75yr old) house five years ago. New giant kitchen window; all the wood for the deck by the pool, 5 dvd/bookcases, and bridge/walkway to front door all built by yours truly; misc plants, shrubs; new dishwasher, bathroom vanity, pavilion canopy on deck; misc light switches, outlets, ceiling fans, google lights, etc.; enough paint to repaint entire inside and outside of the house.

Larry's very lucky to have such a skilled butch handyman husband and I'm very glad for his employee discount. LOL

[kentfrat1783]

Larry's very lucky to have such a skilled butch handyman husband

Too bad you were not up here in Ohio as I could use some help on my place.  Not that I can't do it but I've learned I can't do what I once did and hate the reduced grip.  Ugh. 

[numbersguy82]

Greetings all. Just a reminder that our next Peer Support meeting is this upcoming Friday October the 13th. As usual, this will be a video optional virtual meeting and this time’s topic will be HIV and our Mental Health, staying positive while being positive.

If you’re interested please send myself or @Leatherman a PM (with your email address) and we will make sure you get the Google meet link via that email.

I am having surgery this week, so the link will be going out early, but I will add any late requests on the day of. If you’ve given us your email and dont receive the link by 5pm EST on Friday October 13th, please reach back out. 

See everyone then!

[leatherman]

Too bad you were not up here in Ohio

I was up there for 24 years and sorry but you missed out. LOL Let's see; reasons to not return. The western side is too close to those dreaded "Midwesterners" and all those red fly-over states. The southern part is too mountain-y. The north is too cold! I left because I'm a Southern boy and I shouldn't have to put up with any more blizzards. LOL If we get the chance though to visit my previous in-laws and my OhioFamily, I'll let you know we're coming that way.

I can't do what I once did

why do you think I've done so many projects around here after we bought the house 5 yrs ago in Dec? I'm getting too old for this stuff.....well not right now; but I heard tell that it's coming. I've got one more major project (digging up a portion of yard to rebuild a badly destroyed retaining wall and install a pre-fab pool and fountain) before Dec so I can cross the last major yard project off our 5-Year House Plan. (Mmmm, I love making the lists and crossing things off the lists. All that control and order. shiver)

[kentfrat1783]

This weeks topic: “Mental Health and remaining Positive while being Positive”

Our bi-weekly support call is less then 21 hours away at 7 PM EST on Friday, October 13th.  We hope to see.

If you want to get the link please send a message @numbersguy82 @Leatherman a PM (with your email address).

[numbersguy82]

I love this so much Kent!!!! You did a stellar job my friend. I hope you’re feeling better 😘

[numbersguy82]

Great session this evening. We had our largest turnout yet and the discussion on mental health and hiv care in general went for over an hour. Ofcourse we remained on the call chatting about off topic items for another half an hour or so. Wonderful to see everyone this evening.

Next session is in two weeks and I believe it will be @Leatherman’s turn to lead the discussion with his topic of choice.

[numbersguy82]

Hello everyone. Let me know if you’re interested in joining this week’s call. You can PM myself or @Leatherman your email address to be added to the invite.

I believe this week’s topics will touch on both navigating Ryan White and also cd4s and their role in our own HIV metrics.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday!

- Alan

[kentfrat1783]

Anyone have a few extra CD4's they want to toss my way?  LOL  Sorry, bad joke.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow (10/27), learning more about the  Ryan White Foundation and the role of CD4's.  Then again I'm sure we will talk about many other topics and great conversation with friends.

[numbersguy82]

Good morning and TGIF, I am sending out the meeting invite now. If by chance you don’t receive the email just let me know.

For Gmail recipients, there may be no actual email but instead the event will appear in your Google calendar. Clicking on the event will open up the details and provide the meeting video link.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again (especially you @kentfrat1784 since you missed last time)

[leatherman]

Tonight's call was mostly about the Ryan White Care Act. It's history extends from only purchasing AZT in 1987 to the Ryan White Care Act in 1990 to being influential in the design of what would have been universal health care under the Affordable Care Act to what we have today that covers all meds, health care and even paying for insurance premiums. The program has been so effective in part because of it's extensive quality management program that is constantly seeking to improve the quality of health care received by people living with HIV at local, state and federal levels - with all levels trying to incorporate the input of people living with HIV.

[kentfrat1783]

This weeks topic: “The Holidays are approaching and can cause family turmoil.  Remember that you have resources.”

Our bi-weekly support call is at 7 PM EST on Friday, November 10th.  We hope to see.

If you want to get the link please send a message @numbersguy82 via a PM (with your email address).

[numbersguy82]

This weeks topic: “The Holidays are approaching and can cause family turmoil.  Remember that you have resources.”

Our bi-weekly support call is at 7 PM EST on Friday, November 10th.  We hope to see.

If you want to get the link please send a message @numbersguy82 via a PM (with your email address).

I cannot wait- Ive been down in the dumps, so seeing all you guys and discussing the Holidays will absolutely put me in a better place mentally! Remember to send me a PM if you’d like to join up

[leatherman]

I cannot wait

it does feel like it's been quite a while since the last call, so I'm glad another call is coming up

the holidays? Hmmm. The trick is putting together the right amount of what you want to do with the right amount of what you don't want to do. I do want to spend a lot of time with my friends; but I don't want to spend too much time with my family. 50/50? Nope. 60/40? Better. 80/20? Even Better. LOL

[numbersguy82]

it does feel like it's been quite a while since the last call, so I'm glad another call is coming up

the holidays? Hmmm. The trick is putting together the right amount of what you want to do with the right amount of what you don't want to do. I do want to spend a lot of time with my friends; but I don't want to spend too much time with my family. 50/50? Nope. 60/40? Better. 80/20? Even Better. LOL

You have the right idea! If allowed, I’d never be social with other people or my family. However I compromise. I spend Thanksgiving doing the family thing and then I have permission to be a hermit well into the new year. It’s the perfect setup. I should say that I actually love my family that I spend holidays with, so that helps a lot. I just prefer to be alone - also Charley hates traveling so our visits are always stressful on her.

[numbersguy82]

Good morning Everyone. The invites have gone out this morning for our first Peer Support call of the holiday season. Join us tonight for a discussion around navigating the holidays, and identifying that we all have many forms of support during this hectic time of year.

[numbersguy82]

What an eye opening call we had this week. It was nice to hear all about the ways we each navigate the Holidays and approach dealing with our families. Next time we are going to tackle Talk Therapy. Have you used a therapist in the past? What were your thoughts or overall experiences? Conversely, are you thinking about giving a therapist a try??? Come together and let’s share our experiences. See everyone on 11/24, PM me your email to have access to the meeting link.

~ Alan

[Tonny2]

          ojo.         Hello there!… how long do these calls last?…. I have dinner every day at 7 PM and I would like to participate. Thanks….hugs

[leatherman]

usually about an hour and a half, because we are a chatty group of 3-5 people usually. There's plenty of time for you to eat and jump in on the call with us.

We also do a once a month get-together (a Saturday morning, 10am EST) that's usually 5+ people from North America and Europe just chatting, although the floor is always open to peer support needs.

[kentfrat1783]

I would like to participate

We would love to have you come and chat with us, @Tonny2.  I too usually eat around 7PM but i change it up. Even if you came in at 7:30 that would be cool.  We always have the main topic, get off topic and then get back to the agenda.  Never worry about showing up late. 

Have you used a therapist in the past? What were your thoughts or overall experiences?

I'm looking forward to this chat, on November 24th, as I think I need to understand what a therapist can do and how to find on that I can connect with.  That's the issue being in a small town and now sure what decent options are online. 

[numbersguy82]

Happy “almost” Thanksgiving to all the members who celebrate. Our next peer support call is this upcoming Friday at 7pm. If you’d like to be added to the meeting, please PM me your email address. This week’s link may go out late, or perhaps arrive the evening of, as I am traveling for the holidays and don’t have my personal laptop with me- only my work one. Looking forward to having a rousing discussion about Talk Therapy! See everyone then!

[kentfrat1783]

I'm looking forward to our upcoming peer support call tomorrow (11/24) at 7 PM EST for a Talk Therapy chat and to see what all we have been into in the past few weeks. 

Let @numbersguy82 if you would like added to the link and we will get you added.

[numbersguy82]

It was a fantastic meeting this evening. Topics discussed were talk therapy, peer sponsorship and its potential within the HIV community, drug interactions, what we disclose to which doctors, and a few off-topic convos around Black Friday and unrest around the globe.

Thanks to everyone for joining, and next session is facilitated by @Leatherman. As always send me a PM with your email to be included. These are becoming super fun as well as informative.

[kentfrat1783]

I enjoyed our conversation as always and I liked the discussion aroud Peer Sponsorship as it realtes to the HIV community.  This would be a great resource for anyone that has HIV, especially those that are newly diagnosed, to help answer questions when need and give support.

Just stinks the resoruces for such a great thing are lacking. 

[numbersguy82]

Happy Holidays Everyone. Our next Peer Support call is scheduled for this upcoming Friday, December 8th. The email invites have just gone out but if you would like to be added, please PM with your email address.

This week will be a fun one as we are having an OPEN topic hour. So any topic, any questions, all hour-ish long. Should be fun and also great fellowship with everyone. See you then~ Alan

[leatherman]

Sorry, I won't be there this time.

This past weekend, we went to our friends' Christmas party and Parade watch in a little town about 15 miles away. This Friday night, we're having some friends over to see the night time Christmas parade in our town. It wasn't until the other day that I realized this event and the parade clashed times...and yes, I'm choosing the parade over chatting with y'all. LOL

I'll miss y'all though. And I'll see you next time!

[numbersguy82]

Sorry, I won't be there this time.

This past weekend, we went to our friends' Christmas party and Parade watch in a little town about 15 miles away. This Friday night, we're having some friends over to see the night time Christmas parade in our town. It wasn't until the other day that I realized this event and the parade clashed times...and yes, I'm choosing the parade over chatting with y'all. LOL

I'll miss y'all though. And I'll see you next time!

You know you’ll be missed dearly! I wanna hear all about your adventures on our next call 😘

PS if your weather is anything like Boston’s, wear your fur lined undies!

[numbersguy82]

A fun “freestyle” call last evening. We spoke about grief and loss of family, the holiday runaround, our fave grocery store chains, and maybe a few topics that I can’t post here. Next up will be our last call of the year on December 22nd. The topic will be posted here by that meeting’s facilitator @KentFrat1784

Consider joining us as we bid farewell to 2023 and look ahead to the New Year.

[Tonny2]

        ojo.         Hi there!…I finished my dinner and I was about to geab my cell phone to join you guys for the first time when somebody rang my doorbell,  my sister and her husband stopped by “to celebrate” the end of my sister’s radiation treatment…Well, I guess next time. Thanks for the invite tho…sorry Adrian…hugs to the community

[kentfrat1783]

Topic: What a Year it has been
Date: 12/22/2023
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST (or later depending on the conversation)

I enjoyed this week's "freestyle" call as I think we all needed it with things going on.  Then again when we have to Google people/businesses throughout the conversation it makes it quite hysterical.

Let's end the Year on a positive note (no pun-intended) and celebrate what we have been able to accomplish or even working on accomplishing. 

Many times we are looking in the past of what we "didn't do", looking into the future of what "I could do", but don't take the time to celebrate what we "have accomplished".

my sister and her husband stopped by “to celebrate” the end of my sister’s radiation treatment

This is awesome new @Tonny2, and a good reason why you weren't able to attend.  I just hope she is doing better now.

https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=77368.0

Don't forget we have another meeting this Sunday (12/17) at 11:00 AM EST.  Let Jim know if you want to attend.

[Jim Allen]

maybe a few topics that I can’t post here.

 

[numbersguy82]

As 2023 draws to an end, join us Friday December 22nd (7pm EST) for our last peer support call of the year. @KentFrat1783 will be facilitating and recapping the joys, successes, and stresses that this year has brought us.

If you’d like to take part please either PM myself, @leatherman, or Kent and provide us your email to access the meeting link. Again this session will be titled “What a Year it has been”

Happy Holidays and season’s best to all of you!

[numbersguy82]

Greetings! The email and link for tomm's call just went out. Please PM me if you didn't receive it or wish to be added. See you all then ~ Alan

[Tonny2]

           Hay Can Mind Thank You Period sofá So Good
        oko

[numbersguy82]

           Hay Can Mind Thank You Period sofá So Good
        oko

Tonny I added your email to the invite, in case you can join us. Cheers

[Tonny2]

M.        ojo.         @numbersguy?, I forgot the numbers… thank you my friend, I got the invite yesterday and I was planning to attend but I just got a dinner invitation hopefully it won’t be a long sinner… thanks again my friend, can I call you friend?…hugs

[kentfrat1783]

Oh what a great call tonight. Always nice meeting up with friends and making new friends.

Many topics were talked about but we started off with “What a year it has been” and going over our years. Some good, some bad, some realizations but remembering to live.

Then we diverted topics but kept coming back to the Christmas theme. Some of the other topics related to moving, new careers, illnesses that trees and pandas have, how some shows (like Frazier) couldn’t be produced today, political hypocrites and fun some may have in office (various context of “office”), and how some people wound up with their wives.

In the end we met a new record of 2 hours on our call but only felt like 30 minutes. That’s what happens when you have you are with friends.

Next meeting - January 5, 2024
Time - 7:00 PM EST
Topic - New Year - New Goals and Aspirations

Let us know if you would like to attend. We would love to have you.

[numbersguy82]

What a fantastic time per usual. You paraphrased that recap much better than I could have 😅 can’t wait for the next one.

[Tonny2]

Tonny I added your email to the invite, in case you can join us. Cheers

            ojo.            Sorry My friends for that post, I wasn’t drinking, he was a quick post that I didn’t revised…hugs

[numbersguy82]

Happy New Year everyone. 2024 is a renewed opportunity for fellowship, community, and peer support. Join the gang this Friday at 7pm EST as we discuss the new year ahead, and our goals and aspirations for 2024.

Invites via email will go out later in the week so DM myself, Leatherman, or KentFrat1783 to be added.

[Jim Allen]

Happy New Year everyone. 2024 is a renewed opportunity for fellowship, community, and peer support. Join the gang this Friday at 7pm EST as we discuss the new year ahead, and our goals and aspirations for 2024.

Invites via email will go out later in the week so DM myself, Leatherman, or KentFrat1783 to be added.

I am not 100% sure I'll make it this week, but if I don't, I hope you guys have a great call. My goals remain the same for 2024, upsetting people one at a time 2024, particularly the younger generation (easy target), contuining supporting the trans community (I might not be the support they want, but sometimes need for the moment) and advocating eating real food.

[numbersguy82]

I am not 100% sure I'll make it this week, but if I don't, I hope you guys have a great call. My goals remain the same for 2024, upsetting people one at a time 2024, particularly the younger generation (easy target), contuining supporting the trans community (I might not be the support they want, but sometimes need for the moment) and advocating eating real food.

Those all seem on brand for you. I hope you can make it, but if not we understand. We will just catch up on the next Saturday gathering. I don’t even know yet what I’m resolving to do in 2024… thus far (since I’m on vacation) it’s been to watch nothing but Midsomer Murders and eat way too much.

[Jim Allen]

Those all seem on brand for you. I hope you can make it, but if not we understand. We will just catch up on the next Saturday gathering. I don’t even know yet what I’m resolving to do in 2024… thus far (since I’m on vacation) it’s been to watch nothing but Midsomer Murders and eat way too much.

I think sometimes we tend to rush into setting ourselves resolutions, and that can lead to unrealistic goal setting or too many resolutions.

Hope to make it tonight, we see how the day goes and if I can get a nap in at lunchtime. Didn't get any sleep last night ... Teenagers 

[Jim Allen]

Great call, the best one so far this year

Topics discussed included: Goals for 2024, Aging, HIV treatments past and present, and HIV Advocacy, drawbacks of the airfryer.

[Tonny2]

         ojo.          Sorry guys, once again, I couldn’t make it. About the topic of the all medications I would have loved to share my experiences with them, specially Nir and abacavir… anyway, I hope I will see you January 28…hugs

[numbersguy82]

Sorry to have missed this week… and when air fryers were discussed!!! Next up on 1/19 is @Leatherman facilitating with a topic TBD. DM him or Kentfrat1783 to join in.

[BalkanLad]

Hi guys! Not sure how this works, but would definitely love to join in next time!

[leatherman]

but would definitely love to join in next time!

we will add your email address to the list and send you an email, probably around the middle of next week, with a link to our Google Meet room.

See you on Fri 1/19!

[numbersguy82]

Looking forward to this upcoming group session. I am struggling to maintain the “Peer Support” moniker. I wanted to start this meet up because my friendship with @Leatherman and others lifted my spirits and made me feel less alone. @Leatherman has an extensive history with HIV activism and navigating groups, panels, and seminars. He brings a LTS’ point of view as well as a medical one.

When we are fortunate to have him, @JimAllen dispenses really hard hitting facts and delivers them like no one else could (ie a wicked sense of humor). @kentfrat1783 supplies the inspiration as someone more newly diagnosed but excelling at nutrition, fitness, and positivity.

For my part I bring nothing like that. I am simply a guy who has largely ignored his dx for the past 14 years, and done mostly the wrong things along the way. However I wanted a space for all of us to come together.

If you read “Peer Support” and assume these are calls with a clinical feel and a group structure that you’ve found elsewhere, you may be disappointed. However if you’d like to come together with likeminded HIV positive people from varying walks of life, then we encourage you to join in.

Lastly this isn’t a POZ sponsored group. I personally pay the monthly fees to enable our group to meet. There isn’t an agenda within our group other than friendship, community, HIV fellowship, and many laughs along the way.

I hope that this properly sets expectations. I know that personally these meetups have changed my entire outlook on life and my diagnosis. I’d love to share that with others.

Ok- so @Leatherman has chosen some Ryan White centric themes (Quality measures) for this week. We will discuss that, our personal lives, and probably laugh way more than we should. Hope to see you there!

[leatherman]

some Ryan White centric themes

After the last week I've been through,
we could also talk about more peer-support-ish things like:

Dealing with recurring minor health issues
The mess that is the insurance system in America
Are there differences between male and female doctors?
What to do when the pharmacies screw up your meds and you're going to run out?

For my part I bring nothing like that. I am simply a guy who has largely ignored his dx for the past 14 years, and done mostly the wrong things along the way.

Don't discount your POV and what you bring to peer support. Everyone's situations and thoughts about treatment are uniquely theirs. I think part of Peer Support is pointing out the situations and thoughts that aren't unique; but are incredibly similar. (For example, I've ignored my diagnosis several times in my life. Once put me in the hospital near death. "Done wrong things along the way"? Oh boy! I think we've all done those.) Some peer support is pointing someone to the right resource, and some is simple commiseration. Sometimes knowing you're not the only one having issues/thoughts/concerns is enough to give a patient stress relief, the umph to get out there and get an issue corrected, or just some moral support

If you read “Peer Support” and assume these are calls with a clinical feel and a group structure that you’ve found elsewhere, you may be disappointed. ....
Lastly this isn’t a POZ sponsored group.

Of course, our biggest issue really has been that very few people have taken us up on our offer of peer support. After our first year, we've had the core group (you, me, kent) with 4-5 others showing up occasionally. You're right about that giving us a much less than clinical feel. Hopefully moving forward, we'll continue to get more people to drop in and we can work on having more structured meetings.

[Tonny2]

        ojo.        Hi all!… I tried to join yesterday, but I don’t know what happened that I didn’t get an answer to join you guys. Maybe next time…hugs

[leatherman]

Sorry if it wasn't made clear Tonny. the next Peer Support Call will be this coming Friday 1/19. We're trying to meet up every 2 weeks.

[Tonny2]

         ojo.        Thanks Leatherman, I’m not sure. if I did something wrong. I’m not a savvy nerd, lol. I remember the first time that I talked to you and Jim as Iclicked and terdon joint and that was iI , yesterday I did the same but I got a message to wait for something. So I wasn’t sure what to do. Maybe next time…hugs

[leatherman]

yesterday I did the same but I got a message to wait for something. So I wasn’t sure what to do. Maybe next time…hugs

we didn't have a call yesterday and that's why you couldn't connect. 
the call is this upcoming friday. You'll get an email with the link later this week.

[Tonny2]

                   ojo.        Ah!, well, I’ll see you then…gracias

[Tonny2]

            ojo.         Hi again. I missed numbers82 pist and it made me think that I might not be a good person to offer support because all of my illnesses, a conditions that I’m living with that it might be a little too much for other people who are looking for peace of mind I don’t know. It’s just a thought. What say you?…hugs

[numbersguy82]

            ojo.         Hi again. I missed numbers82 pist and it made me think that I might not be a good person to offer support because all of my illnesses, a conditions that I’m living with that it might be a little too much for other people who are looking for peace of mind I don’t know. It’s just a thought. What say you?…hugs

Happy New Year Tonny! I’m sorry about the confusion, but I sincerely hope you join us on Friday January 19th at 7pm EST. Ok all of that official stuff aside, you would be a fantastic addition to our calls. You are wonderfully enthusiastic, positive, and you bring so much history in coping with HIV. Im certain that you’d get as much out of our calls as you’d add to them! Hope to see you then!

[Tonny2]

        ojo.      @numbers82, thanks my friend. You sound like a great guy and I’m sorry that you had to deal or you are having problems to deal with the diagnosis but, after leaving to nine years of overtime, trust me, there is life after an HIV diagnosis. We just got your turn, the page, sometimes some of us need to forgive each other for our acquiring, the virus, there are rollers that have mentioned that after getting the diagnosis they felt dirty. Even though that back in the day we used to make plans for our funerals. Well now at days we can make plans for the future but all that we need to do needs to be more positive now that we ,. .are . I hope and with this call, we get to know each other and learn from each other.


It is funny that I couldn’t be with you guys in your previous calls and yesterday I was available, but there was no such a call. and yesterday that there wasn’t a call, I was there…hugs


Ps please forgive my typos I’m dictating and my cell phone types whatever it wants and read to me whatever it wants

[Tonny2]

         pjo.        * Now that we are positive we have to be more positive.*

[kentfrat1783]

Hey everyone.   I hope you are doing great and I'm looking forward to seeing you this Friday (01/19/2024).  I'm sorry I missed the last one but my life got busy but feels like things are getting back on track.

I am struggling to maintain the “Peer Support” moniker.

I do appreicate you @numbersguy82 will being the moderator of these Peer Support Calls and I'm not more involved as I know I should. I do have a Google One account so I wonder if on the nights I'm the MC that I could help out more. I do relaize it becomes a lot of work when many think it only takes a few minutes. 

Now that we are positive we have to be more positive.

I'm looking forward to seeing you @Tonny2 or at least hearing you if you don't have your camera on.  I also have made similar jokes at work and not sure if people have caught on with my status, but we need to have a positive attitude. 

Dealing with recurring minor health issues
The mess that is the insurance system in America
Are there differences between male and female doctors?
What to do when the pharmacies screw up your meds and you're going to run out?

I think all of these will be a good topic for our next meeting @Leatherman, but I'm sure the topic will divert at times. 

It also connects well with the start of the new year and how things can get messed up with insurance changes (even if you didn't think you had a change).

See all of you in a few days.  Hugs

[numbersguy82]

Howdy Everyone. The Google Calendar invite just went out. If you want to be added please PM me your email address. Have a great Thursday and see you tomm evening!

[leatherman]

This past call we chatted about two main issues: funding for our health care and the quality of health care that we receive.

Unlike citizens living with HIV in many other countries, American PLWH get health care and prescription medications through a hodge-podge system of medical insurance, prescription insurance, ADAP (aids drugs assistance program, a part of the Ryan White Care program), cash, social security and social security disability programs. A change in any of those can impact whether you always have access to daily ARVs.

The Ryan White Care Act, the principles of which helped formed the ACA (Affordable Care Act), has a quality management program built in that tracks a selection of health care actions that should be a part of everyone's health care. Tracking items like screenings for other STIs, case management, PCP prophylaxis, viral load suppression, retention in care, and gap in medical care visits not only guarantees that each patient is given a quality standard of care but helps to identify how clinics need to improve in those areas.

I'd like to thank our member from Europe who was up in the middle of the night chatting with us. I know a lot of the chat was American-centered; but we did really enjoy hearing from you and hope you had a nice time. Hopefully we can meet up with you again at the next Monthly Virtual Meeting (1/28)

[Tonny2]

          ojo.            @ Leatherman…. there are some new members, I remember, that they said that they feel dirty, etc., etc. I wonder if you guys have taken that topic. I always wonder why they feel that way…hugs

[numbersguy82]

Hello everyone. This week’s call will be focused on options for support: Therapy, Group sessions, peer sponsorship, etc. We will discuss what has worked for us in the past and what has been a miss.

PM me or @Leatherman if you’d like to take part. The invite will go out later today so check your inboxes/calendars!

[leatherman]

Thanks for keeping us on track with such good topics!

[numbersguy82]

Thanks for keeping us on track with such good topics!

It may be an intimate meeting for two… should we light candles 🤣

[Jim Allen]

I'm not sure if I'll still be awake, but if I am, I'll drop in.

[numbersguy82]

I'm not sure if I'll still be awake, but if I am, I'll drop in.

Well then it will be a better call for you being on it!

[Jim Allen]

Great meeting and interesting topic. Thanks for hosting the meeting.

[numbersguy82]

Thank you for joining Jim. The move is finally winding down… but at least I have my office put together for work tomm…. and the next call. Lots of friends and lots of free beer and pizza from me to get it all done! The washing machine had a clogged drain pipe so that was a fun project to deal with immediately upon moving in.

[Jim Allen]

Thank you for joining Jim. The move is finally winding down… but at least I have my office put together for work tomm…. and the next call. Lots of friends and lots of free beer and pizza from me to get it all done! The washing machine had a clogged drain pipe so that was a fun project to deal with immediately upon moving in.

I'm glad to hear the move is going well. It was interesting to see your bedroom on the call. I hope the victims we saw in cages have been released by now; consider that a suggestion but without judgment.

For the washing machine with the clogged drain pipe, it would not be a proper move without some DIY. 

[leatherman]

in cages have been released by now; consider that a suggestion but without judgment.

keep an eye out. the app says the package of handcuffs and floggers should get delivered tomorrow.

[numbersguy82]

I'm glad to hear the move is going well. It was interesting to see your bedroom on the call. I hope the victims we saw in cages have been released by now; consider that a suggestion but without judgment.

For the washing machine with the clogged drain pipe, it would not be a proper move without some DIY.

Hahahaha OMG Jim you just made me spit coffee out of my mouth! Too funny!

[numbersguy82]

keep an eye out. the app says the package of handcuffs and floggers should get delivered tomorrow.

…. Well I had enough handcuffs…. But floggers sound fun 😅

[kentfrat1783]

Hi all,

Don't forget we have out BiWeekly Peer Support Call this Friday (02/16/2024) at 7:00 PM. I know I'm ready. 

But does sound like we need an update on teh handcuffs and floggers.  LOL

See you soon,
Kenneth

[numbersguy82]

Great reminder Kent. This week we will talk all things Statins. New studies show that a low dose might be best for most people with HIV. Is anyone else taking them and what are the pros/cons. The invite should go out on Friday morning so just PM one of us your email to be added.

[Jim Allen]

Very current topic, sounds good.

[numbersguy82]

Good morning. The calendar invite just went out. If you wish to join just send me a PM.

[kentfrat1783]

Calendar invite just went out. 



If you didn't get the invite or want to be included in the chat, please DM me here and I'll get you added. 

We look forward to seeing you in just under 24 hours from now. 

[numbersguy82]

Mark your calendars, March 15th is our next peer support. PM me for details. @Kentfrat1783 is sure to dazzle us all with a spirited topic for discussion.

[leatherman]

spirited topic(s)

some topics I will be able to speak about with spirit:
steak, blowjobs, PI (not pie) and lots of Pisces birthdays

[numbersguy82]

some topics I will be able to speak about with spirit:
steak, blowjobs, PI (not pie) and lots of Pisces birthdays

Hahahaha- Pisces? I’m all about Cancers 🙌🏻 see you on Friday, friend!

[leatherman]

I’m all about Cancers

i love those guys! Fellow water sign but rowdier.
Just couldn't seem to keep them alive though,
so I have a different water sign, Scorpio, this time.

[kentfrat1783]

This week calendar invite just went out.   

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you tomorrow.   

Friday, March 15th
7:00 PM EST

[numbersguy82]

Sounds great and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone tonight. I feel like between my move and then hospitalization, I haven’t seen you guys all year!

[Jim Allen]

Great call and enjoyed seeing everyone again. Thanks for facilitating the call.

[numbersguy82]

Greetings all you fine earth beings… oh and Jim… tonight we offer peer support at 7pm EST, so to be added to the invite please just PM me with your email address. Looking forward to seeing everyone (especially you Kent after being absent last time) for a fun and insightful call.

Alan

[Jim Allen]

Greetings all you fine earth beings… oh and Jim…

😂

[numbersguy82]

The invite was just sent. Please let me know if you didn't receive it or would like to be added to join in! See you all soon!

[Jim Allen]

Great call, very insightful.

[numbersguy82]

Well, I am going to “try” and post a recap of last evenings engaging call… we were def all over the board with topic selection, but laughs were had by all and my mood was certainly lifted:

Vacationing and pet worries, Easter planning, Magic mushrooms and their usage with mental health treatment, Navigating a positive diagnosis with differing sexual orientations, Bias through the Ages, Pros/Cons to a younger/older mother, Faking Orgasms, WW2 and its history being rewritten. 

Phew … I think I covered everything. Jim enjoy the zoo, Michael “enjoy” Arizona, and Kent we missed you!

[Jim Allen]

Phew … I think I covered everything. Jim enjoy the zoo, Michael “enjoy” Arizona, and Kent we missed you!

Thanks. It was a good day out, Caelan loved it. Not overly fond of Zoos in general, but Dublin Zoo does some important conservation work.

[numbersguy82]

I love that pic- and black and white suits it perfectly. Now are you titling it “He’s horny”

[Jim Allen]

Now are you titling it “He’s horny”

... I should have expected that.

[numbersguy82]

Whelp it’s that time again!!! Come one, come all for another rousing peer support session. I’ve lost track of who is facilitating this week, but I am sure there will be a worthy topic that stokes an informative conversation…. Per usual. PM me your email to be added to the event invite. See you Friday!

[leatherman]

Sorry, I will be in airplane mode somewhere between Chicago and Charlotte so I have to miss this one

[numbersguy82]

Boo… but I understand. I figured at the very least you’d be exhausted from all the travel. Looking forward to hearing all about AZ!

[leatherman]

Exhausted? No way! we gain 3 hrs without living through them and the dogs will be thrilled we're back*, so we'll be wired and up super late.

*our friend watching the puppers is learning Dutch. Aberdeen thinks him speaking dutch is super weird and scary so she'll be extra happy to have us home

[numbersguy82]

Awwww Aberdeen is gonna be the most refined member of your household now 🤣

[leatherman]

Xena and Aberdeen will be saying "Björk, Björk, Björk" not "bark, bark, bark" by the we get home  LOL

[numbersguy82]

Hey All… the invite for this week’s peer call will go out first thing Friday morning. If you’d like to join us tomm, send me a PM with your email address. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

[Jim Allen]

Hey All… the invite for this week’s peer call will go out first thing Friday morning. If you’d like to join us tomm, send me a PM with your email address. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

👍

[numbersguy82]

👍

Are you joining? I could use a partner in crime since Michael will be traveling.

[leatherman]

Michael will be traveling.

OMG Phoenix airport security clearance was a breeze!!! We've got about 45 till boarding. 3 hrs to Chicago, an hr and a half layover,  and then 2 hrs to clt. Of course there's a 3hr time change in there somewhere so we won't be home till 930ish pm

[numbersguy82]

OMG Phoenix airport security clearance was a breeze!!! We've got about 45 till boarding. 3 hrs to Chicago, an hr and a half layover,  and then 2 hrs to clt. Of course there's a 3hr time change in there somewhere so we won't be home till 930ish pm

Safe travels- I know the pups will be happy to you

[numbersguy82]

Great call tonight. We welcomed back KentFrat while Jim was also on hand to dish out his usual “Jim Wisdom”. Topics discussed were lab work tips, cholesterol and statins, talk therapy and picking the right therapist, changing jobs and the challenges surrounding it, cucumbers vs English cucumbers, drawbacks to reduced sex education and contraceptives, and finally anxiety management and tried-and-true methods of combating it.

See you all in two weeks!

[leatherman]

Safe travels- I know the pups will be happy to you

Thanks! We made it back home!

[numbersguy82]

Good morning - the peer support invite just went out. It’s not too late to be added, just send me your email via PM. See everyone tomm evening (Friday)

[Jim Allen]

👍

[leatherman]

omg. thank god it's time for another call. For the last call, I was in the air over kentucky or somewhere coming back from our trip to AZ (via a layover in Chicago). So I've gone weeks and weeks without chatting with y'all.......and I missed y'all.

[numbersguy82]

omg. thank god it's time for another call. For the last call, I was in the air over kentucky or somewhere coming back from our trip to AZ (via a layover in Chicago). So I've gone weeks and weeks without chatting with y'all.......and I missed y'all.

You were so missed. I cannot wait to hear all about AZ!

[leatherman]

I cannot wait to hear all about AZ!

and if you don't want to hear about AZ, I can tell you about the colonoscopy Larry is getting this afternoon. LOL

[numbersguy82]

and if you don't want to hear about AZ, I can tell you about the colonoscopy Larry is getting this afternoon. LOL

”corn? When did I eat corn?”

[numbersguy82]

Great call last evening. It was nice hearing more about European politics, trans rights, a bit about Married with Children, and the perks of small town living. Until Jim starts selling his prints online and is too famous for us, see you next time.