I Live The Body Eclectic...25 Years and Counting

[OneTampa]

Well, its official through medical records...although I've known...this year marks my 25th year HIV+.

I feel like I know many on these boards who have written about their experiences through the years. I have related on physical and visceral levels a number of times when the postings from others seemed to mirror nearly exactly my situations. The bottom line is that being HIV+ is absolutely no giddy skip in the park. It can be hellish at times as you swing from pillar to post with different meds and moods. And, don't get me started on the physical changes.

However, even with the above, I want to give a little insight on what I have gone through recently that just goes to show you that this HIV thing can still have as many varying effects as there are people.

1. Body

Facial wasting: Had it for 10 years at mild to severe grade.  Particularly at temples. Received Scupltra 3 years ago. Responded quite well--even Doctor made note.  Only last month had touch up at temples and upper cheek region with Radiesse--fabulous results.

OK overall body shape currently. Nothing extreme.

2. Mind

Cognitive abilities good.  Completed courses for Masters degree with 3.70/4.00 GPA.  Will defend thesis next month.  But the supreme test--continue to find my way home.

3. Family/Friends

My mother passed on recently at 80.  I had a good relationship with her--she lived across the country--and love her very much although I did not tell her of my HIV status.  She told me twenty years ago--out of the blue--that she knew I would be OK. Maybe she knew something.

My son is doing well across the pond and so are my sisters and brother.

Maintained ongoing friendships and reconnected with a few old friends.  Some remind me of what irritated me about them years earlier. The difference is that we joke about it nowadays (as they say the same about me) . As the kids say "It's all good."

4. Spirit

Decent of late. I am not in the dumps.  Strangely, I feel stronger. Maybe my mother's spirit and other family and friends who have passed on are helping me out.  I don't know.

5. Work

Glad to be able to go to work everyday.  The job can be trying at times, but I am well suited for it.

6. Labs

Recent lab work shows that I remain non-detectable after 11 years with a CD4 of 702 at 32%--100 percent compliant at taking my meds.  No one remains as surprised and thrilled as I am.  This is a long way from 70 T-cells and a 6 month life expectancy at the beginning.  I still see the same primary care physician who gave me that news then and a specialist over the last 15 years who does not appear as surprised at my labs.

7.  And...

As Miss P. once posted, "Your mileage may vary." I will add, "True.  No matter. Just as long as your engine is fueled and you are continuing down the road on your life's journey."

8.  In closing...

Please know that everyone here on the Boards have helped me more than you will ever know--through all of our agreements and disagreements (I call them  "hug", "slap", "tease" and "tense" moments).    I look forward to many future chats.

Best.


P.S. To: Matty
       Re: Update to post here several years ago

       I never completed the religious order application. I gladly remain secular-istic.  




 

[BT65]

Happy anniversary Tampa.  I can totally relate on "finding the way home" to be a challenge. It seems I'm always trying to think of a shorter way home, then get lost if I try to take it.    I am moving forward, though, however slowly.  Again, congrats!

Betty

[OneTampa]

The main thing is to keep moving forward.

I applaud you.

And, thanks for the Congrats.

[Bookguy708]

Congratulations, Tampa!

[lforsyth]

Good to hear youre going strong.

I found out in 1986, a month before moving to AZ from Long Beach although I new something was up in 1985.

Most of my friends were gone by 1990 and by 2005 the rest of my Family was gone also but I'm still doing well.  My latest results as of 04/26/2010: CD4 975, Viral Load undetectable.  HBV viral load 1000 (had that since mid 1970's). Just changed meds from Viracept, Epivir and Zerit to Prezista with Norvir plus Truvada.

[AndyArrow]

Congrats on 25 eclectic years!!!

[aztecan]

Congratulations on reaching the quarter century mark!

A toast to many more eclectic years.

HUGS,

Mark

[veritas]

BRAVO ! Never, never, never give-up!

v

[OneTampa]

I thank everyone for the encouraging words!

Best.