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Author Topic: My story in today's AZ Republic  (Read 12697 times)

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Offline Jeffreyj

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,403
My story in today's AZ Republic
« on: June 05, 2006, 06:31:16 am »
Hi All, Here is a link to my story:http://www.azcentral.com/health/news/articles/0605hivat25-0605.html
Positive since 1985

Offline Biggums

  • Member
  • Posts: 199
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2006, 06:56:27 am »
Jeff,

That was a great article and very inspiring.  Bless you buddy.
44 year old gay man .......just broke up with the only man I've ever really loved.

You can love completely without complete understanding.

Offline eirin

  • Member
  • Posts: 81
  • Member since March 2005
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2006, 07:31:15 am »
Dear Jeff,

Thank you for posting your story! It was truly moving to read, you have been through a lot, I am glad you are here to share your experience with us.

Hugs, Eirin

Offline jack

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,578
  • fomerly the loser known as Jake
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2006, 07:55:38 am »
i am so sorry for your loss.

Offline Teresa

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,755
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2006, 08:05:59 am »
Jeff,
Thank you for telling your story. A very touching article. Im sure your wife would be proud of all that u have done to educate people on HIV/Aids.

Keep up the good work
Hugs
Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline heartforyou

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,132
  • I must be a survivor in many ways...
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2006, 08:20:39 am »
Jeff,

A mirror for many of us out here.

Thnx

Hermie

also a member of the 12% group...woooow
« Last Edit: June 05, 2006, 04:05:34 pm by heartforyou »
Infected 1983. Diagnosed in 1987 and still kicking
Dovato once daily. Hydrea

Happiness is the freedom of breathing fresh air every day.

Offline kcmetroman

  • Member
  • Posts: 567
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2006, 08:43:31 am »
Wow Jeff,  I am so sorry for your loss, yet so proud that you have stood up and told your story.  While it does not bring back your wonderful wife, it can at least relieve some pent up pain.

John

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2006, 08:47:39 am »
Hey Jeff,
Thanks for sharing your story. Each time something like this appears, it helps erase the stigma still associated with HIV.

Your courage and determination are an inspiration, one which I hope others will see and take heart in.

As another member of that "12 percent" mentioned in the story, I remember those early days. They seem much darker today than when I was living them.

Oh, by the way, I once worked for Freedom Newspapers, which, I'm sure you know, owns the Orange County Register. They were cheap bastards, but I had a great time.

Thanks again for sharing and having the courage to open your life to others.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Trish

  • Member
  • Posts: 332
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2006, 10:00:47 am »
Hi Jeff,

First, I'm sorry for your loss.  I can just imagine all that you & your wife had endured back in the 80's... I lost my husband to AIDS in 1989, so I know where you are coming from.  It was a scary time back in the '80's and I do understand why you hid for so long.  I did the same -- it took me nearly 11 years to fully disclose and nowadays I have no fear of disclosure.

Second, I loved the article.  I think it's important for us to tell our stories to the world.  People need to know about the true lives of those who are infected/affected by AIDS.  I believe it's one way to help disspell the stigma of it all and discredit the misconceptions society has when it comes to HIV/AIDS.

Third, I am proud of you for taking this bold step in disclosure, publicly, and I am behind you 100%.  You see, I have an article due out sometime today on the AP Wires.  As soon as it comes out I will post the link.

Also, I agree with you about the kids today... they really are in left field about HIV.  It's sad that 25 years later, we still don't have a handle on this virus.

Thank you for sharing your article with us Jeff, and thank you for being the wonderful person you are.  We're in this together...

All my love,

Trish :) :-*
"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is buit."  Eleanor Roosevelt

Offline allopathicholistic

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,258
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2006, 10:08:04 am »
Thank you for sharing so openly. True love is permanent, forever. Stay strong, we're here for you

Offline RAB

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • Joined March 2003
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #10 on: June 05, 2006, 10:20:24 am »
Jeff

I too am sorry for your loss but am awed by your determination and courage.  Thanks for telling your story and thanks for sharing it with us here.

RAB

(Who is also among the 12%--a figure he finds humbling.)

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #11 on: June 05, 2006, 10:38:20 am »
Jeff,

That's a great article and an even more amazing story of your life with HIV / AIDS.  The 12% who survived, like you, are an inspiration to me and are part of the reason I try not to whine, complain, or feel sorry for my situation.  You guys were/are the ones who had it bad, not me.  Your wife sounds like a great person and she was blessed to have you as a husband.  More people should be so lucky.  Take care.

David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline david25luvit

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,409
  • Member since March 2005
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #12 on: June 05, 2006, 10:55:11 am »
Jeffery...Thank you for sharing your story with us and with the world at large.  I admire
your spirit!  Losing someone so dear is devastating I know...  A Big Thumbs Up!
In Memory of
Raymond David McRae III
Nov. 25, 1972- Oct. 15, 2004
I miss him terribly..........

Offline AlanBama

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,670
  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #13 on: June 05, 2006, 12:12:00 pm »
Jeff,

Thanks for telling your story, and for touching so many other lives.

Alan (also a member of the 12 percent club!)
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline Oscar

  • Member
  • Posts: 244
  • 20 Years POZ
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #14 on: June 05, 2006, 12:25:14 pm »
Jeff,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Dan
( who is also a memeber of the 12% group)

Offline DingoBoi

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,355
  • Bailey's Infected Cream™ Served since 2004
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #15 on: June 05, 2006, 01:26:52 pm »
(huggles)

Offline water duck

  • Member
  • Posts: 404
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #16 on: June 05, 2006, 01:40:48 pm »
THANK YOU FOR sharing.

.................why i'm still alive...............if you ask that , maybe , you are needed around to give us hope and courage to continue this battle with this bug.

Siang

Offline Sdgirl

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #17 on: June 05, 2006, 02:37:57 pm »
Outstanding article........truly.

Lisa
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves.."Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?"

Offline Joe K

  • Standard
  • Member
  • Posts: 5,821
  • 31 Years Poz
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #18 on: June 05, 2006, 02:40:52 pm »
Dear jeff,

Your story covers so many of us (that 12% again) that somehow lived through the hell, yet are still here.  I still remember the 80s and 90s and all I have left is to offer my sadness at your losses.  You also are to be commended for taking your story public, because that is still the best way to educate the public.

How sad that even though so many of us survived and share our story, that the stigma and ignorance surrounding HIV remain.  Sometimes I wonder if it will ever change?

Offline skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #19 on: June 05, 2006, 02:56:09 pm »


Jeff,

Thanks for sharing...    I admire your stregth and courage for doing so.

Thomas
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Stang5_0

  • Member
  • Posts: 32
    • Stang's Garage
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #20 on: June 05, 2006, 04:00:36 pm »
That was quite moving.  I would like very much to talk to you more.  My wife refuses to get tested and I've got mixed emotions about it all and just don't know what to think.

But thanks for the read.
Stang5_0

Offline Iggy

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,434
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #21 on: June 05, 2006, 04:07:32 pm »
.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2007, 09:51:32 pm by Iggy »

Offline JohnOso

  • Member
  • Posts: 817
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #22 on: June 06, 2006, 05:39:03 am »
Jeff,
thank you for sharing your story with the world.  I hope it helped to ease the pain of your struggle just a bit.

in admiration,
John

Offline Jeffreyj

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,403
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #23 on: June 06, 2006, 10:20:58 pm »
Hi Everyone!
I would just like to thank all of you who took your very valuable time to read my story! And a huge heart felt THANKS to all of you who posted on here for your very supportive comments. I read each one and can't tell you how much I appreciated all your your comments. I'm very glad I joined this group! There are so many nice and supportive people here! It is awesome. Thanks again.
I will post soon to let you all know what kind of response I got from the people here in AZ. You won't believe the nice responses I got. I never would have thought it possible here in a RED state!
So thank you all for the love and support. You guys and gals are very special people. Love to you all
Love,
Jeff
Positive since 1985

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #24 on: June 07, 2006, 08:29:18 am »
Hello Jeff,

Thanks for sharing your story with us. I also responded to your private message..


 The Best----------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 Moffie65

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,755
  • Living POZ since 1983
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #25 on: June 07, 2006, 09:17:51 am »
Hi Jeff,

Welcome to the forums, and thanks for the nice article about your experiences.

It looks like there are more and more of us coming out of the HIV closet here in Arizona, and all I can say about that is FABULOUS!.  We have a good Governor, and a terriffic Health Department, so maybe with all the people like you and others, coming out and speaking about the need to pay attention to this virus; we can make a real impact on the spread of HIV here in AZ. 

Located near Sierra Vista.

In Love and Support.
The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals,
and 362 to heterosexuals.
This doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals,
It's just that they need more supervision.
Lynn Lavne

Offline TedEBearNC

  • Member
  • Posts: 263
  • ~Cuddly~
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #26 on: June 07, 2006, 10:16:26 am »
Thanks for sharing that with us.  It moved me deeply.

Hugs

Phil
Member since March 2004

Offline pozitivelyfun

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: My story in today's AZ Republic
« Reply #27 on: June 12, 2006, 09:18:07 pm »
what an amazing and powerful article.. thanks for sharing! :) :-*

 


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