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As a long term survivor, I can say that my future seems bright. No, I'm not rich or famous, but still feel alive and well! Looking for a man to be with, and starting a new career...HIV? Meh! I got this!
Working in diagnostic Oncology and coming Out before HIV was a discussion has helped my two cents on this . Left out that Ive been living with HIV for 23 years and just had 60 Birthday HIV demands compliance and sooner or later will manifest trouble or be a side effect of treatment .eg . Globular disease or acute bacterial or pulmonary malaise . Lucky to have the medications we do now . Over time your gonna show appearance of long term side effects . Same exhausted , rapid aging with Oncology
I describe myself as an experiment on the leading edge of a wave. Every projection in 30 yrs knowing my status was revised more than once. Diagnosed in 89 with 2-5 yr life expected, turned out to be a mysterious “elite suppressor” for the first 15 yrs. Then that started to slide & just started 4th hiv regime in 15 yrs. Yes to neuropathy, arthritis, bone loss, kidney damage, exotic T8 cell leukemia. Immensely fortunate otherwise. Being elderly is a separate stress with little structural support
Thank you for this, very affirming. I'm "only" 60, have been living with the virus for a long time and am generally okay with most of the issues around it - we humans are so amazing at adapting to what is thrown at us! Acknowledging our mortality and often short or long periods of loneliness can be most tricky to deal with. We need to help and reach out to each other and make each moment count - we are a long time dead!
thank you so much for being honest. Aging itself is hard to do but was HIV combined it's been harder. Not so much the HIV but the comorbidities really stink. I have six of those including diabetes arthritis stenosis etc etc. I advocate for HIV diabetes and arthritis and some days I just think what am I doing but other days HIV medication really help my situation. Just hang in there enjoy living as long as you can and just count your blessings. Thank you again for being so honest. I'm 68.????
It has been a long, challenging 35 years for me since being diagnosed. Trying meds, then not trying, dealing with various forms of pneumonia, neuropathy, and chronic fatigue. Through all this only missed 6 months of work until 2010 and was a train wreck for heart issues from Dr.s not treating my high Blood Pressure, cholesterol levels, etc...Well, after two heart attacks and a mild stroke, and neurocognitive issues still here now on Bitkarvy, and other issues. Not so easy for some! 60 soon...
I have been called a "miracle child" by some practitioners. I often think that may be the case as well, especially with the years of depression and poor coping skills of drinking that went with it. No, 53 is not consider "old", but having been POZ 27 years, that is considered old. I have been blessed with good health and have been pretty active and ate well (less some cocktails). I feel that maintaining a positive spirituality is also very important. KEEP ON KEEPING ON!
Motivator
Hello,I been positive over 30 years now "GOD IS GOOD!!!and I was looking for someone to share my thoughts with.
March 10, 2021 • Roanoke,Va