Okay, it’s been quite some time since last I posted on here. But I’ve been busy. So bear with me. Drugs There have been changes to my combination once more. The latest version is now 1 x 200mg Truvada and 2 x 200mg Viramune each day as well. So far there appear to be no significant changes to the side effects by which I have been affected. I’m back in work today and was in yesterday, but I am still very slow on my feet. Continue reading October 6
It’s Saturday afternoon. Away with the local support centre. It’s a great weekend. But I’m realising how I’ve not accepted nor am I coping with my diagnosis. I walked out of a discussion group. My outlook on life has always been too different. This weekend is just proving it. I want to run away. Just to leVe here and hide. I like the weather. Even lying in the sun. But I don’t want to talk about HIV. Continue reading September 12 – coping or not
Last night was one of the worst since diagnosis. But today has been much better. The support that I’ve received over the last few months has been made even clearer in the actions of others today. Kr- texted to check I was ok after last night. K. also contacted me to check we were mates still after our falling out yesterday. And S. made in clear he was worried about me. And today’s BBQ was great. Awful weather but great friends. Thank you to all of them. A., S., S., P., N., B., T., T., J., and R.! Continue reading August 30
Well I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I was out with a new mate. One that I thought might lead to something more. One problem : he’s negative. In the middle of a night out I ended up telling him about my status. K-‘s been relatively okay about this. But it highlights to me the problem in being interested in men that aren’t known to be positive. When is the time to tell them? How can the virus be passed on? Is kissing wrong? Should I resign myself to being single for ever? Perhaps that would be simpler. … Continue reading August 29 – feast of the Beheading of St John Baptist
It’s some time since I have posted on here. But the events of last night really do need recorded. Five Hours of a Meeting I was at a meeting last night which lasted five hours – but it was reasonably productive depsite starting to cover ground that is not this year’s committee’s responsibility. Then two of us decided that it would be a good idea to head for a pint. Everything goes awry OK, so I shouldn’t be drinking alcohol whilst taking Citalopram, but I was planning only to have one pint. I say planning, because as with all best … Continue reading August 28
It is now five months since I was diagnosed with HIV. What an anniversary! Had a reasonably good week thus far – but still feeling tired. Out with a friend last night for tea and again with another friend tonight. At least this saves me the problems of cooking. But waiting on money to actually reach my bank account is driving me nuts! Maybe I’ll get paid on Friday somehow. Hoping that the aches and pains start to go away – but there is no sign of that. And house tidy is still needed. But kind of need money for … Continue reading August 26
Back at the clinic this morning. Good news again CD4 =140 Viral Load = undetectable So despite all my problems with adherence the drugs appear to be working. Continue reading August 18 – good news
It’s the middle of the night here and, once again, I can’t sleep. It’s not that I haven’t tried everything… mint tea hot chocolate counting sheep just lying reading… Nothing is working. I’m getting fed up of this now. And in the morning, I get to have my increased dose of “happy pill” – now 20mg Citalopram every morning. Continue reading August 13
The People Living with HIV Stigma Index Today, I completed the Questionnaire for The People Living with HIV Stigma Index at the local HIV Support Centre. The questionnaire asked lots of probing questions but hopefully it will help provide statistical evidence to improve policies, and ensure that these are grounded in the realities of people living with HIV. Continue reading August 8
Today was Prideday here, and approximately 10,000 people took part in the Parade. The local HIV support centre took part and remembered T. who died last weekend. Continue reading August 1
Gyronny Herald 