Well today was a down day. I woke up this morning late after a big night out, but early enough to take the drugs. Which I hated this morning. I’m not sure there was any particular reason. I just felt down. I took the drugs and returned to bed. When I got up, and this afternoon came to my parents’ house.  At least I have my drugs with me. Drugs. Always. I hate the having to worry about them. Hopefully tomorrow will be more up than down. Continue reading Day 30

It is now four weeks since I was diagnosed HIV+, and somehow, I cannot quite believe that it is that long. It seems now to be something which I have always had. I am not saying that I am totally sorted in my head with this, nor that it doesn’t creep into my consciousness nearly every hour…  However, it is something that I am aware of. It has affected how my life is lived. There have been incidents where I have had to think about things in a different way. Take the many opportunities that are there as a gay … Continue reading Day 29 – Four weeks on

Today was the first proper day back at work since diagnosis. But, it seems that I still need to take into account the stresses and strains that are placed upon me as I begin to understand and cope with living with HIV. Concentration is now not as easy as once it was. My head seems to be sore a lot of the time. And I am also rather tired most of the day. This may be a side effect of the medication. However, at least in work there is a reasonable canteen so I can report that I had a … Continue reading Day 26

Well first day that I didn’t manage to get the Kaletra into me at the right time… I was a few hours early.. I don’t know what I did, I woke up and thought my watch said 10am … So i took it….  Hope this is not too bad. Out tonight with some friends so that will be a pleasant change. Nothing much to report today. Continue reading Day 23

Work… Today I was back to work for the first time since I started the meds. It was an interesting experience, I felt different, but as those around me didn’t know about the diagnosis they treated me no differently. However, it was noticed that I was more tired than normal, and that it was taking me longer to do routine tasks. I suppose that this is to be expected. Drugs The drugs continue to have the effect of making me more tired than I normally would be. This is particularly in the afternoon after I have taken my Truvada® tablet. Unfortunately, … Continue reading Day 22

It’s a fortnight since I received the news that I was HIV-positive. During those two weeks there have been many ups as well as the many downs. That this was going to be a challenge was obvious even in the week between testing and receiving the results. But, the positive things that have come out of this I believe will help to balance the negative aspects. I’ve another appointment up at the clinic today, so hopefully will know more later. Jelly Bean Test The jelly beans have run out, but maybe I’ll get replacement jelly beans (as in actual tablets) … Continue reading Day 15

Food Shopping trip went very well. A mate went with me to keep me along the straight and narrow. Managed to buy quite a lot. Certainly everything required for the two recipes sent in, as well as more besides. It will be interesting to see how I get on using such exotic foodstuffs such as salmon, chesnut mushrooms, cream,  pesto, and tomato purée…  Tomorrow will see me cooking a meal for myself. One that is made from fresh ingredients. The outcome will be interesting. Continue reading Day 12, part 2

Today I was taken by a friend to see a local support centre. Felt much better for having been there for a few hours.  I didn’t do anything terribly exciting. But just being with people who are HIV+ made me feel less lonely. And have started on the antibiotics. Continue reading Day 9

Found out a week ago that I am HIV+. Got more details today. CD4 count = 100. Apparently this is not good. Antibiotics prescribed and to be taken to make sure I don’t get any infections. Anger at being stupid enough to become infected is being replaced with fear at what is to come. How will I cope? Will I remember to take my medication? Continue reading Day 8

An impromptu protest is being facilitated by Belfast Pride and Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association on Tuesday 29 March, following the disgraceful decision of the Public Prosecution Service not to recommend a Police investigation into the homphobic comments made by Mrs Peter Robinson MP MLA last summer. Just in case you missed what she said in Parliament, here is the relevant quotation from Hansard: There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children. Mrs Peter Robinson, Member of Parliament for Strangford Both Pride and NIGRA feel that the investigation was far from satisfactory. … Continue reading Protest @ Laganside Courts over disgraceful Robinson decision