HIV/AIDS in America

[freethefly 6]

I am posting this link to a write up at Avert in response to the STD thread soley to help others have a better understanding of HIV/AIDS. So little is mentioned in this country about AIDS unless it is about Africa. Many seem to believe that AIDS is not all that dangerous of an illness. Even my own family believes that it is nothing more than a bad cold and nothing to be concerned about. Many believe that AIDS is fully under control and that it is not a death sentence. For those of us who cannot afford proper treatment, it is very much a death sentence just waiting for the switch to be thrown. I have read that more than half of those infected recieve little or no treatment at all (I know this to be true in my case).
This is a very informative piece that I hope you will read.
http://www.avert.org/america.htm

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[Conundrum 1]

I have never met one person who didn't take HIV/AIDS seriously (i.e. thought it wasn't that dangerous).

Why would someone think it wasn't a big deal?

And out of curiosity, how did you get HIV/AIDS?

[waltappel 1]

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I have never met one person who didn't take HIV/AIDS seriously (i.e. thought it wasn't that dangerous).

Why would someone think it wasn't a big deal?

The short answer is *denial*. Nobody wants to truly believe that they or someone they care about is going to die a horrible death.

Walt

[azdiver 0]

i heard a news report one time where people were actually trying to get infected, fucked up isn't it. if i can find it online i will try to put it up

light travels faster than sound, that's why some people appear to be bright until you hear them speak

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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Many seem to believe that AIDS is not all that dangerous of an illness. Even my own family believes that it is nothing more than a bad cold and nothing to be concerned about. Many believe that AIDS is fully under control and that it is not a death sentence.

You've posted about your illness before, and you were adamently opposed to anyone 'outing' you without your persmission (which I agree with you and support that), however your rationale was that people would treat you differently...with regards to this disease. I agree with that as well, and that contradicts your statement above...

I just haven't seen a whole lot of 'AIDS is no big deal' kind of people running around anywhere. I'll admit that I probably don't notice peoples' perception of HIV/AIDS as much as someone infected with the disease, but honestly I'd be more inclined to believe that people have a defeated attitude, which may appear as indifference to you.

Defeated because they cannot help, and that is a horrible feeling. The pain of not being able to 'make it right' for someone you love can be overwhelming, tragic, and crushing. -And that, I do have a great deal of personal experience with.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[flyinchicken 0]

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you were adamently opposed to anyone 'outing' you without your persmission (which I agree with you and support that), however your rationale was that people would treat you differently...with regards to this disease. I agree with that as well, and that contradicts your statement above...

I think it is obvious he has already "outted" himself in these forums. I think he was taking a stand about how he would feel if someone were to reveal the information without his permission. As far as giving people information, I think it's a very good idea. On a few occasions in my adult life, I have encountered hetrosexual guys who don't want to use protection. It is scarey that they would even consider it.

"Diligent observation leads to pure abstraction". Lari Pittman

[virgin-burner 1]

there are too many douchebags out there..

“Some may never live, but the crazy never die.”
-Hunter S. Thompson
"No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."
-Yoda

[freethefly 6]

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I think it is obvious he has already "outted" himself in these forums. I think he was taking a stand about how he would feel if someone were to reveal the information without his permission.

I have been extremely open about my condition as I see it as no different than cancer. I was, however, closed about it in the plant that I last worked in. It was leaked out by someone in management (I had no idea that I could had sued for millions) and quickly my locker was plastered by ignorant remarks wishing me a quick death. Several people refused to work with me. At one point I was put over in an area where no one else worked. They put me on the bandsaw way in back. At first I was pissed about it but then I learned to use it to my advantage. Had I been aware of my legal standing, I'd own a skydive plane today.
Back on track. Yes, I willingly revealed my own stutus so as to put a real face on the problem of HIV. Had I not, most would just shrug me off as someone who has no experience. But had I wished to remain private in the matter, the choice to disclose would belong soley to me.

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On a few occasions in my adult life, I have encountered hetrosexual guys who don't want to use protection. It is scarey that they would even consider it.

I too am guilty of this in the past (before I knew). I had no knowledge, whatsoever, that I could get infected. Many tend to blindly believe that it will never enter their life. I am not a junkie nor am I gay, therefore, I am okay. It was the hardest thing to do to call a list of women to tell them that they may be infected. I use to consider myself to be gods gift to women. I was extremely concieted and extremely sure of myself. With such a frame of mind, many guys are sure that they will never be infected. The same with women. There is only one way to be sure and that is to be tested on a regular basis if you are active. The same with those who are married. Spouses cheat. Many believe that their spouse will always be loyal, yet, it only takes one minute of weakness and the damages is done. It is the reality that many do not want to see.
If anyone is sick and tired of me posting this stuff on HIV, get use to it or just simply do not click on the post. I plan on being around for a very long time so you folks are stuck with me. Like it or not

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[Conundrum 1]

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I see it as no different than cancer

Huh?

One you can't prevent and one you can.

[freethefly 6]

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I see it as no different than cancer

Huh?

One you can't prevent and one you can.

You missed the point. Cancer patients speak openly about their illness and so do I. I see all ilnesses to be the same and not something to be ashamed of.
As far as one being something that one can prevent and the other one cannot is what I am saying that people are blind to the reality. One can avoid smoking. One can avoid foods that are linked to cancer. One can work hard to stay healthy and still get a cancer. The same goes for HIV. You can abstain from sex untill marriage and then contract HIV from a cheating spouse. Many have contracted HIV in this manner. There are medical professionals who have contracted from a needle stick. It can happen just that fast. You have no real idea where a potential spouse has been or what they may have done or will do. Life is a card game and you eventually must play the hand that you are dealt. Whether you like it or not. Not one person can say with certianty what will become of them in the near or distant future. I could easily hook myself into the ground swooping my stiletto or I could be paralyzed next week in a car accident. I could easily be killed in any fashion. Or, I could live to be 100 years old.
We can try to prevent a catastrophy but, we are not always so vigilant. In just a blink, it all can change.

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[flyinchicken 0]

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In just a blink, it all can change

AHMEN!

Everyone should live by this. Love as much as you can, give as much as you can, live as much as you can, Get it all while you are here. Ignore suffering at your own consequence, it exists. "One chance, one love...one reason", Depeche Mode

"Diligent observation leads to pure abstraction". Lari Pittman

[Keith 0]

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If anyone is sick and tired of me posting this stuff on HIV, get use to it or just simply do not click on the post. I plan on being around for a very long time so you folks are stuck with me. Like it or not

I for one think it's fucking cool that you've put yourself out there and are getting this message out I don't think people can here this message enough. Like you said, soooooo many people think this is someone elses issue.

Keith

Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville