aliveboy2004 0 #1 May 27, 2004 I'm back. need to answer HANKNOTDAN from ...Part2 No, I had made the decision NOT to tell tandem passengers about my HIV status. Sorry, I don't consider it any of their business. The risk of HIV transmission from a tandem jump is virtually "0". As stated in earlier posts, passengers should be more concerned about a tandem instructor's alcohol consumption prior to jump or what their mental attitude is. My mental attitude is now very positive (oh, how I hate that pun!) - OK - it's GREAT!! I am being careful with my passengers and still not taking any unnecessary chances with anyone. I sincerely want to thank message friends from threads ...Part1 and ...Part2 (nbblood, ripple, vallerina, dmbale / freakyrat, Keith, weakmindedfool - gonna jump with you one of these days - I promise!!) Since my circle of friends that I can share with this is fairly small, I have to share it with you guys. Just got my results from my second blood test (will be getting one every 3 months) Tcells (good guys) UP from 385 to 435. Viral load (OHHHH bad!) DOWN from 14700 to 5190!!!!!!! AND to top things off, chlosterol and tri's DOWN to nornal levels. Looks like I'm gonna make it for another month.Would like to ask everyone out there a big favor. If your computer isn't doing anything during down time - log onto www.fightaidsathome.com and set up an account. Like the SETI thing - but maybe a lot more practical and helpful. thanks.........ab2004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottjaco 0 #2 May 27, 2004 QuoteTcells (good guys) UP from 385 to 435. Viral load (OHHHH bad!) DOWN from 14700 to 5190!!!!!!! Is this improvement due to the medication you are taking? If you have a moment, please explain the treatment process. I heard with todays medications, you may never get full blown AIDS, is this true? How long do the doctors think they can keep the virus under control, so you don't get full blown AIDS? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nbblood 0 #3 May 27, 2004 Glad to hear things are working out and looking up. Keep up the great attitude. I'll look forward to the jump! Keep smilin'. Blues, NathanBlues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aliveboy2004 0 #4 May 27, 2004 actually no, I haven't begun to take any medication yet. I think that the new school of thought is to keep close tabs on the numbers and if they change radically, then begin. When that time comes, I will probably give up doing tandems. From what I have heard, some of the drug reactions aren't all that pleasant. Wouldn't need to be hit with any of that while in the middle of a plane ride or canopy ride. I have been watching my diet - lots more fish and chicken - protein foods, and salads. I guess my body is beginning to fight back against the bad guys and that is what got my numbers in better shape. Right now I am feeling great about it - in three months the numbers might go the other way and I will get depressed - but hopefully by then I will have adjusted more to what the numbers mean and if there is a small change - not go completely bonkers about it. a rough definition of AIDS is a tcell count below 100, a very high viral load and the presence of an oportunistic disease. As long as you keep the numbers in check and stay (relatively) healthy HIV need not progress to AIDS. As they told us in the counseling session - a person with HIV today has a greater chance of dying from a heart attach or being struck by a car than dying from AIDS. Until there is any radical change, I will continue doing tandems and sharing in the fun that new passengers have. In the meantime - [url]www.fightaidsathome.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #5 May 28, 2004 with today's medications, HIV positive people MAY never get full-blown AIDS. HOWEVER... the medications haven't been around very long. we have no idea what the long term effects are, or if the virus will become resistant to the new drugs. Viruses adapt, the same way that lots of the older antibiotics don't work as well on today's bacteria. they're resistant. some people can't tolerate the medications some people have trouble remembering to take the medications. They're complicated. It isn't just one pill every day, its LOTS of pills at certain times every day. some strains of the virus react differently to the medications. they don't work for everyone. For many people, HIV is more of a chronic condition that needs to be dealt with, rather than the death sentence it used to be. BUT, the medications are ICKY and can have awful side effects, and they don't always work, plus, they're VERY, very expensive, and not always covered by insurance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betzilla 56 #6 May 29, 2004 Hey there, I'm just wishing you good luck and lots of strength through all of this. I have a friend who's had AIDS (yes AIDS, not HIV) for 9 years. I'm not sure the specifics, since his partner told me, and he doesn't know I know. In any case, i think you're right -- it's no one's biz but yours. Live your life and stay strong and healthy. know you have lots of people out here pulling and praying for you. -B Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freakyrat 1 #7 May 29, 2004 Hey Aliveboy Keep up that great spirit and attitude. I'll look forward to the jump with you. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #8 June 1, 2004 You're very welcome. Glad to hear you're doing well. Do yourself a favor, if you haven't already, and get on line and read up on the current trends in HIV treatment and medications available. As with any illness, it's Very important to be an informed patient You'll be able to ask all the right questions and help your doctors manage your condition more effectively. You are your own advocate. Be informed and be assertive. I'm gonna hold you to that jump Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
