I work typically M -F 15:30 - 24:00. At least that's what my email signature says. It's Monday morning at 01:10 ish and I'm at work. I usually sleep from 04:00 to 12:00. So I'm not yet interrupting normal sleep and I can use the OT. I may throw off the MED schedule which is an issue. So it has me thinking about something I heard Harvey Firestein talk about recently. I'll include a link below if I can find one, but the general message was questioning whether or not, maybe we as a gay community have done too good a job removing the stigma associated w HIV/AIDS. Well, he expresses it brilliantly and far better than I'm able.
For the record:
*HIV is not fun.
*My meds cost in excess of 3000.00 per month.
*The amount of Federal tax dollars expended to pay for HIV meds and healthcare for people who lack the Health Insurance (mine included) is astronomical. In 2007 the Federal Government will spend 13.2 Billion on HIV/AIDS care. (http://www.kff.org/hivaids/upload/7582_03.pdf)
{ HIV/AIDS
In the quarter century since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, more than 65 million people worldwide have become infected, including more than 25 million who have already died. In the U.S., there are now more than one million people currently estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is on track to be one of the worst epidemics in history, with millions more estimated to become infected by the end of this decade alone, if more is not done. Multiple challenges remain in the areas of prevention, care and treatment, research, infrastructure and capacity development, and funding. As such, the HIV/AIDS epidemic presents numerous political, economic, social, and scientific challenges to the United States and nations throughout the world. } http://www.kff.org/hivaids/index.cfm
*These meds while keeping HIV in check, put a tremendous strain on my liver, kidneys, heart and body as a whole. Eventually one or more of several conditions starting with 'lipo' and ending with 'dystrophy' and 'atrophy' and one or two more I can't pronounce or recall, will cause the fat in my body to redistribute. This causes things like big shoulder sometimes referred to as 'camel humps' and the deep creases in the cheeks where the fat deposits used to be and skinny extremities with a round trunk. (folks, I aint' pretty, but I'd like to hang on to what I've got)
*The conversation that must take place before being intimate is not exactly an aphrodisiac!
*HIV meds reek havoc on the digestive system. Can you say "SHART"?
*I'm asked: "how did you get it" at least once a month. FROM A FUCKING TOILET SEAT YOU MORON! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT'S HOW YOU GET IT.
HIV/AIDS is a terminal, aggressive, chronic, incurable illness! It's also completely preventable. Please prevent yourself from becoming infected.
Having said all of this, I would be remiss if I did not express how grateful I am to be alive and well. To have an extraordinary team of medical professionals deeply concerned for my health and welfare who treat me with compassion, kindness, respect and love. To have access to the pharmaceuticals that keep me alive and healthy. I'm eternally grateful for a supportive and loving circle of family and friends.
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