coping with hiv and hep-c

Its that time again...

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Before I was going through the HIV and Hep-C treatments I had what they call a fistula. If you click on the word it will give you a brief explanation of this disease. I have had 2 surgeries on it so far and now its time again. I am in constant pain from this and need to take medication for it.

The Dr's suggest I go and have it checked every year to make sure it hasn't progressed to anything more , such as rectal cancer. The procedure itself is not so bad because I am usually asleep during it (TG). I am hoping everything goes well and there are no more problems .

Well I must keep the faith as should us all .

Blessed be!

Some information I stumbled on.

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:30:00 +0000

I came across this article and thought it was very interesting and easy to understand.
Basically it just explains how HIV works in the body. Of course there is so much more to it than this but I thought the way it was explained was very easy to understand.
http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_life_cycle_5014.shtml

Although this is is just the beginning stages of the disease it also explains how rapidly it can multiply.

http://www.aidsmeds.com/ is a wonderful place to learn more about HIV and as I always say "Knowledge is power".

Wrap it up !

Blessed be !

A chance to do more..

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:12:00 +0000

I am a big crusader in getting tested early and knowing your status. I also know this is a very scary thing for anyone debating the issue. Seriously, it is the most important thing you can do for yourself and anyone you love. I hear horror stories all the time about one partner who didn't know and gave it to the other. Nobody asks for this hell, at least I hope not . So be the one to do the right thing and get tested. There is no way to know if you have HIV or HEP-C and if you do feel symptoms it's been multiplying in your blood for quite sometime. It can still be handled , but you (quite possibly) have also passed it on to others or your partner. I was lucky my ex didn't get it, but it doesn't mean I didn't spend sleepless nights wondering and worrying if I had given it to him .

PLEASE GET TESTED IF NOT FOR YOU DO IT FOR THE WORLD!!!!

Its easy , its fast, its the right thing to do .

Blessed be !!

Some information some may need

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:55:00 +0000

You will notice I just posted a link to National housing trust . I know the power of living safely in a place you can call home is getting harder for all of us, not just those affected with the diseases, but those families and children who have lost everything or close to it already. I can say with certainty that you have to make your voices heard , by that I mean you take the steps to secure yourself with the help you need .

RED TAPE, RED TAPE....this is why I see a 20 year old girl with dirty clothes a blank stare as if she had been beaten down by life....holding her small fragile dog in one hand and a cup for change in another. As I put my measly dollar in her cup and smile, I think to myself "you're in the same boat." I am fortunate to have good friends and an exceptional landlord who care, but I still believe I will have to fight to be in a safe place not having to worry if I will have to go to a shelter for food , a warm bed and medicine to keep me alive.

There are many . many people who need help right here in our own country . The sick , the poor the elderly. Why in this country full of many riches . Why is this a problem here ? I walked away from the young woman think and planning how could I help , why don't I help ? She is me and I am her we are in this life together what is wrong with helping others . I got on my train and was sped away to my Dr's office , and all I have done for her is this blog ..

My health is getting better I feel more energy . I am still in pain ,still nausea , still fevers here and there. But I wake up everyday and breath and can participate in life.

Blessed be !

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noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:53:00 +0000

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scary senario

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:27:00 +0000

I got this link from one of my fellow bloggers and it's downright scary. I know drug addicts have no control over their disease but this is down right WRONG. I believe health care workers , the Doctors nurses etc. we are supposed to be able to trust are human and therefore anything is possible. Anyone in that field should be drug tested on a regular basis. Anyone working with the public , especially those caring for others. It is just too easy to transfer Hep-c to another by blood .

Please be vigilant towards your fellow Humans this is a bad disease , no-one should suffer the pain and suffering this disease brings .

Until there's a cure ,
Blessed be !

Shocking reaction to my reaction

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:20:00 +0000

I have been battling this Hepc treatment so long that I was never interested in dating or better yet sleeping with anyone . Yesterday I went to a bar to visit a good friend who had a stroke and by-pass surgery . He is doing so well I am very happy for him and thank the universe for keeping him here with us . So of course being in a gay bar I was propositioned by a man , he bought me a drink and instantly assumed we would be "doing me that night" . until I leaned over and whispered in his ear that I was HIV Poz . He started scratching his head looking very up set and I asked him if that bothered him . Meanwhile we know several friends who have passed from Aids . He instantly looked at me in a different way like he was shocked and didn't understand about the disease . I finished my beer and said my goodbyes to everyone .

Once alone I began to think is this how its going to be now ? I refuse to feel ashamed of this disease but I was saddened by the fact that was in front of my face , you are tainted SR . This was a gay man older than me why was he so ignorant about it ? Why did he want to make me feel bad because I wasn't " clean" . The ignorance about this disease is still so abundant and still all around us . I am going to call Aids action today to see what I can do to help get the word out , To do something to take away the bad stigma HIV has . Blessed be everyone

It has been awhile....

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Just in case you are wondering what happened to me , I am doing well . The pegasis did its job and I am doing great . Starting to get back my strength slowly , gaining weight ( in all the wrong places ) I am just happy to be well enough to enjoy life. Reconnecting to my past through FACEBOOK , pretty cool . My HIV meds were making me really sick which they have always , so My wonderful doctor and I decided to change the time I take them . I was taking them in the morning now I take them in the evening that has helped 2 fold . I actually wake up with energy and I don't feel sick all day . So its worth asking your Dr if you are experincing bad side affects.

Best health to all .

Blessed be !

So now new blog new begining .......

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:18:00 +0000

The new Blog which I am excited about. I am going to interview Dr's , nurses, medical peeps . and give my 3 cents as well . I might change the name or not you all will know where to find me .

My last blood draw was last Friday and all is well nothing changed . The Meds worked and it was worth the 48 weeks of yuk. I still feel fatigued and so on but I feel so much better than I was while on the interferone . It takes time to build back up to what I was , so I am taking my time .

Blessed Be!

The lose of someone who changed my life..

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:53:00 +0000

There she is in the infamous poster. I had one, not only because she was strikingly beautiful . But she was what I thought I was supposed to be "a beautiful woman".
That's what I thought being gay was ..wanting to be the opposite gender. Nope I was just gay not transgendered . Either life is not what you want for yourself, but it comes with your spirit. We all have struggles , some excepted some not. She was a warrior for her life , as I am as we all are . Brightest Blessing Farrah this fight is over you can rest now.

Summer??????

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:41:00 +0000

I know we were supposed to have one , I think I may have slept through it. That's what its been like , I am always tired , general fatigue , blahs and yuks . I am working up to working out . We all know how that goes. Anyway I see my Primary Doctor on Friday , maybe there is an explanation? Until then smile and suck it up !

Brightest Blessings

Time heals all wounds

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:49:00 +0000

I am still feeling the after effects of the chemo on my liver. I, of course, figured that I would be able to jump right back on the bandwagon of life.......was I wrong. I still feel very exhausted when doing things.
I went to Gay Pride this past weekend, and then Newport the next day. After all that, I was down for 2 days, just tired and fluish. I have come to the conclusion that I have to take small steps to get myself back on track. Just walking the dog doesn't count ( he does, but the exercise doesn't).
Well now I am just taking my HIV meds, which would be like nothing normally, but I never had a great time dealing with those in the beginning, they made me very sick. So we shall see how this plays out. I have to start working out slowly. And now that I have gained all my weight back, I should eat better LOL.

Rehabilitation?

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:10:00 +0000

So it has been a few weeks now since I stopped the interferon and pegasis . I of course am the eternal optimist thinking I would instantly be me , active doing things making plans , meeting friends .Well my body proved me a fool , I suppose since being sick for so long it is normal not to zing it up right away .

So I guess its work out time and seriously folks its got to go slow . I spent a day in Newport with friends walking around and enjoying the beautiful sites . I was sore and extremely exhausted it took me 2 days to feel myself again . So moral of the story is after 48 weeks of battling this cancer , do not think its over once the last needle is injected. Eat , sleep and continue to work yourself up . Be well

Blessed be

Mariah sings again

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:16:00 +0000

Imperfect angel

Do I ? Can I ?

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:45:00 +0000

That's basically what this week was like . Sometimes I would feel ok but most of the week I was very fluish,fatigued just basically feeling like I have been all along. all the blood work is coming back very Steady . So I don't know , I can meditate and connect so that's all I am concerned with.

I at one point began to wonder if it isn't the HIV meds I take , I felt like that on those as well .

gay pride is this week , I wanted to volunteer but I don't think I can handle doing anything that is that fast paced and hectic I do not feel well enough for that . so i will watch from the sidelines and enjoy it that way , definitely next year. The outfit has changed several times , but my sister has made me a fantastic bracelet

I am so grateful...

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:38:00 +0000

That this treatment is over. A whole year, injecting and rejecting.....feeling so gross from Friday until Thursday just to do it all over again. But It is gone now........the dragon has been slayed.....for now . I am not sure of the return percentage as I am just grateful it's over for now. My dentist gave me some mouthwash to use ghlorhexidine gluconate, and I think it is interacting with one of my several hiv meds. Looks and feels like thrush.....I looked it up and I did not find any conflicts.

Well time to enjoy and focus onward I will keep writing as long as I still have something to say.

Blessed Be !!!

Good bye interferon

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Thanks for doing your job! Its all done! I hope if anyone of you have questions or comments, please leave them .

My Dr's will be at the Aids walk, June 7th giving out information and giving free HepC testing.... it's safe, it's free so all you have to gain is your life. Please, you should check it out.

Blessed Be !

Hmmmm 2 days to go

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Well one last week of the headaches, fatigue, nausea, temp, sweats, etc. I was lucky! for some it is so much worse so I shouldn't complain. I am starting another blog, nothing to do with any of this or health. It will be all about my hobbies and first love tarot and pagan, wiccan issues, thoughts ideas , books, jewlery . My fabulous sister will be designing it so I will put a link on here once it's up and running. That on top of all the other things I have and want to accomplish on my second chance around .

tick tock tick tock 4 days to go.......

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:18:00 +0000

WOOOO HOOOOOO it is almost done. How wonderful do I feel. I wouldn't say it was easy, but I would encourage everyone to get tested. The earlier the better! And you know damn well a condom is only 99.9% percent....whether you're a slut or not. Please do remember going through this treatment is hell and think twice about not using your head and condom. There are plenty of places to be tested and helped if the need comes up. Remember my little promiscuous ones - every 4 months is a good idea. Use the links I have provided for you.

I feel so blessed to have come out of all this healthy and with a very new attitude on life.....most of all I know my friends and family are never turning their back on me. My new life has begun and it' all good . Please be careful out there! See you all at Pride!! Let us all celebrate our community and love! Wear our colors with pride.........with our heads held high!

Brightest of Blessings ,

Oceanskies

Summer's here !

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Yeah its a good day too. Of course because I have 2 injections today. But after this there is only one left. A whole year of this I am ready to be me! Like I was telling my good friend its time to break down my 4 walls and live again. I have been soooo lucky in that my treatment was just really bad in the beginning. Thank god for my sister or I wouldn't be here.....as always she made sure I was ok before letting me come back to Boston. As always she was there for me. I hope all of you that have to go through this treatment have a good support system. ( I could rent you my sister) Anyway thanks Marz you're the best and I love you with all of my heart.......that still beats because you were there.

A time to speak up and act up

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Since starting my treatment back in 2006 , I have realized how little everyone knows about HIV http://aidsaction.org/ this is a place to find out actual information , and a place to get involved .
So certainly take a glance maybe learn something about what a friend or loved one is going through or how you can help.

Blessed be

Back in Beantown .

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:15:00 +0000

I made it there and back and no "swine flu" ! Two weeks left on my HepC treatment its all good!
I am of course exhausted from traveling and having one to many margaritas ( literally 1 ). Not that I mind but no more heavy drinking for me , I guess this stage of my life I might remember .

My bloodwork all came back great again , I am so lucky I know and I have made peace with my diseases . They no longer control my life I control them ! How empowering it is . Now I have to try to get my body back , that means work and sweat .

Brightest Blessings all..

Another flawless day in San Deigo!!

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Its like dream weather compared to my New England roots , I believe I could be very happy here . I of course will miss the weather changes , but after many long years I think I can adjust.

The people are pretty much the same as in Boston . like pretty much everywhere you have your nice people and your mean people. My health seems pretty good this treatment , I had some exhaustion issues so far couple of fevers and of course night sweats .Compared to what it was like 40 weeks ago its a breeze .

I am also so excited to start helping others who have issues and need an ear here and there , giving back some support which I recieved for so many .

In san Deigo .....

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:59:00 +0000

What a couple of days its been seems like it took 2 days to get here. Anyway did the whole injection process on Thursday , seem fine now just wondering when I will hit the proverbial wall.
Enjoying the weather and all my friends here . Its been so long since I have seen them . I also brought a ton of hand sanitizer , which has gone up about 5.00 since this hole H1ho stuff started.

bright Blessings

Swine Flu and HIV

noreply@blogger.com (OceanBoi) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Here is some info I found for you all about the swine flu , Just use your
good judgement wash your hands, cough in your sleeves, careful where your tongue goes!
Blessed be