Post Storm Short Post...

Our net & cable was went out last night.  Go figure, it rains & Suddenlink's cable freaks out.   I'm not sure what to expect today & it might happen again.  I scanned over the articles & didn't find much in my area,   So, a short post will have to suffice. Later, I may lose my net & not be able to get online at all.  You never know in this area.  

Have a great day & stay dry.

Cya...

Bad Sleep...

The weather continues to be an issue. It stormed loudly all last night.   Between the noise & atmospheric yuck, I was awake a lot of the night.  I feel fairly crappy.   With any luck, the weather will settle down a little & I can get some decent sleep tonight.    I really hope so.  We went shopping this morning & it wasn't fun.  I'm worn out from the effort.   I"ll close for now.  Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.

Cya...

Spent...

I got myself again yesterday.  I thought I was capable of more than I was.  Now, I'm paying for it.  the weather has messed with my  sleep several nights this weeks.  Yesterday, I did quite a bit, at lest for me; laundry, putting away seasonal stuff, house stuff.  Then I got the bright idea to handle a house repair by myself.

I got it done, but it wore me out.  I had to haul a heavy-ass ladder from the shed to the house, about 50', then back.   Then wrestle with power tools above my head.  I hate using a drill overhead.   It got done as well as it can be for now.  

I spent more energy than I had,  I'm still a little wore out today.  I'll post more tomorrow.

Cya...

Poz Kids...

This piece & numerous others have listed the 13 - 24 age demographic as the group with the highest HIV transmission rate for years.  It's no surprise.  What prevention/education has  been taking place in public schools over the last decade?  In most cases, virtually none.

Why is it spreading so fast in tweens to college kids?

• Little to no sex ed 
• It's the age of experimentation with sex, drugs & everything
• Assumed invulnerablity
• Little prevention tactics or testing happening
• This age group is historically high for STI transmission
• HIV stigma

What can be done about this?

• Realistic health & sex ed courses in schools
• Push HIV testing as routine care
• Talk Talk Talk
• Make safer sex habits possible
• Accept kids are going to have sex
• Accept kids don't have all the tools to make good choices
• Accept experimentation is part of growing up
• Stop shaming, screaming, punishing, humiliating ...
• Be approachable

Until, we make it a priority to prevent HIV in this age group regardless of people's repressive agendas then this won't change.

Cya...

Early Short Post...

I'm not sure how today's going to play out.  We have some serious weather in our forecast.  Meaning, we could get absolutely nothing or it could be torrential.    There's really no telling, until it happens.  That's Oklahoma weather for you.

We're supposed to have some serious rain.  Some weather sites are calling for a lot more.  Just love it when weather forecasts disagree with each other.

What I do know for certain, is this weather front is making me feel like crap.  I didn't sleep well & woke up dehydrated.   I'm stiff, achy & my head's congested.  Yay me!

Until the storm passes.

Cya...

Brewing...

It's another grey day. Seems, we're heading into a couple of days of storms.  Sources say they could be sever.  I guess we'll see.

All I'm certain of is these dark mornings make it hard on me getting around.  We had to go shopping  this morning.  I got through it, but I wasn't happy.  I'm just now getting to feel really awake.

We need the rain.  I just hope it's nothing to strong or long.  So far Spring has been a bit of disappointment.   It took forever to warm up & now the sun won't shine on most days long enough to chase the clouds away. It's probably going to go from a dismal Winter & Spring into a hella-hot Summer.  I hope not.

Cya...

New PrEP Tactic...

Pushers of PrEP have engaged in a new tactic in furthering the use of the medication.   This article has a video in it detailing the NW governors plans to provide funding for PrEP  for young people living in Long Island & Queens.

Not only are parts of the governors plans going to allow teens to receive PrEP without parental consent, the monies he's pushing forward will make it available for them.  So here kiddies, have the drug & don't worry about what mommy & daddy think.

The article also touted a new drug.  It doesn't say which med.  At this time there's only Truvada & it's 2.0 offspring, Descovy.  So much for a new drug.

Not a fan of this plan.

Cya...

OK. We Get It...

I looked at the articles today as usual.  7 of the top 20 articles were about Truvada/PrEP.  I get it.  Gilead has deep pockets & can keep getting it's drug pushed in nearly every outlet.  It can do this & make sure all the voices of opposition are suppressed, derided & ridiculed.  

PrEP's failure was quickly swept under the rug.  Many countries still don't embrace the concept or PrEP.  Many of these are very prosperous, leading edge cultures.  Still, they've found reasons to not support the concept of treatment as prevention & PrEP.

35% of the top articles dealt with this subject.  You'd think it was brand spanking new & shiny with all the press it keeps getting.  No, it's just a multi-fronted advertising campaign pushed by Gilead. 

Sorry, Gilead, not everyone's buying what your selling.  

Cya...

Congestion...

I'm feeling lopsided right now.  My left is congested & my hearing is a bit wonky.  It's disconcerting to have only 1 ear affected.

We went shopping this morning & it went fairly well.   The store wasn't busy.  Still, the trip left me tired.

This never-ending allergy season is getting the best of me.  It's hard to concentrate right now, so I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Cya...

Chores...

It's Thursday & I'm just getting some household stuff taken care of, dishes, laundry, etc...   It's a good day so far, nothing's worn me out.  Even though I had to use the flea spray earlier.    We've been really wet & the little nasties are popping up in force.  

The problem with the spray is it kills my breathing.  I can wind up coughing for a good hour afterwards if I'm not really careful.  I have to figure out where I want to end up & then spray in reverse to avoid all the fumes. 

I'm holding my own today. I didn't get dosed by it, so I'm not coughing.   A coughing fit can knock me out of the game for hours.  They sap what little strength  I've got.   

Living with HIV is a continuous series of adjustments to how you do things.  You have to alter a lot of things so you can handle them & they don't completely take you out.  Even then, some days, things like cleaning the house can still overwhelm me.  

What can you do?

Cya...

Trash Wednesday...

It's another trash day.  The garbage is sitting by the curb now.  That's done & I'm glad I don't have much more to do today.  

Between, increased exercise, new med levels & crazy allergen levels, my stomach is in a foul place.  I'll get used to the increased med & exercise levels.  I doubt I get ever get used to the pollen levels we're having. 

We don't have any big plans for the week.  The articles coming  out have mostly been the same old stuff.  Maybe things will pick up soon.

Cya...

Gloomy Tuesday...

I woke to grey skies, like those from the day before.  It looks like they'll be here for a while.  I hate gloom. Yes, I know I've said that before.  Apparently, the sky doesn't care what I like.   So, considerate of it.

There isn't much going on here.  I'm glad my doctors appointment went well.  Hopefully, there won't be any big surprises on that front.  I have to get blood drawn at the beginning of May & then be in Tulsa mid-month to meet with my specialist.

It can be pretty disheartening sometimes when your calendar revolves around doctor appointments & waiting on pharmacy deliveries.  It could be a lot worse, but sometimes, the monotony of it all can be really trying. 

Wherever you are, I wish you clear skies & a nice day.

Cya..

Appointment...

I'm back from my appointment.  The doctor ran almost an hour late.   My weight went up, just freakin' yippie on that.  Nothing else new.  I got my next appointments scheduled.  I got the order for my blood work for my upcoming appointment with my specialist.  My thyroid levels will have to be tested again in June.  

I asked him about the medicaid issue, he said he wasn't entirely certain.   But didn't think it'd impact me directly, at least not as far as his office.  That still leaves the specialist, the pharmacy & the lab.  Fun times.

Between the early appointment & the rainy, gloomy weather, I'm worn out. My head is groggy.  I'll post more tomorrow.  

Cya...

Shifting Schedule...

Both my roomie & I have doctor's appointments tomorrow.  It was going to make shopping difficult,  so we went there  this morning.  I don't mind going on Sunday morning.  Not much of a crowd at that point.  Saturday mornings are the worst.

There's supposed to be a lot of thunderstorms over the next few days.  Hopefully, they won't be too severe.  But, a lot of forecasts have the storms getting pretty rough in some areas.  I need to remember to get lab orders tomorrow.  Other than some appointments, we're set for tomorrow.  

Cya...

Dosage...

My thyroid med dosage is getting bumped.  I was at the bottom & now I'll be a step up.  I notice some effects of the med or at least I think I do.  My weight, appetite skin &  hair are still feeling the downside of hypothyroidism.  Still, I'm not feeling as cold, staying as anxious or  having as hard of a time sleeping.  At least there's that.  However, those things could be in part or completely due to seasonal change   I don't know.

I don't know whether or not this will work.  I'll see my doctor on Monday.  I'm sure he'll want more blood tests on the matter in a few weeks.   If it's not where he want's it, I may get another dosage boost or a new med.  We'll see.

I'll guess I'll hear something about the medicaid fiasco going on in Oklahoma at the appointment as well.  I hate this.  I have no control over or impact on the matter at all.  This could seriously mess up everything medically & pharmaceutically for me.  For now, all I can do is wait.  That's sucks.

Cya...

Out Again...

Another short 1.  We're heading out for shopping & then over to Fort Smith.  I'll be back tomorrow.  Have a great weekend.

Cya...

Outage & Running...

OK, I've got things to do today & my internet just came back on after being gone for 13+ hours.  I have no idea how dependable it's going to be today.  I'll be brief.  It's still gloomy, my allergies are still crap & I have to run over to Fort Smith later.  

I'm not happy with Suddenlink, but then again when am I? & no, Suddenlink, I don't want to talk about it.  I want you to update your bits & pieces so that they don't keep breaking every time a sparrow lands on a box.

Cya...

Wet Wednesday...

Nothing much going on today.  Just my typical midweek stuff.  Trash has to go out & I should go check the mail.  It's been a busy week for my roomie & it won't be over until Saturday.  That's not too common for us.   I realize it's normal for most people, but for us it can be very tiring.  We try not to let it happen too often.  We're both more apt to have issues if we let ourselves get too spent.

On a high note, my meds actually arrived as ordered & on time.  Well as on time as UPS can be.   Your package will arrive at some point within the 24 hours that make up Tuesday.

The rain hasn't been hard & technically we need it. I just wish it'd rain like a Spring shower & not doom & gloom things up like we've had all Winter.    At least it's supposed  to be mostly over with today. 

Cya...

Book Perspective....

I wrote a while back I was trying to get back into reading.  It's not been easy, but it's happening.   I finished 3 books, 1 of which was in a series I decided not to finish.  I got about halfway through a piece a Broadway production was based off & decided it was probably best left to the stage.  I started an acclaimed mystery/thriller writer's last work & dumped it when he dropped the ball with a character.  According to the reviews, a lot of readers stopped about the same place I did.  

I've finished a few & dropped some. I'm trying to get back into reading, but I'm not obligated to finish something boring or poorly written.   I had a lot of e-books lined up to read.  When I got them, I had very short briefs on them.  Since then, I've found out more about them & culled a lot.  I'm not into more traditional science fiction or the overtly romantic.   I pretty much hate the young adult genre.  I'm sure there's some lovely YA work out there & you can have it.

This process & return to reading has made me face something.  Things change, like the Bowie song.  I'm not the person who stopped reading in the early 2000's.  Books aren't being written the same anymore.  Even the authors I used to love are problematic.  Some have evolved into something else, possibly better, but at least into something I'm unfamiliar with & not particularly fond of. 

I've grown intolerant of some things.  A lot of fantasy & horror is so formulaic, you know how the story will play out halfway through.  In the 1980 & early 90s, I'd raid the video rental stores & come back with armloads of horror flicks. Maybe 10% didn't suck, but I always went back for more.  I wasn't worn out on the genre yet & there weren't a lot of other choices.    The same thing went for horror, fantasy  & most fiction novels of the time

Things did change.  I stopped reading for a while & became more demanding.  I have another choice now, I don't have to read just anything.  I can wait for the next thing.   I've gone through this with most mediums, not just books.  I've tired of a lot of films & music, that I would've used have let play on in the background.  Now, I want more, if I'm going to give these things my attention.  

I don't care if  you suck, just be clever about.  Be some bombastic disaster, not some whimpering, lukewarm mess.

Cya...

Another April Monday...

We have some shopping to handle this morning. Otherwise, the day's fairly settled.   It's gloomy out.  It's been raining off & on all night.  Probably will throughout the day.  But, that's April. 

I'm expecting my meds tomorrow.  Hopefully, they'll all arrive & there will be no drama.  I have a doctor's appointment next Monday for a routine meeting.

It seems for the moment, the things that can be settled, have been.  My Visa issues seem to be resolving themselves.  My benefits have been renewed.  

Now, all I can do is wait & see how the medical people I use will react to Oklahoma's crappy cut's in medicaid payments.  This could be seriously bad.  I won't know until they tell me though.  Trying not to  stress about it.  I can't do anything about it at this moment.

Until tomorrow.

Cya...

Still...

Today is National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day.  Yeah, but yikes too.   I'm very happy the day is here & people are promoting HIV awareness.  Especially to younger people.  

However, there was an article on Aids.gov  in the youth awareness section.  It detailed 5 myths about HIV that needed addressing.  1st of all, I tend to hate list articles, they can get pushy & preachy.  But the things on this list just made me sigh.  Use a condom, oral sex can pass HIV, you can't AIDS this way, etc...  

Did the HIV activists of the 80's & 90's just talk to a brick wall?  Why the hell are these common sense things about HIV still unknowns to so many people?   When did the efforts to ACT UP & other groups get flushed down the drain?   How many times do these things have to be retold to people who act like it's brand new material?  This is very frustrating & disheartening. 

Cya...

Ouch Again...

Yesterday our lowest humidity was 19%, I woke up this morning to 87%.  By noon were up 20 degrees & down to 30% humidity.  My body is aching but my foot hates me.  This isn't a bad gout flare up. yet.  Hopefully, it won't get that way.  

These flare ups can make sleep difficult.  We had to run a few errands this morning.  Luckily, they're done & my shoes are off.  The side of my shoe was hitting right where the gout is acting up.  Hopefully, this will fade soon.

Cya...

Tired & Allergies...

The drama of my credit card issue continued last night.  I had forgot I had Giganews on that card.  They emailed & told me my account was on hold until I rectified the matter.  Easier said than done.  Their site wouldn't let me do anything.  It took 30 minutes of chatting with their support staff to get it fixed.   I'm still waiting for Visa to take a charge off my card.  They said it could took 30+ days.  Just great.

My allergies are nasty today.  The weather isn't helping any.  We're dropping low in the night with high humidity & getting warm days with humidity percentages in the teens.  Can we say hello nosebleeds.  The weather is also causing my feet to throb.  I hope it's not a gout flare up in the making.

We had shopping to do this morning.   The walk wasn't the funnest.  But, it's done.  For now, we're done.  I'm expecting my meds on Monday.  We'll see how that goes.  The following Monday I have a doctor's appointment.  Should be standard stuff & nothing special. Post more tomorrow.

Cya...

Descovy

The FDA has approved a new medication called Descovy.   This article goes into more details.   This  is next generation Truvada.  It's the baby of what came before, mostly the same, but allegedly better.   So, PrEP's 2nd take. 

Most of the articles have been very brief.  Making it hard to determine what they feel is so much safer about this medication than it's predecessor.    I guess we'll see.

Being this is just the next step in Truvada's evolution, how much more resilient can we safely expect it to be as a PrEP drug?   Isn't it funny this comes right on the heels of the Truvada's 1st widely known failure as a PrEP med?   Especially, since said failure has so successfully been swept under the rug by the news.  

This new med may be safer.  It may work better as an HIV med & as PrEP.  Or, it could be the best way in holding on to a patent & garnering good press for Gilead.   Not to mention bringing in another cash cow.  Yes, I'm suspicious.  No, I don't trust pharmaceutical companies.  

Better to be weary & careful then just to celebrate the mighty Gilead for it's new savior drug.  Call me cynical or jaded.  I'm fine with that.

Cya...

Not So Great Morning...

A bit off topic, but here it goes.  While we're out yesterday, we had lunch & I put it on my card. I won't say where we ate, because I don't know for certain my problem originated there.  When I got on my computer this morning, I had an alert from my visa, telling me of fraudulent activity.  Someone had tried to use my card several times.  It turns out, my card had been suspended & now cancelled.  So I'm waiting on a replacement card.  

I hope whoever did this gets a nasty social disease like lice or crabs. Serious asshats.  The only thing in my favor is that my card had very little limit left on it.  Still, I hope they choke.

Cya...

An Outing...

We're just about to head out to Fort Smith.  There's somethings I need to get.  We'll stop for something to eat.  I don't know how long this will take.  I'll post more tomorrow.

Cya..

Busy Morning...

It's been a busy morning.  We had shopping & 1st of the month stuff to handle.  My roomie has as appointment & it's a bit of rush.  We've gotten through the 1st round bill paying.  I have to wait for the others to arrive now.  

We have some plans tomorrow.   I need to run some errands in Fort Smith.  I could've run part of them here, but some of the stores in my area are just about useless.  So, Fort Smith, here we come.

Hope the beginning of the month is treating you well.

Cua...

Sunday In April...

Nothing much is going on today.  We're heading into another warm up.  Maybe this time it'll stick.    

I've already made chili, so there's food the day.  Other than that, I've got some laundry & dishes to get done.  Like I said, not much to do.

It's mowing season.  I've heard it everyday for the last week.  To be honest, I'm already sick of the noise.  My neighbor loves to make noise with his tools & mower.  I guess it's the song of his people.

Have a nice end of the weekend.

Cya...

Irks...

For the past several days, like the year before that, there's been a virtual flood of articles regarding PrEP & Truvada.   Funny thing is, just a little while back PrEP failed.   I blogged about it & numerous agencies reported it.   Still within a week (maybe a little more) the whole issue of PrEP failure had been cleared from the news & swept under the proverbial rug. 

I didn't trust PrEP before.   Now with this vanishing of the failure, I trust it even less.  I still think PrEP will eventually fail in a catastrophic manner, until then it's a massive boon in profits for those pharmacy companies that develop them, think Gilead.  This corp plans on getting the cash while it can & then just getting.  

Cya...

Here's April...

So long March.  Hello April.   March was a fair enough month, even if a little too chilly.  Now we'll see what April has to offer.  I have a doctor's appointment mid month & will have to get blood drawn at the end of the month.   We don't have any major plans or events  for the month so far.  I can live with that.  So as always, Dear April, be sparing in the drama department.

Cya...