Again & Again...

I've been reading articles this morning.  There wasn't a lot in them I hadn't read before.   According to this article, another dentist's failure to follow of sanitation protocol may be spreading HIV at a VA hospital in Wisconsin.  This happened in late October.   Still not much word on the fallout.  It's things like this that lead many to believe the 3rd leading cause of death in the US is medical mistakes & neglect.

There was also a lot on the failure of needle exchange programs at slowing down the spread of HIV in areas with high levels of IV drug use.  It isn't that needle exchange programs don't work, they were implemented so late, the damage was done.  The transmission of HIV is increasing in Whites who use IV drugs.  

That's all for now.  Stay safe.

Cya...

Day After Appointment...

It's the day after my Tulsa appointment.  As far the doctor part went, everything was pretty much as expected.  He didn't alter my medications & I'm alright with that.  We may need to at some point & now I'm fairly certain of other alternatives.  That's a nice feeling.  I'll go back in 6 months.  Hopefully, this new stab at telemedicine lasts & the appointment will be local.  If not, back to Tulsa.

The trip was tiring.  The plans for where to eat went sideways.  The place I'd wanted to eat went out of business.  We went to a chain place we like in Fort Smith, but the Tulsa store was way too cilantro happy & I like cilantro.  The car had a bit of a hiccup & it seems to have passed.  We'll see.

That's it for now.  I'm still a little worn out from the trip.   I'm just staying in to recuperate today.

Cya...

Early Post...

This post is coming early.  I'll have to be out of here by at least 8 AM tomorrow to get to Tulsa on time.   I have no solid time on when we'll get back or how I'll feel when we do.  So, I'm posting now.  

I'm heading up to Tulsa for my specialist to go over my blood work with me again.  Hopefully, that's all it'll be.  He may opt for  a new med for me.  We'll see.

After that, we'll have to get something to eat & be on our way home.  It  looks like it's going to rain, so the van will be staying home.  The newish car will make it's way to Tulsa.  

I'll post again on Tuesday.

Cya...

Finishing Off The Leftovers...

We had to go shopping this morning, because by this time  tomorrow we'll be in Tulsa.  The store was really picked over due to holiday shopping.  I didn't need much, just some things that wouldn't last until later in the week.  

It's pretty chilly today & very dreary.   I hate the drear.  I'm having to drink more than morning hot tea today. My head's stopped up & I'm cold.  

For some reason this is an odd holiday season again.  I don't know why.  I've heard holidays songs & seen specials.  People have decorations up even.   Still, this really isn't feeling like the holidays to me.  I guess it'll get there.

We're to that time of year, when I have to make sure there's enough light in my room.  I need it to wake up.  I really need it to chase off some of the drear.  I'm hoping the red birds come back to my window soon.  I like seeing them frolic outside flicking leaves about.  I'd settle for a squawky, old jay or some chittering finches.

That's it for now.

Cya...

Last Saturday of November...

It's that Saturday of November.  There aren't that many left in 2016.  I've got to say this season & this year haven't been easy on my household.    I'd love to think 2017 would be better, but I have little reason to think it will be.

It's chilly today.  By the end of the week, the temps in the 60's will probably be gone for the season.  We still haven't turned on the heater, but will probably have to soon.  

I'll be headed to Tulsa on Monday.  Hopefully, the weather will be good.  After this, with any some luck, maybe telemedicine will be back up & I'll be local again.  That'd be great.

That's it for now.

Cya...

The Friday After...

We did our normal shopping this morning.  Any Black Friday folks that had been there were long gone by the time we arrived.   There isn't much going on this morning.  Just eating leftovers & enjoying not  having to go any where or do anything in particular.   

Come Monday, we'll be on our way to Tulsa.  I'll see what my specialist has to say about things.  I still haven't heard back from my primary physician on my chest X-Rays.  I figure if it'd been bad, he would've called me back into the office.

November is wrapping up.  Only 5 days left.  Then were into the final month of the year, the countdown is seriously on for Christmas & 2017.  

Hope you're having a good weekend.

Cya...

Thankful Holiday...

Today is Thanksgiving in the USA.  If you're in or from the States, Happy Thanksgiving.  If not, Happy Thursday.  Some feel they have nothing to be grateful for on this day.  I get that feeling.  But, I do have things I'm thankful for in my life.  If you feel you have nothing, hopefully at least you're not dealing with these things.

1. Tanzania cutting HIV programs to in their fight against Gays.
2. Ugandans having to hide their meds to because of HIV stigma.
3. Having your New York dentist deny you care because you're +.

Take care & have a great holiday.

Cya...

Errands & Started...

OK, another short post.  We went shopping for last minute stuff.  Now I have to get myself around & start cooking some of it.   I don't want to spend tomorrow cooking.    

Cya...

Getting Started...

I've been cooking a little already for Thanksgiving.  Mainly I've just made some stock to use on Thursday.  I hate the bones & stuff, it'll be better than the store bought stuff.   Tomorrow, I'll go pick up what wouldn't keep for longer.  I'll start some cooking & make some something for my roomie to take with her with to her family's gathering.  

That's about it for me today.  I'm still waiting to hear about the results from my X-rays.  I don't think there's anything to worry about, but you never know.  

I'll post more tomorrow.

Cya...

Unfun Weather...

Yesterday night was not fun at all.  We were right at a record low for November, the low 20's F.  The weather is nippy today, but nearly as cold.  A serious problem here is, we've gotten very little rain since August.   We had about half of what was expected in September & barely any since.  We are back in slight drought conditions & fire hazards.    Combining the cold with that level of dryness is hard on people.  My skin & sinuses are dried out & uncomfortable.  My eyes are itchy.  We're supposed to have a chance of rain tomorrow night.  Hopefully, we'll get some.  We're basically down 4" of rain for them month.  That makes us about 9 - 10" low for the season so far.

Like I said, unfun weather.

Cya...

Schedule Change...

Had a schedule change & it's put things a little behind for me this morning.   We went shopping this morning & it was very cold out.  It was 1st time, I've worn something  heavier than my regular clothes this year.  Usually, I can get to the car & wait for the heater to kick in. not this morning.  I still have some stuff to handle, so this is it for today.  

Cya...

Seasonal....

I always feel like the holidays really begin when a few things happen.  I don't usually see snow anymore this time of year.  But, Thursday while shopping, I heard the 1st holiday song of the season & it was the 1 that makes me think Christmas is nearly here.  They were playing Burl Ives, Holly Jolly Christmas.  That song always makes me think of the holidays.

Yesterday morning, I was looking out my window at all the brown landscape.  Then there was a pop of festive color.  The cardinals were back.   Little red birds flitted from bare limb to the ground to the neighbor's roof.   Their shrill little song rang out.

The north wind is blowing & the temperature keeps falling.  Next  Friday is Black Friday & that evening the TV will be filled with Christmas specials.    Way too early for my sake.

Like it or not the holidays are nearly here.  Less than a week for Thanksgiving & 5 weeks until Christmas.   Just around 6 weeks left in 2016.  It's almost time for the turkeys, ornaments & noise makers.

Happy Holidays

Cya...

Errands...

There doesn't seem to be much in the articles today that's flushed out yet. I have some errands that need tending to this morning.  I'll be a bit busy for a while.  This is it for today.

Have a good 1.

Cya....

Another Busy Morning...

Had to go handle some shopping this morning & it was hectic.  Before that we had to drop off some mail.  The 1st stop was to my doctor's office.  I wanted to see what he wanted to do about the TB test results.  I had some chest X-rays taken.  I'll have to wait until he looks at them to know anything.

We didn't get back to the house until close to noon.  I still have other stuff to do.  This will be it for the day.

Cya...

Labs Back...

I got all my lab results yesterday.  The standard tests came back good for me.  The lipid panel came back right at the edge on  2 parts of the test, not enough to cause concern.   The RPR came back negative, no syphilis here.  I"m not sure how to read the HLA-B test, but I think it's a good thing.  Then comes the bad 1.

The TB gold quantiferon came back reactive.  I always react to TB tests.  For as long as I can remember, all the way back to the tabs they used to press into the back of your hands.    I called my primary & I'm waiting to see what he wants to do.   The literature on this quantiferon test seems fuzzy.  Especially when it comes to positive results.    I don't think I have TB, but we'll see.

On the bright side, my specialist office called & said that starting January, telemedicine will be back in action.   No more drives to Tulsa to go over la results.  YYYAAAYYY!!!!

 That's it for now, stay safe.

Cya...

Pharm Strike...

Got a bill notification from my pharmacy today.  It was too low.  They didn't put 1 of my meds on my order.   CVS  does it again.  I call to figure out which drug they left off.  It was my thyroid med.  They said they hadn't processed it when I made the order.   

The dosage was upped slightly & they allege they didn't have the necessary time to make the changes.  The dosage change was done several days before I placed my order & the representative told me it was ready to go.  That was on the 9th.  

In 6 days, they couldn't have called & told me this?  In 6 days they couldn't have corrected this & got it sent anyway?  I called.  It's supposed to be sent overnight.  It won't be in the same package, but should arrive on the same day.   I'll believe that when I see it.

Cya...

Slow Monday...

There's not much going on today in my world.  Nothing much in the articles either.  Its weirdly quiet right now.

Since the election, a lot of the places I used to go online have changed. split up or outright shutdown, People keep saying this is just like any other election & some people are angry.  I've been alive through a lot of elections & this doesn't feel like any of those before.   

Even when previous presidents weren't pro-gay or anything else that concerns me, it never felt so adversarial.  These people don't just not support us, they are actively against us.   I find it difficult to wish them any thing but harm.  

I don't think this was just another election.  I think this was the election where the USA decided to show the world how hateful & bigoted it really is.   Everyone is finally getting to see the US without it's face on.  No make up, no good lighting, no ambiance setting, just the ugliness that is.

Cya...

Cold Morning...

We were just above freezing this morning.  The weather over the next few days is supposed to roller coaster a bit.  Fall temps are finally giving way to colder nights & brisker days.  This morning's trip to the store was chilly.   

I'm no fan of cold weather.  I just hope it finally kills off the grass, allergens & bugs.  We've been very dry the last couple of months.  Even though we're cold, this is still bad weather for grass fires.   

We've started gathering our holiday fare.   Besides the baked stuff, I think we have it all now.  We've altered our menu again & opted out of some things.  We'll have them at Christmas.   It's just the 2 of us & holiday food can get old quick.

Whenever you are, stay safe.

Cya..

Another Saturday In November...

Another weekend is here & it's beginning to really chill off.  There's less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving.  We've mostly got our menu planned, nothing big.  We've got a couple of more appointments this month.  After that, hopefully, I'll be done with doctors for the year. That'd be nice.  

It's fall but the leaves aren't really changing to pretty colors.  It stayed warm too long & we've been really dry.  Mostly the foliage is just dry & brown.  Sort of sad & unattractive.  I never like fall, but this year's has been been pretty awful.  Hopefully, the rest  of it will be better.

Stay safe.

Cya...

Appointment...

I went to my primary care physician this morning for my quarterly appointment.  I find these things a waste of time.   They take vitals & possibly look at blood work.  Then I'm sent on my way.

5 of the 8 lab orders have been posted.  I'm still waiting on my CD4, the TB test & the HLA-B5701.   I may have to wait until Monday.   Hopefully, this won't require  a redraw.   So far, my numbers look good.  Well, at least good for me.

There's talk about a new USB stick that can determine HIV blood levels.  It's not on the market yet, but it could make an impact when it is.  It takes less than 30 minutes to get results, instead of days after sending the blood to a lab.  That'd cost time % $.

That's all for now.

Cya...

Still Not Good...

I'm still not in a good head.  I did at least look at the articles & they were mostly a bust.  All I saw, was that Britain's Health Service will be forced to supply PrEP.  Never mind some people actually need meds & treatments for existing issues.  Thank you  Gilead & condom hating f' abouts. 

Last night was the 1st serious cold night.  It was only in the mid 30's F, but still, it was nippy.  We're supposed to warm back up into the 70's today.  Maybe the bugs will dies off.  

That's all I have for now.  Stay safe.

Cya...

Angry & Uncertain...

I'm certainly not a happy camper this morning.  That election sucked angry, orange, oompa loompa balls.  Call it being a sore loser if you want, I don't care.  What I do care about is, how much worse things are going to get.

1. Republicans have historically treated those living with HIV, those of color, those who aren't straight, women, those who don't pigeon-hole in, etc... as so much refuse to be dealt with.
2. Republicans tend to promote religious issues that go against civil liberties & constitutional rights.
3. Republicans see funding anything other than mega-corps & churches as "evil" socialism.  Kiss expansions to medicaid, medicare, social security, education & other social programs good bye.

This election reaffirmed for me, that I live in a town, county, state & country that actively enjoys hating on anything they perceive as different.  I take this election as a direct & very personal attack on myself & any other fringe, disenfranchised person out there. 

For all you women, people of color, gays & other fringers who voted for this, you won't have to wait long to see the damage you've helped do.  I hope your proud of yourself.  If you are in my life, please promptly remove yourselves from it. May all the hell this election has to offer fall directly on your heads.

I'll try to be in a better place tomorrow.  But this election is a threat to every aspect of my life, to HIV research, to maintaining any level of security for those living with HIV or other chronic illnesses. 

Cya...

Update...

A while back I wrote about a surgical tech in Colorado who had been swapping out his syringes for those intended for surgical patients containing fentanyl.  Lessening or possibly eliminating the patients' anesthesia.  The tech also turned out to be +.

This article discusses this man's sentencing.  He's looking at 6+ years.  Too short a time, IMO.  There are also lawsuits pending concerning this matter.  Most likely civil suits against him & the institutions that employed him.  

I don't think he's being handed a stiff enough punishment, but it's something.  At least he was caught & prosecuted.  Hopefully, he's never licensed again.

Just an update.

Cya..

Got stuck...

I had a busy morning.  I went to the outpatient lab for blood work.  They took 9 vials.  They did a lot of extra test this time.  Now, I have to wait & see what the results are.  1 of those test will tell whether or not I can be moved on to the new medication the specialist want's me to take.  I have an appointment Thursday with my primary & we'll go over some of this.   The rest will wait until my appointment in Tulsa later in the month.  

That's all I've got for now

Cya...

Workshop....

This isn't much of an article, but I do find it interesting.   It's about an upcoming workshop on HIV & the microbiome.  It's being held by the NIH at their campus.  It will discuss the impact & affect of the microbiome on HIV & it's treatment/prevention.   This would be a very interesting symposium to attend.    If you're in the area, you might see if you can get to it.   It's November 17 - 18.

Cya...

1st November Saturday...

It's the 1st weekend of November.  We're halfway through Fall & this season has certainly sucked.  Yesterday was the 1st time we didn't have temps up into the 80's.  Most of the windows were finally closed last night.  Maybe Fall is actually getting here.

The gas is fixed.  The car stuff is handled.  The new fridge is in & the ice maker seems to actually be working.   Yay!!!

My labs got back about my thyroid & my meds will be getting bumped up again.  The levels weren't where they should be.  They'll get there. 

My arms are still a little sore from the flu & pneumonia vaccinations I got yesterday.  I'll get blood drawn on Monday for my appointment in Tulsa later in the month with my specialist.  I have an appointment with my primary care physician this Thursday.   My roomie has an appointment this month as  well.  It's busy, buys, busy.

This is the end of Daylight Saving Time.  Tomorrow will be an hour earlier.  But the sun will set earlier as well.  Always a trade off. 

That's it for now.

Cya...

Fridge Guy...

The fridge repair guy was here & hopefully, this will fix the ice-maker.  I'm sick of fighting with that thing.   I've got things to do, since I burnt the morning waiting for this guy. I'll post again tomorrow.   

Here's hoping.

Cya...

Busy Morning...

Sorry, but this will be brief.  I"m spent.  We had a lot of annoying errands this morning.  We didn't get back for hours & I'm tired.   The Fridge guy is coming again to see if we can we get this ice maker working.  I hope this is the last time & everything works.  Again, I'm done in for the day. But, at least most of the bills are paid.

Cya...

Partway...

If the fridge issues would get resolved, then most of my stress would be dealt with at least in the here & now.   On a better note, the yard work is done.  My roomie & I made really good time getting it handled.  Now, we just wait for the people to come haul it away.   I'm trying to catch up with some housework today.   Nothing much is going on besides that.  The rest of the month will be busy with a appointments & what-nots, so I'm enjoying the downtime while I can.  

Take & have a good day.

Cya...

Busy First Morning Of November...

Thanks to cats, I woke up earlier than I wanted.  I have to go get blood drawn soon.  I'm trying to rehydrate.   The new fridge is still having some issues with the ice maker.  I'll wait a couple of days to see if it's just air in the line.  I hate it when Blogger tells me I've misspelled something I haven't.  I keeps trying to highlight, "rehydrate".

October is gone.  Hopefully, all the sucktasm will go with it.  I really need things to calm down for a while.  I have too much going on this month for more stress bombs. 

Hello November,  I really hope you're nicer to us than October.  Can we cool it with all the drama?

Cya..