Running Late...

Ok, I'm running late this morning & we have shopping to do.  Made it to my doctor's appointment.  On the elephant in the room, there was little. He said we'd have to wait until the next MRI's & trip to the neurologist before we would know more about the stroke situation.  I already knew that, but I was hoping for a bit more info than I'd found on my own.  

My thyroid levels  & chest x-ray came back fine.   Some of the CT scans mentioned plaque, so even though I have decent cholesterol levels, he's prescribing a statin, at least for a while.  I'll see how I tolerate it.  It'll be the generic of Zocor.  I'll see him again in April.  Some time around then, I'll have a follow up MRI & then back to Tulsa for the specialist opinion.

For now it's a wait & see thing.  More later, take care.

Cya...

Short Post & Appointment...

This is going to be brief.  I'm in a rush & have an appointment  with my primary provider.   I'll post more tomorrow.  Take care.  Early mornings will never be my friends.

CYa...

Slept In...

I slept in a little this morning.  Not much, but I'll take it.  I'll be up early tomorrow for a doctor's appointment.  It'll be with my primary & see what he thinks about this matter.  He might have the results of my last thyroid test & chest x-ray.   I'm really not sure what to expect from this meeting with him.  I usually go in knowing the script, not this time.  

For now, I'll sit here & drink my tea.  I'll watch the little birds  hopping through the too stubborn to die clover.  They're bouncing on the limbs of the bushes that have flowered early.    The white & yellow flowers may be early, but they're a welcome break from all the drear.

Take care.

Cya...

Early Morning....

It was an early morning.  My roomie has an outing & she had to be out of here by 9 AM.  I'm up & she's off.  I hope her trip goes well.   I'm not the most with it this morning.   

I didn't notice much in the way of articles.  So, a bit of a recap over me.   I'm slowly mending.  It's weird & awkward.  There are a lot of moments of ache & wondering how I made that muscle hurt.   I'm still weaker than normal & won't be doing anything major for a while.   But, at least I'm at home & not in a hospital.  That's about it for now.

Take care.

Cya...

Schedule Shuffle...

I didn't notice anything in regards to articles this morning.  At least the sun's shining.  My roomie has to be out tomorrow, so we're shopping a day early.  We need to be on our way soon.  I'll post more tomorrow.

CYa..

Ups & Downs...

My recovery is waxing & waning.  I feel fine 1 second & then I'm exhausted, then I'm sort of OK again.   It's weird.  I feel very tired most the time.  I'm not anywhere near full strength.   

I got my annual chest x-ray & thyroid levels checked yesterday.   I have to get the x-ray, because I react to TB tests.  So far, no TB.   My doc upped my blood pressure meds a bit.  It'll probably go higher.   I see him on Wednesday.   My thyroid meds may  need adjusted.   I'm really worn out on the whole doctor thing right now.  At least for the moment.  They can be so tiring.

Take care.

Cya...

Another Busy Morning...

 Another rushed morning.  I'm trying to get some calls handled.  Then I have to run by my doctor's office for some tests.  Then to Walmart.  Then to Fort Smith.   Then maybe another errand or so.  I've gotta get a move on.  

Cya...

Latish Post...

This was the 1st morning, I wasn't out, had to get up early or something else similar  in a week.   It was the 1st time I slept in & I needed it.  It's slow getting around this morning, but I am. I'm feeling a little better each day.  I may never feel exactly the same, but that's a stroke for you.

This article is about a NYC lawmaker trying to get the US government to break Gilead's patent on PrEP.  It's bold & dangerous step.  Not something I think should be done for PrEP.  Why not do that to meds treating more acute conditions, like epipens, or meds treating cancer/hepatitis?  Breaking  a patent is serious & could have incredible consequences.

That's all for now, take care.

Cya...

Maybe, Maybe Not....

I may have a telemedicine appointment this morning.  I don't know yet.  The weather was much rougher last night in Tulsa, where'd they'd be driving in from.  So, they may not be able to safely make it.  I'll have to call about 8ish to see.  

This article is about HIV, Oklahoma, & Trumpism.  It's an interesting read.  I've read very few things over my home state & HIV.  Give it a look.

Cya...

Early Appointment...

I have an early appointment this morning.  It's with a nurse practitioner that used to be in my doctor's office.   My primary can no longer do referrals, I'm still not sure what happened, so I"m have to see the nurse.  I've seen her a couple of times.  She's the person who saw me when I was admitted for pneumonia.    I need a referral &  I have some questions about her capabilities as a NP.   My case isn't easy & I need to know if it's within her ability to handle.    If it is, my primary care provider may no longer be in the picture.  I don't need to keep jumping around.  We'll see.  I see him tomorrow.

Take care.

Cya..

Stuff Happens...

We have to go shopping today & it might entail going to Fort Smith again.   The DVD player on my roomie's computer blitzed apart.  It was a crappy drive from the beginning & it was several years old on a cheapish computer.    Things like that don't last.  So, a replacement is order.  We'll get a usb DVD drive for her computer.   It'll be cheaper & easier than an actual replacement drive.  I might be able to find here in town, who knows.

Take care.

Cya...

Weight Gain...

 This is  the only article I've ever seen discuss weight gain after going on HIV meds.  It's not talking about as much weight as I gained, but I was also on a steroid for potential lung issues.  I was also very weak & inactive.  I gained a lot of weight & have never really lost it.   

Read the article.  This is for today.  I"ve got an errand to run.  

Cya...

Back In Synch...

This might not be a great post, but at least it's on time.  I know my last 2 posts were weird & uninformative on my current condition.  I have a follow up MRI in 3 months.   I should know more then.  For now, I just try to get by the best I can.   I'll post more on that as I know it.

This article is about a federal judge stopping the Air Force from discharging 2 airmen because they're HIV+.   Currently, some countries don't want + soldiers in their nations.  Apparently the US is respecting that.   If you aren't deployable everywhere, the military wants rid of you.  The  US is allowing these + soldiers to be discriminated against by foreign powers.  The US government & our military is complicit in this act of stigma based on outdated science & other people's philosophies.   For now, these men are still serving.  There's no telling how long that will be the case.

Take & be well.

Cya...

Late Post....

I got home from the hospital this afternoon.  That was my roomie's 2nd trip in 2 days to Tulsa.  I'm sure that was tiring.  I have appointments set up to deal with the aftermath of my hospitalization.   I'm not sure what's coming.  I'll have to wait & see.   I'm not 100% fine yet.  I may never be.   But, I'm better than I was Wednesday morning.  I'll post more as I know it.  I'm tired, so this is it for now.

Cya...

Belated Valentines Post...

I didn't do this post on Valentines, because the day before I had to be admitted to the hospital for a bleed in my brain.  They called it a vascular malformation, or a hemorrhagic stroke.    I was life flighted to Tulsa & stayed in ICU over night.  They did  a myriad of tests.  I was told I'd have to manage my blood pressure better, but not much more.  

My roomie came to see me & bring me meds & a phone charger.  It was a long trip for her.  This had been trying on her as well. I've been told the cats had no liking for it either.

Well that was my Valentines.  Hope your's went better.

Cya...

A Reason To...

There are many reasons to distrust or  hate our president.   He's bumbling, vain, misinformed, self-centered, etc...  My main reason for disdain, at least for now, is his need to put himself as the center of everything.  He's not the Sun around which we revolve.  He does this with everything he touches.  If he's not allowed to be the center, he pouts.

During his SOTU speech he touted ending HIV transmission by 2030.  Doable, but it won't happen because of him.  Trump is the kind of person you know is lying if his lips are moving.   He doesn't seem capable of telling the truth.  Now, his ego has landed dead center in the HIV fight.  For the past several days, that's what most of the articles have talked about. 

Stop giving oxygen to this troll's fire.   Stop giving him what he wants.   Let him pout.  Let him hold his breath until he dies.  Just stop letting him rent space in your head.  Trump isn't the real problem.  The system & the people that got him into office are.  Focus on that, not him.  He's just a little orange duck lined up for you to shoot at a carnival game.  Look past the curtain.  Trump isn't the wizard, he's just an ugly muppet.

Cya..

Tiring Trip...

Yesterday was gloomy & wet.  We handled the outing I was wondering about.  It was as successful as it could be.  It was more of info-gathering thing that required me actually seeing products & talking to "pro's".  That last part didn't really happen.  It's been a while since most stores kept knowledgeable staff, Best Buy is no different.

The trip went OK.  It was tiring due to the weather.  Neither of us were really with it once we got home.   But it's done & we know more than we did.

That's it for now.  Take care.

Cya...

Nothing But Wet...

It rained yesterday, over a 1/4".  I rained more last night.  It's poured nearly an inch since midnight.  We had plans, I'm not sure they're happening. I have to shower & go  shopping.  Joy, walking out in February rain.  That sounds so pleasant. 

The only thing I'm seeing in the articles is outrage  & rounds of WTF's.   All  reaction to the president's declaration of his intent to end HIV transmissions by 2030.  Could his efforts do it?  Maybe.  But, his track record has never implied anything but disdain when it comes to HIV & those living with the virus.  

Well, I've got to get around, take care.

Cya...

More Rain...

It rained last night & is supposed to carry on throughout the week.   The forecast isn't calling for any big storms.  Too bad, wet, cold & dreary don't make for lovely mornings.  The wet gets to me more than the cold. 

There's not much happening in article land.  We don't have anything planned for today.  So, this should be a quiet day.

Cya...

Weird Month...

So far, nothing concerning has happened.  Still February has been a weird month.   I have a feeling I'm going to be glad when it's over.   Like I said, nothing bad has happened, it's just this month is feeling odd & off putting.  I don't think it's going to be an enjoyable time for me.  Hopefully, I'm wrong.

Not much else going on this morning.  Just apprehension over a month for some reason.   Luckily, it's a short month.

Take care.

Cya...

Just The Facts...

Often, while reading articles, I don't just see the facts.  Even if the piece I'm scanning is over HIV related matters, I still find sentiment, opinion & judgement. Few today write objectively & it diminishes their work.  Let the writing stand on its own.  Present your analysis, not your biases.  I'm reading the work for the research, not social judgement.

For example, I saw an article today pointing out Black males  still make up a huge part of new HIV cases.   This wasn't just presented  as fact, this was a social judgement.  This point was never direct, but the meaning was clear.  Black male culture was incapable of taking care of this issue, so others, especially White others, needed to step in & take care of the matter.

Maybe authors are just oblivious to the implications.  These pieces imply Black men can't handle health matters.  It puts the onus on society to handle their inability.   1st, if this inability does exist, it's a cultural matter, not a disability.  These men are capable of handling their health concerns.  Finally, it's not anyone else's responsibility or right to step in on these men's health matters.  These attitudes are insulting & arrogant.

Write your research.  Give us the facts.  A writer is allowed to draw possible conclusions or even give opinions.  But those must be presented as the author's believes, not facts.  Definitely not as judgements on their subjects or society.

Take Care.

Cya...

Carry Over...

We got over an inch of it since I posted.  The temps dropped.  Woke up to near freezing.  It may have been lower than before I checked.  We were only supposed to be in the 40's.  

Pretty much the only topic in article-land is Trump.   The reactions to his speech & his audacity to act like he now has any interest in the fight against HIV.  When before he's proven to be disastrous to the effort.   Lip service won't cut it here Donald.

That's it for now.

Cya...

Promises, Promises...

Trump, the misogynist who has done almost everything he could to impede the fight against HIV, that man who's made it his policy to go for the absolute lowest blow he could has a plan.  Yes, a plan & it YUGE.   What's the plan & who'd gave it to him?

He's trying to improve his image.  It's not working.  He said there should be paid family leave.  Something he's never shown support for before.   The man who belittled the HIV cause, now wants to end the virus by 2030.  He also thinks we should stop the revenge politics & all kumbaya it out.  

I'm sure all his supporters will think he's the freaking 2nd coming, but he's pitching a sell.   This man cares for nothing  other than himself.   It's unlikely any of this will get done.  If it does, it'll have little to do with him.  

In my world, yesterday went well.  We got bills mostly paid.  Some will get finished on Friday.  I got my labs drawn.   It started raining & is supposed to until tomorrow.  Hopefully, the storms won't get severe.

Take care.

Cya...

2nd Try...

Bill paying didn't go as planned yesterday. so we're out again this morning.  I also need to get blood drawn.  Before that I need a bath.   Then I still need to run by the store.  Another fairly full morning.  At least that mostly leaves tomorrow open.  

Oh well, I've got to get, take care.

Cya...

1st Of Month...

The 1st of the month rush is on us.  We have to handle the household bills this week.   I'll need to see about getting blood drawn as well.   I'm expecting my meds tomorrow.   Other than that, we don't have much going on for a bit.  It's weirdly warm  today.  It could be in the 70's.   I hope this doesn't mean an end to Winter. That could mean a rough Summer & lots of bugs.

That's it for now.  Take care.

Cya...

Pot & HIV...

Many states allow medical marijuana.  Others allow recreational or least aren't prosecuting  many offenses.  There has been a notable discussion on HIV & THC.   This article is about that.

I won't attest to the efficacy of pot as a treatment or aid in dealing with HIV.  I don't use it, so I don't know.  Some research does suggest it helps.  However, marijuana is such a hot button topic, finding unbiased pieces isn't easy.  Read what you find & draw your own conclusions.   If it helps you, great!  If not, please don't inhibit others from finding comfort.

This topic will continue to grow.  It will excite & anger people.  Some will try to dismiss it entirely.  Every topic concerning HIV/AIDS has faced these reactions.  Even the virus itself, when it 1st emerged decades ago.

Cya....

Starting Spent...

Thanks to the SSI review ending out January, I'm entering February somewhat exhausted.  That level of stress is taxing & often affects me for days.  2 days later & I'm still trying to pull myself back together.  So much for managing stress.

I saw a couple of articles.  I'm not posting links.  The 1st piece covered a new idea about how a body's immune system & HIV interact.  It was trying to further research into a cure/vaccine.   It was interesting, very technical & in the end didn't really say all that much that was helpful for a lay person.   

The 2nd was about a HIV care management agency in New York saying there needed to more $ spent on HIV or the advances made may be lost.   The ideas were important, but vague.  By now most people, have figured out, Trump is out to destroy any gains made in the fight against HIV.   So, nothing new.

That's it for now, take care.

Cya...

Hello February...

The 2nd month of 2019 is here & so far it's gloomy.  The  forecast shows we have rain chances for the next 10 days.   I doubt any groundhog will see its shadow tomorrow.  The temps are supposed to somewhat warmer, we'll see about that.   Hopefully things don't warm too quickly.  

I had my interview yesterday for my SSI review.  I think it went well, you never know.   They did my roomie's at the same time.  I'm glad she didn't have to wait for it like I did.  This house doesn't need more stress.  

Monday will be the beginning of bill paying for us.  I have to get my blood drawn next week for a mid-month, telemedicine appointment.  At some point, I need an eye exam.    I think that's it for the month.  

OK, February, let's keep the stress & drama down please.

Cya...