Research Why's & Goodbye July...

This piece asks the very important question, why aren't novel HIV treatments ever in the now? It's a good read about how many research publishers use click-bait titles to lure readers & build false hopes for many with HIV.  It's about the steps in research.  It's a good article, give it a read.  

This is the last day of July.  It's been a decent month.  The month wasn't the problem it was the people.  This is the best time of year for me.  I can get lots of light.  I try to enjoy it.  A lot of my little joys are missing this year.  There aren't many hummers or dragons & most the flowers are somehow less than normal.  I've enjoyed watching the squirrels & rabbits.  Too bad the little beasties bring fleas.  

But so many people have embraced f'ery this year.  There's a lot of rage, stupidity, dullness & depression everywhere I look.   I've mostly retreated to my room.  Right now, I'm losing my chance to recharge so I can avoid other people's crap.  I'm really sick of it.  By the time they all calm their asses down, the light will be gone & I'll have to deal with the drear again.  To all you screwing up my Summer, F' OFF!  Stop messing with the only season I feel mostly OK with the world.  If you don't, don't make it my issue. 

Goodbye July.  Here's to August, hope it's bright & shiny.  

Cya...

Resistance...

This article is disturbing.  It relates how resistance to HIV medications is on the rise.  The article has a chart showing the level of reported resistance to a certain regimen & when it's no longer safe to use that approach in the area.  The data isn't good. Most of these countries are less socio-economically developed than the US, in Africa, Asia & the southern Americas.   There is a surprising gender differentiation, with woman  usually having more occurences of resistance.   

This isn't a pleasant read, but it's an important piece.  

Cya..

Another Last Monday...

Not much going on here.  It's supposed storm today.  If it does, I hope they aren't severe.  We have to go shopping.  We're thinking of running out for a bit, but if the weather's bad, we probably won't.  My glasses are may be in today.  I hope they work.  If not, it's back to the optometrist.

That's about it for this morning.  July is nearly over & it's muggy.  But that's Summer in Oklahoma.  Take care,

Cya...

Sorta Dreary...

I woke to a slightly overcast morning.  It's not bad, but it's not as shiny as things have been.  It's a sign, we're on the downward swing of the year.    There might be rain later.  

The older cat lost her last fang yesterday.  She's showing her age.  She's  somewhere around 14-15.  We're not sure exactly.  She was a mature cat, when we moved into the neighborhood.  The people who had her, left & didn't even bother to try to take her.  I really hope they rot.  So she's doing OK, but we'll have to keep an eye on her.

That's about it for now.

Cya...

Not A Lot...

Not much happening.  My roomie has plans later in the day.  The heat is creeping back in on us.  Oh well, it is Summer.  July is winding down & articles are following suit.   

I did see some writing about why there are so  few investors in research for a HIV cure.  Unlike most other viruses, there aren't  clear answers with HIV.  Like how much virus is actually in the body.  How to know when the virus is fully eradicated.   What are safe methods to completely rid a body of the virus.  Those are major inquiries, that can be answered about other illnesses.  Until these questions are better answered, it's not likely there'll be many investors.

That's about it for this morning, take care.

Cya...

Last Friday In July...

The 7th month is winding down.  Next Friday will be August.  My birth year is wrapping up as well.  So far, I've not been upset with the weather this season.  But, all the other things that used to make up a good Summer have been a bit of a let down.  There haven't even been any movies, I've really wanted to see.  Last couple of weeks, they've only released 1 new film each week.  I'm tired of rehash & remakes. Summer used to be the funnest time.  Now, it seems to be the dullest. Oh well, at least is wasn't 100+ for 60 days straight.  Brightside & all of that.

Cya...

Yard Bunnies...

I'm sort of happy to see we still have bunnies in the yard.  But also, I'm not.  They've got fleas.  Almost every time I see a rabbit or squirrel, they're scratching.  We also have a decent amount of neighborhood cats, so I'm amazed the bunnies have survived.  I guess the lesser number of hawks helps.

Not much going on here.   Trash went out.  Meds got ordered.  So far, the new pharmacy seems to be working out.  Yay!   We go shopping tomorrow & handle a bill for next month.  At the moment, that's all we have planned.

Cya...

Articlish....

Saw some articles, but none were ready for review.  Both had issues.  The 1st was for Merck.  They claim to be developing an implant used to control HIV for up a year.  OK, great & no.   It's great they're thinking of novel applications.  But, I have no interest in an implant. It would drive me crazy.  Unless, it was the only option, I'd not choose it. 

The 2nd, Gilead gave updates in their research endeavors for a cure.  Great, but not yet.  The article was so jargon heavy, it'd MDs to use a dictionary.  It wasn't currently informative enough to be worth it.  At least, they're working on it.

That's all for now.  Take care.

Cya...

Cool Morning...

We never got over 85 yesterday.  Last night was in the mid 60's.  Tonight is supposed to be cooler.  This cool down will only last a bit, but it's appreciated.  Unfortunately, among  the grateful are bugs.  The fleas have been a nuisance lately.  

On another matter, the air in my backyard is missing some things.  I've seen a few tiny hummers & some dragons, but not near what I saw last year.   There are lots of articles over vanishing hummers.  The experts think they may have had a good wildflower crop this year & just didn't come as far in.  It could also be that they altered their migration paths.  Still, I have very few dragons, butterflies, bumbles & honey bees.  Not to gripe, but there's even less wasps.   No one's gardens are doing well this year.  There aren't many pollinators.

I have seen more squirrels & the occasional rabbit.  But even the ever pissed off mockingbirds' numbers are down.   Usually, by now, I've seen the occasional possum or smelt a skunk.  But, not this year.  This year is different & I hope it's not a really bad sign of things to come soon. 

Take care. Hope you're seeing hummers & dragons.

Cya...

Cooler Morning....

It rained a little last night & drove the temps down a bit.  It was nice sleeping weather, at least for me.  Hard to believe we're almost in the last week of July.  There wasn't a lot in the way of articles this morning.  We have to go shopping, so this will be it for the morning.  

Take care.

Cya...

Dubious...

Yesterday left me a more winded than I expected.  We hit several places & the trip went well.  I had my eye appointment.  I have to say, I'm a little iffy about the results.  According to the exam, my eyesight improved a bit.  I called the office to check on the numbers.  I was told that was my reading at the time.  I ordered a pair of glasses. We'll see if this is the right prescription of not.  Luckily, my glasses are fairly cheap.  I'll have to wait until the glasses get here to check.

Take care.

Cya...

Hurry Morning...

No time for much this morning.  I have an eye appointment at 11:45 in Fort Smith.  I need to get around, eat & be out of here shortly.  Hopefully, my vision won't be much worse than last time.  I have no idea how the stroke impacted things, if at all. 

More tomorrow, take care.

Cya....

Hot Zone...

A lot of the US is under a heat warning.   It's hot, but worse for us, it's stayed humid.  That's a horrible combination.   The heat is supposed to break on Monday.  So far, it's been hot, but not ballistic.   I'm  amazed we're not under a burn ban.  Other than shopping, we have no plans for today.  It's inside for us.  

If you can stay cool & hydrated.  Take care,

Cya...

Macro...

I think a lot of the problems with the fight against HIV & many social issues, is people tend to focus on the macro.  They like the big-picture, looking down from the sky.  But, the view is made of billions of mosaics of life.  Each filled with millions of details about people, places & events.  Macro can be great for trends, but micro is needed for understanding.  

I'm interested in articles about HIV in foreign lands, but only as far it affects me & mine.  HIV is like a dye.  If there's a little left in the water, it can still spread.   Until it's all dealt with, HIV can always return. I will always be more interested in things in my immediacy or proximity.   That's the nature of life.  Yes, HIV in Africa can eventually affect me.  But HIV being spread by IV drug usage is nearer to me & more a concern.  Thinking local is about survival & prosperity.   Thinking global is about broad stroke understanding of trends.  They're both needed.

That's all for now, take care.

Cya...

Still Here...

It's beginning again.  Every time there's progress against HIV  the mentality changes.  It goes from full-on fight mode to, "oh, they've got this."  No one "has this,"  This fight has been been plagued with ups & downs.  Most due to the levels of support.

Just because there's some good news or a new treatment doesn't mean HIV is over.  It's nowhere near "handled."   If we allow support to wane again, HIV will only surge.  Why is that so hard to understand?  It's not over, til it's over.   As long a single person is infected, this could all start up again.

On another topic.  I'm finally trying to get an eye appointment.  It's only several months late, but I was occupied. They cancelled the 1st appointment, but I should see them Saturday.  

Take care & stay cool, the heat is definitely back here.

Cya...

Mid July Articles..

The 1st article this morning deals with the fluid in the central nervous system.  It goes along the spine & parts of the brain.  The finding is even after being undetectable for HIV, the virus can still hide in this fluid.  This is another hidden reservoir.  It may be why some HIV+ people have more cognitive issues.

The 2nd piece, is about information being gathered for an book over the history of HIV.  It states there's evidence in collected tissue samples, showing the virus was present by the early 1900s & possibly the late 1800s.   That means HIV has had over a century to spread & evolve.  This was never some new thing being faced.  It was just unknown to modern science.   

That's all for now.  Take care.

Cya...

Costs...

Some are in error of thinking medication is the only serious cost faced when dealing with HIV.  That's not the case.  Assume the person has food & shelter & that's a big assumption.  Food insecurity & homelessness are big issues for those with HIV.

Past the cost of medications there are still many more. There are regular visits to the doctor & so many labs.  There are trips to the specialist.  There's a lot of travel for some.  There's the time spent.  Some may need someone to go with them. There are OTC meds & supplements that may be needed.  There's dental & optical. the list goes on of things affecting the cost.  To be honest, even with medicaid & disability, I couldn't do it without a roommate.  I could not float those expenses & live  remotely decently.  Forget nicely, that's just a safe place.  

HIV is costly.  The bills extend far beyond the drugs.  This includes PrEP as well.  Considering outside factors, you could  add more than $500 to the monthly cost past the medication's actual price point.

Cya...

Cool Day...

Woke to an overcast morning, never a good thing for me.  At least, it's supposed to be a cool day.  Tomorrow is as well & then it's back to Summer temps.  I can't complain, much.  It's not like we're hitting triple digits by noon or anything.  We haven't even hit that at all yet.  I hope that holds for the Summer.  It probably won't, but I'd like it.

Take care & stay safe.

Cya...

Tropical Weather...

The gulf storm is playing with our weather.  The next couple of days are supposed to be Springish & then jump back into Summer heat.  Nearish hurricanes always alter our weather. 

There's talk of Johnson & Johnson starting a vaccine trial in the US & Europe later this year.  They've been doing trials in Africa for a bit.  Even if this works, such a thing could still be years out.  Good research is seldom quick.

Not much else going on at the moment.  Take care.

Cya...

Decent Morning...

Woke up to a nice morning.  The sun was shining & the kitten wasn't driving me nuts.  No major issues so far. We're going  shopping & might run over to Fort Smith.   It's nice to have the monthly stuff handled.  Now, if everything stays fairly even keeled we can get through this month without too much drama.   A mostly drama-free month would be appreciated.

Take care.

Cya...

Cherokee...

This piece is from the  Cherokee Phoenix.  It details an approach the Nation plans on using in its efforts to combat HIV.  This is interesting.  I've lived in this area & this is a bold step for such a small community in Northeast Oklahoma.  Green Country has never been known for its liberalism.  Good luck with this.

Cya...

Busy CDC...

The CDC has been busy.  I looked for articles & 3 things jumped out at me.  This article urges pharmacists & pharmacies to take a greater role in the fight against HIV.  It's a good article & pharmacies offer more & more services, this might work.

The next piece,  is on the their own site dedicated to getting people to talking about HIV.  Communication & awareness will always be the 1st step in dealing with HIV.  The next site, is the CDC's instagram page dedicated to Start Talking, Stop HIV.

Give them a look.  They could do some good. Take care.

Cya...

Gut...

I've talked about the human microbiome  before.  This article is over a specific type of biome & it's relationship with HIV.  It's an interesting read on how a certain type of biome can be found in MSM with high risk HIV.   There aren't a lot of conclusions yet, but it's novel start.  

Cya..

Need Easy...

July hasn't been hard so far, just somewhat irksome.  That was until yesterday.  The power went out just after noon.  I was instantly drenched by the humidity.  We opted to go out.  At least there'd be AC in the car.  Luckily, by the time we got home, the power was restored.  I hate our power company.  Our electricity goes goes out & flickers all the time for reason.  There was nothing weatherwise going on yesterday, but it still went down.  What gives?

Any way, a nice, no f'ery day would be appreciated.

Cya...

Wet & Weird...

The forecast says July's going to be hot. So far, it's been wet, weird & muggy.  We've had unexpected rain 3 times, we're almost at 2" of rain in the 1st week.  3" is the average for the  month.  The 1st shower was drizzly, but long.  The 2nd was windy.  Yesterday's was a surprise & lasted most the day.  

This weather has left us well watered.  It's also left high grass, bugs & humidity.  I know, always something to gripe about.  At least grass fire chances are lower.  

My roomie & are planning for the Summer.  This time of year brings different issues.  Besides staying cool, there's also the matter of what to eat.  During the heat, I don't feel like doing much & a lot of food sounds awful.  So, this is an endeavor for us.  We'll figure it out.

That's it for now.  Take care.

Cya...

Mice...

Over the past couple of days, there's been talk of scientists removing HIV entirely from infected mice.  This article (1 of many) somewhat details the undertaking.  OK, great, but... 

The fact they could remove the virus is fascinating.  The technology is amazing.  However, (drum roll)  these are MICE.  Albeit mammals, they aren't humans, not even primates.  Even if this does work in mice, it may never work for humans.  Say it does, that could be years or even decades away.

I'm hate to be a downer, but you need to have perspective.  Even once an approach is in human trials it can take a decade or even fail.  There are few guarantees in research.  But, this knowledge does add to it all.  It does put us a step closer.  That alone is worth recognition.  While this is amazing work, a cure is still not in the near future.

Cya...

Twice Over...

This article is about the issues of being HIV+ & 50+.  It addresses the issue that most of current HIV treatment is aimed at lower age ranges when the majority of people living with the virus are over 50.  It discusses issues with aging & the illnesses associated with that & HIV.   It's a good read.

Cya...

The 4th...

It's time for fireworks & other hoo hah, Yippie.  Hope you have a great 4th of July. 

My appointment went well.  The MRI was mostly clear.  It no longer detected signs of an AVM or collected blood.   There was still some irritated tissue, but that should clear up.  The link about AVM is an article over arteriovenous malformation, which is what they thought I had.  It may still be, if so, it's undetectable at this point.  The most likely culprit for me was blood pressure.  A prolonged period of high pressure or a severe spike might have caused it.  

For now, I'll try to manage my blood pressure better.  I have to go back for a follow up in December.   At least the drive went well & there were major upsets.  Have to be thankful for that. 

That's all for now, take care.  Be safe this 4th.

Cya...

Appointment...

It's a busy morning, with an appointment with the neurologist in Tulsa this afternoon.  Before we leave, we still need to handle some 1st of the month stuff, get baths & take out trash.  I'll post more tomorrow.

Hopefully, it won't get too hot today.  Take care.

Cya...

History & Looking Forward...

This article talks about the history of HIV as it's currently know.  It starts in the late 60s before anyone even knew what it was.  The illness had probably been around for much longer.  However, it was the earliest recorded case in the US.  Even if it took nearly 15 years to identify it as HIV.  

The article looks at the rise of the illness, treatments & reactions to HIV & AIDS.  It discusses the potential of a cure being discovered.  It's an interesting read.

Cya...

Hello July...

July is here.  Sorry, this will be a short post, but we have shopping to do.  It's the 1st of the month & that means being busy for a bit.  Besides just the normal business at hand, I also have an appointment in Tulsa on Wednesday.  So, that day is mostly blown.  

There were few articles today & none I had already covered.   The weather is teasing us with rain.  It'll probably just be humid.   The fireworks have been creeping in on us, soon they'll be here in full force.  The cats will just love that.  

That's about it for now.  Hello July, be nice.  Take care everyone.

Cya...