Goodbye June...

A pig is about to pop out & say that's all folks.  June is over.  The last day will be warm, & July looks to start off hot.   June  will end 2" shy of our rain average.  That's the 1st time this year it's under.  Hopefully, it won't become a pattern.  Goodbye June, you were an odd month.  Not bad, but not so great either.

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow.  I got a garbled test from their office.  I think it's their COVID policy.  I'll call to make sure.   I'll get my cleaning, grab a bite & then head home.

That's it for June, take care,

Cya...

Fed Up...

I'm tired of hearing about COVID.  It pissed me off.  It, like HIV, could've been handled so much better.  If this country would've just decided to test everyone,  then treat & educate them, both viruses could've been a thing of the past in the US.  But no, personal freedoms.  Your freedoms shouldn't trump the health of others.  

To all the idiots out there.  If you're going to play about, wear a mask, wear a condom.  Be aware.  Stop being indulgently stupid.  Get tested.  At least be kind to yourself & try to be safe.

Cya...

Lacking....

When I looked for articles this morning, I found almost nothing.  It was an anemic selection of rehash.  Nothing new, except some blather about testing day from the orange man in D.C..   

Maybe it's the end of the month.  Could be, it's this COVID thing or the ongoing protests.  Either way, article-land was offering nothing new.  Maybe tomorrow.

Cya...

National HIV Testing Day...

It's that time of year again.  You can check out the hiv.gov blog here.   National testing day is an important drive to get everyone tested for HIV.   This is the 25th year.  Hopefully, someday it'll just be a memory.

Take Care & get tested.

Cya...

Not Quite So...

This piece meant well, but missed the mark.  It tells you how easy it is to find free or low cost HIV testing & treatment nearby.   There is a service finder link on the page.  It jumps  to Ryan White, which allows you to look for providers near you.  It failed for me.  It has a range of 100 miles & the nearest to me is over 120 miles away.   So you're poor & think you need testing, how do you get that far & back?  Then depending on the test, have to get back again for the results.  

As for treatment, good luck.  There is nothing easy about finding low cost treatment in Oklahoma.   There are places that might be able to help you, but it won't be a simple, quick process.  

Tomorrow is national hiv testing day.  If you can't find a place.  I'd suggest your local health department for free HIV/STD testing.  Just a reminder.  Other than getting it, nothing about HIV is easy.

Cya...

Last June Thursday...

We're in the last week of June,  It's been mostly decent to us this year.  With the exception of idiots who insisted on driving our COVID numbers higher.  This could've been over.  I really wish bad things on those people.

I heard the garbage men this morning.   They get here early this time of the year to avoid the heat.   It's been sunny so far & that's nice.  I haven't seen porch cats in a bit & the mockingbirds have gone quiet.  There are still lightning bugs, but no further sign of hummers or dragons.

The tiger lillies & crepes are blooming.  The elephant ears are doing well.  I'm surprised, seeing how little rain we've had this month.  We could be almost 3" shy of our monthly average.

That's about it for now, take care.

Cya...

New Approach Maybe...

Killing off HIV is nearly impossible due to its ability to hide in dormant pools in the body.  Researchers have tried to"shock" the virus "awake" so meds can deal with it.  It's also been referred to as, "Kick and kill."  The approach was so overly powerful it could've done more harm that good.

According to this piece, new med, Ciapavir, may be able to coax the virus out of it's dormancy & allow it to be eliminated.  This is a short piece & the drug is apparently so new I can't find anything about it online.  The only references I can find are in relation to articles like this piece.  

Will this work?  Maybe.   An approach that could treat hidden pools of HIV would seem to be a virtual cure.  Even if it took a while, eventually the virus would be dead.

Cya...

COVID Collision...

This piece is about a British doctor.  He'd recovered from COVID & had antibodies in his blood.   Medical professionals were urging people who did to donate blood to aid in treatment of others.  He offered, but was declined.  Why?

He's Gay & has an active sex life.   The UK like many places in the world disallow blood donations by active Gays.    You can be the most active, risk taking, careless hetero in the world & be allowed to donate blood.   But, a Gay, never.  

This man's blood could've helped others.  That will never happen.  At least not with him being honest.   It's hard to see the ripples from this denial.   His blood could've saved someone's life.  That someone, could've been anyone, done anything.  Now, we'll never know. 

Cya...

History...

I'm a bit out out of it this morning, so I'll go with this article.   There's nothing new here.  It's a short summary on the impact Larry Kramer had on the fight against AIDS.  It talks about ACT UP, Silence = Death, new meds & drug cocktails.  

If you're unfamiliar with this era or Kramer, this is a good starting piece.  Kramer was dealing with this virus before it had a name.   Without this man, millions more may have died from HIV.  He & others like him, changed the world, by saving lives.  It wasn't a pretty process.

Give it a read, take care.

Cya...

Grey June...

It rained some yesterday & we need more.  It was just enough to make everything muggy.   I slept alright last night.   But, another grey morning is taxing me a bit much.  I just feel out of it.   I didn't see many articles.  I'm not surprised.  Everyone's attention is on COVID, protests & rallies.  

Take care.

Cya...

Cloudy Morning...

Woke to clouds, it's supposed to rain.  We need it, we aren't near our monthly average.  The grass looks crispy.  I sort of like that, die, grass, die.  It'd mean less mowing, but probably more heat.

This is another article about drug resistant HIV.   The people of Papua New Guinea have up to 18% levels of resistance & the virus is mutating.  It most likely occurred due to haphazard med availability.   Which gave the virus a chance to adapt.

Here's hoping for a little rain.  Be safe.

Cya...

Shorter Longer...

Shorter post,  I've got to get around.  I saw a piece on how people with HIV live shorter, sicker lives even with meds.   For a while, the medical professionals have been saying HIV+ people can live as long & healthy as normal people.   That's BS.  Something is constantly attacks our immune system.  Even with meds & undetectable levels, our bodies know we're ill.   

We may not live as long or as healthy.   We may be more inclined to chronic ailments & inflammation.    Still, it's better than it was before & there were never any guarantees of a long, healthy life.   Best advice, be safe, take care of yourself & just live.  No one can ask more of you than that.

Cya...

Dump The Orange Menace...

I try not to get too political here.  However,  here we go.  Dump that asshat that got elected president.   He needs to go.

During the 1st of the year,  there were environmental protests.  He did nothing.  Then COVID started & has only worsened the matter with every step he's taken.  Then there were the anti-mask/distance people.  Now, we have more protests.  

COVID numbers were down.   Then protests kicked in & for the last several days our average new cases was over 200.  Oklahoma was under 700 active cases, now we have a 1,000 more.  Protesters & idiots spiked our numbers.

Any other president, even W., could've curbed these matters.  But, not this jackass, he fans the flames.   He's said if we stop testing, COVID numbers will go down.  He's certain a vaccine will be available soon.  He praised scientist for a non-existent n HIV vaccine.   Now he's planning a rally in my state that will only increase tensions & increase our COVID cases. This man is a dangerous buffoon.   Treat his presidency like a rabid dog & put it down. 

Summary... Stopping testing will not end COVID.  There might be a vaccine developed someday.  There is currently no vaccine for HIV.   Trump is an idiot, liar & is probably senile.  It's time for him to leave the building.

Cya...

Spring's Over...

Weathermen say the season ends with May.  Others wait for the solstice for Summer to begin.   Either way Spring is mostly gone.  It was another weird season; dry or wet, chilly or hot, very seldom with any middle ground.  

The rose of sharon bushes are blooming.  The front  crepe myrtle is the 1st to bloom for a 2nd year.   It's tiny bubblegum blooms got here before the other's fuschia.  Tiger lillies have been blooming for a bit & the elephant ear is thriving.  

I think I saw my 1st hummingbird this morning.  I saw something yesterday, but I put it off as a large moth.  If this was a hummer, it was tiny.    I hope we have more hummers & dragons this year.  We've already had a lot of lightning bugs.   Weird what can make you smile.   It isn't all the mockingbirds & wasps.

Take care & be safe.

Cya...

This Is A Problem...

I'm not going to write much about this article.  It's short & important.  This piece writes about 2 things.   A case in Spain where the individuals' strain of HIV is already resistant to all known forms of treatment.   Another patient who is 75 has only 1 medicine left  that still works for him.

Medically, the only thing left for these people, is what has been proven yet.  They'll have to hope for investigational & novel meds.   What a horrible place to be.  The world was sporadically exposed to HIV meds & the virus has overcome them.  The next steps could be devastating.

Be safe & take care.

Cya...

Mid June...

Not much is happening this morning.  It's nice so far.  We'll go shopping in a bit.  I'm not sure what we have planned after that.

The lawn guy mowed yesterday.   That's a little more normalcy to add back.  Very little has been normal for people lately.   

Our COVID numbers dropped down to 150+ cases yesterday instead of 250.  This could've been over if people had been reasonable.  I wonder how much of this protest is actually just a catharsis for people after being cooped up.  Either way protesters are friends of COVID.

That's all for now, take care.

Cya...

Irritated...

Rant. 

This COVID crap should be mostly over.  We had our numbers way down.   The beginning of May was looking positive.  Then the idiots happened.   The started going out in droves.  The numbers jumped up to over a 100 a day. 

Then the protests came.   In 2 days, there have been 450 new cases in my state, not counting Arkansas,  20 miles away.   These people couldn't be safe or smart.  They drove the cases higher.  I wouldn't care if every protestor & idiot got COVID.  I care about who they're spreading it to that had nothing to do with their actions.   Protesting during a health crisis was STUPID!

I don't know when this will end.  I wish nothing good for those that started & ramped up this protest.  They stomped out there with no masks or safe distancing.  Let the chips fall.

Rant over.

Cya..

A Quiet Saturday...

This has been a nice morning.  The weather's pleasant & it's sunny.  So far, the mockingbirds are elsewhere being awful.  

I saw an article this morning.  The site was being odd so I didn't post it.  The piece detailed how reservoirs of HIV were found in the brain.   Considering the  blood-brain barrier, this would be difficult to treat.   HIV is adept at hiding, so it can emerge later.  Current treatments will never entirely rid the body of the virus.  Something new will have to be developed that can eradicate the entirety of the virus.  Not holding my breath for that.

Take care.

Cya...

Friday Errands....

We've got some errands & shopping this morning.  I don't know what's up with Blogger, but it's being weird & glitchy.   I'll make this quick.

I need to try to get a referral handled for my HIV specialist in Tulsa.   Yes, I'm still trying to get all this done.  The new person handling my primary's referrals just hasn't got to it yet.  I'm a little angry, because a referral was requested by Tulsa back in March.  Somehow, the last party handling them let it slip.   This could've been handled months ago, before it was a rush, before COVID.  I guess it was too much of a bother.  I do not wish them well.

It'll get handled.  For now, I need to get around.  Take care & be safe.

Cya...

A Nothing Thursday...

Nothing's happening for us today.  Which is a good thing.   The trip to Tulsa was a bit rough.  Yesterday was cooler, so sleeping was easy. 

The neighborhood is in flux.  The lady across the street  moved in with her daughter in April.  Slowly, they've been emptying her home.   There used to  be a lot of outdoor decor, including a large wall piece.  Now that's all gone.  The house has gone from being homey, to lacking any character.  I know it's the process, still it's odd.  It doesn't even feel like the same place.  I hope whoever gets it next will make decent neighbors.

That's about it for now, take care.

Cya..

Post Appointment...

My neuro appointment went well.  There's a follow up in 6 months.  I'm still not sure how long I'll have to keep going back, probably at least 2 years.   She said my foot issues were most likely not stroke related.  That leaves a lot of other things.  I'll have to talk to my HIV specialist next time. 

The trip wasn't pleasant.  It was hot & there was single lane traffic for miles.  Anything to make the drive harder.

This article is over the dangers of leaving women out of PrEP & other medical studies.  I've talked about this before.  This adds some clarification.

 Take care.

Cya..

Appointment & Assorted...

I have to head out in less than 3 hours.  I still have to eat & get around.  I was hoping June would be better than May, so far that's not the case.  There's still a lot of drama & stress.

Besides getting hot, I have to drive to Tulsa for a neuro appointment that was nearly postponed because a primary care provider's office decided to show it's ass.   Then there was drama  getting that fixed.   Of course, it had to be handled right in the middle of everything else.

As COVID & BLM continue, there's a lot of stress.  At least some initial reports are suggesting the spread of COVID by asymptomatic people is rare.  That's not saying it can't happen, but it's less likely.  

In face of BLM, IBM is ending it's facial recognition software.   Groups have been after companies to kill these programs off & stop selling them to cops.  IBM feels there are better ways to use technology to mend racial divides.   That could be true or it could all be a PR bluff while they sell their program to another manufacturer.   Who knows?

That's it for, I've got to go.  

Cya...

Telemedicine Article...

Another Monday is here & we'll be out shopping soon.  Then we'll drop the car off for an oil change before we head to Tulsa tomorrow.   I confirmed my appointment time, so it's a go.

I've posted a lot about telemedicine.  It has pros & cons.  This article deals with telemedicine & HIV.    It's a reasonable piece from someone other than myself, that discusses strengths & weaknesses of the approach.   While, I'm thankful for it, I acknowledge it's not as beneficial as a face to face meeting.   But given the alternatives, it can be very helpful.  Read the piece if you interested.

Cya...

Not Much & AC...

Not much is going on this Sunday.  At least it's a sunny morning.   Yesterday was the 1st day of AC for us this year.  That's about 2 weeks earlier than normal.   But, there's a hurricane in the gulf & it's blowing up hot, sticky air.  Hurricanes used to cool us down, not any more.  

Tomorrow, we'll go shopping & handle whatever errands we have to.  I have an appointment with neuro in Tulsa on Tuesday.  Just love that drive.  I don't know how long they'll want to see me after the stroke.   This will be a little under 18 months out.  I guess I'll find out.

That's it for now, take care.

Cya...

Rebound...

I have a problem with U=U.  Just because at some point my labs say my HIV is undetectable, doesn't mean it'll stay that way.  A myriad of factors can affect this.  That's part of why we have regular blood work.   I've been on HIV meds for almost 20 years & recently found out I was taking my supplements at the wrong time for 1 med.  It was impacting the efficacy of this drug.  I changed the time I took them & the numbers evened.

This is dealing with the virus in my blood.  According to this article, hiv can rebound much quicker in semen.  A fluid most of don't have tested.  If your numbers dip, you can bet it's a more significant event for the semen in your ejaculate.  You might not infect someone, but the chances are higher than non-existent.   Use a condom.

Cya...

1st Friday In June...

Not too much going on this morning.  It was sunny & that was appreciated.  The younger cat has a new habit that needs to end.  She's decided she needs a hardcore petting session somewhere between 5 - 6 AM.  That wakes me up & throws off my wake-up schedule.

We still have a couple of bills to handle.   There's also shopping & grabbing something to eat. As far as I know, that's about it.

Take care.

Cya...

Early Morning...

I'm up early this morning.  I need to get cleaned up & awake.  I have an early doctor's appointment.  It's just a regular quarterly, so I'm not expecting anything.  Here's hoping it goes that way.

I've got to get moving. Take care.

Cya...

Blah Busy Morning...

Things collided early this month.  We have bill stuff, trash day & some errands to run.  It'll get handled.  It's a little grey this morning.  We're expecting  some rain this afternoon.  

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.  It's a quarterly meeting.  It'll be the 1st appointment I have with him since most the staff was let go.  Seems new management cleaned house.  Well see how this goes. It's odd, those people had been there for over a decade.

Take care, I need to get around.

Cya..

Fickle, Distracted, In Need Of Drama...

As a nation we're a magician's dream.  With a little prattling, razzle-dazzle & we'll look anywhere & believe/oppose almost anything.  We have the attention span of a gnat.

At the beginning of the year we were into an impeachment, a British prince & Australian wildfires.  Then COVID came on the scene & we were in denial & then angry about how it was handled.  There were protests againsts masks, stimulus issues & social distancing.   That's just a quick glance at the 1st 5 months of 2020.

Now we're dealing with cop violence & reactionary riots.   There's lootings, violence & agitation.   This looks like it, the big thing that could bring change.  Trump's hiding & fist-waving.  Biden's talking to people.  But what about next week?

Soon, some people who think they've worked this drama for all it's worth, will find another.    Then they'll protest over that.   Rampaging, rioting, violent belittling, judging & accusing are the new sports of our culture.  Smoking, drinking & eating fatty foods may be bad for you.  But maybe they were giving people other ways to vent.  A lot of them only rage now.  It's their new drug & they like it.  

Welcome to the crucible.

Cya...

Hello June...

June is here & the start of the month stuff begins.  There was little in the way of articles.   I guess all the COVID & riot stuff overwhelmed everyone.  

It was sunny when I woke, so that's a good start to the month.  We'll head out in a bit to go shopping.   Midweek will be for bill paying.

That's about it for now.  Here's hoping for a good month.  Take care.

Cya...