In Box
I always look forward to seeing what Jeff has written in each Positively Aware. This time, once again he hit the nail on the head—art and science—and some hard facts of common sense.
“Am I ready to take the medications, as prescribed, every day for the rest of my life?” When people ask me how I’ve lived so long, what I have to say is, “Good doctors who listen, taking my meds when and like I am supposed to, and bucking up when I don’t like the side effects, and, yes, LUCK and a good attitude doesn’t hurt either.
—Greg
via the Internet
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I just wanted to write to thank you for putting together your annual Drug Guide.
As someone who was diagnosed in 2009, it has been an anchor in the storm for me.
The first issue of Positively Aware that I read was the January/February issue which, I have to say, blew my mind. I live in a small town and your article about access to care in rural areas really hit home. I travel almost 200 miles to see a doctor, but thanks to that article, I researched my area until I found the one HIV specialist within driving distance.
And then I got the Drug Guide. My doctor had put me on Atripla right away and though I’ve had no problem with it and my viral load has come down, reading about the other drugs, the side effects, and the drugs being developed really opened my eyes. Before, I guess I was just in shock and willing to do anything to stay healthy. After reading the Drug Guide, I’ll do my “homework” before just agreeing to any particular treatment. It has also helped me in talking to my doctor, who told me he always has a copy on hand and the chart picturing the drugs hangs in his office.
You guys do a great job and I will look forward to reading every issue of Positively Aware.
—Marlen P.
Lacey, WA
Greetings from a California state prison. I am truly blessed to receive a subscription to your invaluable magazine.
Not only have I been HIV-positive since 2001, a prisoner, but I am also a male-to-female transgender person. Your magazine is surely a God-send.
I was wondering if you could do an article on hormone treatment and HIV and also HIV meds. I know there are many who could use this information.
Thank you for all your insights, hints, and articles—I truly appreciate this much-needed resource.
We don’t have a death sentence; we just share our bodies with a virus. I always say, “I don’t live with HIV—it has to live with me!”
—Nathan
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