Yesterday, All My Pills Seemed So Far Away
July 21, 2006
My doctor’s summer vacation plans postponed my summer “drug holiday” plans. But not by much.
Since it’s important to monitor my 7/7 treatment (one week taking pills, one week not. Repeat.), I am getting lab work done at the tail end of my third week off meds. My doctor’s leaving town in August, which means I need to wait a week until I go off my meds for the first 7 day period, which means I’ll get my next labs done at the beginning of September upon his return. (Who’s on first?)
Since I go to a teaching hospital for all of my medical needs, I spoke with a resident before seeing Dr. Greg. I like to call them “the fluffer”. The fluffer comes in with your chart and medical bio, and they ask you all the fluff questions in anticipation of the big meeting with the head honcho.
“When were you born?”
“When were you diagnosed?”
“How are you feeling?”
The guy, Koffi, had a thick African accent, and was friendly enough. But when I told him about my plans for the summer as they pertained to my life-saving treatments, he got this look in his eye accompanied by a shit-eating grin that simultaneously said, “What the fuck?” and “You’re crazy!”
Since my car was in the shop, Gwenn had driven me to the appointment. (I can’t drive stick shift. I know, “What the fuck?”) She immediately pounced on the young doctor, verbally of course. “He’s done it before! For two and a half years!” I try to keep my cool, whereas Gwenn is far less tolerant of what she deems to be condescention.
“I know there haven’t been any large scale studies on this, but last time it worked very well for me.” I bet Koffi had a lot of questions for Dr. Greg about the nutjob with the blue hair in Room 3, and was probably surprised with how amiable my doctor was about the situation. He knows I can adhere to the abnormal schedule, and that I hardly ever miss a dose.
Now the big question is whether or not I’ll notice a difference during the weeks I’m off meds.
Shawn
A Needle in the AIDStack
July 19, 2006
Since my doctor’s appointment is on Thursday, I dropped by the hospital earlier today to get labwork done, figuring that I could hit the ground running with the 7/7 plan later this week.
That is if the T-Cell count and percentage are up to par. The viral load takes a little longer to come in, but it’s been supressed since I re-started treatment last year, so I’m not too worried about that. If my doc thinks it wise to wait until all the labs come back, though, I’ll follow his advice.
Being on meds, all in all, isn’t too horrible. I just wake up most mornings with a headache and a hungover, unrested feeling. I don’t mind hangovers, but I like to earn them with a good time or, at the very least, a few stiff drinks. I’m hoping that by giving my body a week’s rest from the meds, things will get better.
Oh, when I was getting pricked– there’s no better way to put it– I noticed that the butterfly needle retracted. “Whoa!” I said, noticing the spring action. “That must be new, huh?” The hospital staffer nodded, and said, “Whoever came up with this made them some money!”
It’s funny: a simple idea like that has single-handidly reduced accidental needle sticks. It’s funny that the meds I take to treat HIV were invented before that.
Shawn
Happy Birthday… To Me.
July 16, 2006
I was going to write this heart-wrenching blog on my 31st b-day, but then I decided to post these guys instead.
Hope everyone’s Sunday was as pleasant as mine!
Shawn
Safe Sex, HIV Drugs & Synthpop
July 9, 2006
It isn’t exactly sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, but it works for me.
Just got back home from a Synthetic Division show: me, a few synthesizers and a handful of tunes harking back to the glory days of Soft Cell and Human League. About every six months I play my songs for the local goth and punk kids at a weekly gathering called The Dawning. Tonight I opened for good friends Bella Morte, which I enjoy doing because they draw a lively crowd. (Even if they’re fascinated by the undead.)
I’m wiped out. And I played a 25 minute set. Pretty pitiful, but that includes breaking down my equipment and hauling it there. Sure, my wife partner helped a lot, but still. My muscles were taxed. I guess all this means Van Halen won’t be offering me their frontman position anytime soon, but I’m OK with that. Every six months works for me.
Oh, and I’m hoping to get lab work done this week. My doc returns from vacation, and I have an appointment on the 20th. I’d like to know what my numbers are doing, so I can start the week on/week off cycling of my HIV meds that day if possible.
Shawn
Summer Vacation…
July 7, 2006
Is it possible to have an “AIDS-free” summer when you’re living with AIDS? I’m attempting that, with mixed test results.
My wife partner and I speak at colleges about our relationship in a program called “A Boy, A Girl, A Virus & The Relationship That Happened Anyway.” We’ve been doing it– speaking together, that is– since 2000, and I really don’t mind answering the same questions over and over again. And I don’t mind putting our relationship out there, either.
But in the summer? I like to dye my hair a crazy color, and rekindle my romance with the Xbox. I used to talk about AIDS a lot more casually, and didn’t mind dropping the A-Bomb to strangers. But now? I like to stick to, “Oh, what do I do? I teach health education.”
If someone pries, I’ll give them the spiel. It’s just funny that, the first ten years I wouldn’t talk about HIV, then the next ten I wouldn’t shut up. And now? I have to think about it. I guess that’s what the greatest invention of my generation, the pause button, is for.
Shawn
life in photos
I am frightened by ceilings. A terrible phobia to have.
Today's assortment of treats: tea for Gwenn, a mocha for me and a cookie to share.
My buddy Sharanya preparing my mocha with just an extra dash of love.
Hanging on wall in our guest bedroom. Couldn't agree more!
Speaking About Sexual Health
Since 2000, Shawn and Gwenn have been speaking about sexual health together, sharing their personal story and empowering others to be safe. If you are interested in having them speak at your event, fill out the Contact Us form.
Check out Shawn's music and buy his book, My Pet Virus, which is now available on Kindle!
It will be the funniest book you've ever read about someone having AIDS... guaranteed!