A PSA getting old with HIV

[William769]

Don't believe the hype that you can manage HIV in your old age.

I have been in the hospital since the middle of March. I have been hit with Congested Heart Failure, Stage 1 Renal Kidney Disease. My body looks like it's been battered & bruised. My CD4 count is normally around 750, now my CD4 is 34 (under Federal Guidelines that means I have full blown AIDS).

For every 3 days you are in the hospital, your muscles atrophy for one day. I have been in the hospital 65 days which means my muscles have atrophied 21.6666 days.

I am seriously considering quality of life, over quantity of life.

Bill

[True Dough]

1. Sounds like a tough spot, Bill

Sorry to hear it. I hope you maintain as much quality as possible in your remaining days.

Your profile indicates you reside in Florida. Looks like medical aid in dying is not an option there?

[malaise]

2. OMFG

You’re here- we were so worried and yes quality of life does matter

[Cha]

3. Oh Bill... am so Sorry, Dear Heart. 💙🌈

Sending Love, Peace, and Aloha to you from Kauai. 🌈

[Hekate]

4. Bill, I am so sorry

All the best to you

[Skittles]

5. we are here for you

[hlthe2b]

6. Bill! I have to tell you (first and foremost) how happy we are to hear from you!

Those of us who saw your last posting, May 1, when you were in full-blown congestive heart failure in the ICU, were terrified for you. So, seeing your post does give me joy--even while I need to address the reality of what you are facing.

But now, while I need to accept what you are saying, my overwhelming reaction remains to be very grateful to hear from you. I appreciate and have seen the truth of what you are experiencing. I won't downplay what is a very serious episode for you--nor one that brings suffering. I still hope that it is but a devastating EPISODE and that you might stabilize once again and then start a period where your body begins to balance, compensate, and restore.

I am just glad to hear from you. I wish only the best for you. Know that many here are fighting for you and with you.

hlthe2b (and I hope that your future is likewise "2 be healthy." )

[malaise]

9. Beautiful

You speak for all of us

[irisblue]

7. Wishing you all the best.

[Rhiannon12866]

8. Hello, my friend! Thanks so much for checking in

As you can see, even at this hour, you've been missed here. Hang in there and please let us know how you're doing...

[JMCKUSICK]

10. I'm so sorry William769

Thank you for sharing what must be the most personal struggle of your lifetime. Thank you for your sacrifice in making sure that this issue is still impacting lives every day.
I pray you have family and friends nearby to support you through this difficult time in person.
God Speed William769.

[Joinfortmill]

11. God bless and prayers.

[UpInArms]

12. My (our) dear William

Mine, because you have shared so much wisdom over the years (and I took it personally) … ours, because you unselfishly gave that wisdom to all here, and I know so many were enriched because of you.

And now, again, you have come back to show your courage to us all. I hold you in high esteem and am so sad for your physical distress.

My heart, although happy to hear from you is aching for you.

Know that you have been a beacon for many here … shine on, my friend

[brer cat]

13. Oh, Bill! Sending you vibes, prayers, and best wishes that you

find peace and comfort. You are a beloved member of this community, and we are all with you.

[Mike 03]

14. I'm so sorry you are going through this.

I think a lot of us picture a fit Magic Johnson when we wonder how people are living with HIV, when it's not like that for most or some of the people suffering from it.

Thank you for touching bases here on DU. We have all been wondering how you are doing, hoping and praying.

I think it's really important that you are writing about this topic because I am exhibit A for widespread ignorance about how people live with HIV (who do not have Magic Johnson's net worth).

Sending you a million good wishes and positive vibes.

[Patton French]

15. We are all rooting for you, William.

Hugs

[MarineCombatEngineer]

16. I'm glad you gave us an update,

we here on DU were, and are, worried about you.
So sorry you're going through this phase of your life, but rest assured, the whole of DU is praying for your health and we have your back, metaphorically speaking.

[greatauntoftriplets]

17. Thanks for the update.

I was very worried about you. Spending 65 days in the hospital isn't good, but generally better than in a nursing home.

I technically have Stage 4 renal disease based on where it was 13 years ago when my kidneys shut down. Now it's inactive, which is great news.

Please try to stay in touch with all of us as often as you can because we all worry about you.

[malaise]

18. Kick

[proud patriot]

19. wrapping you in love and light William

[LearnedHand]

20. So glad to read your voice!

And I'm really glad you're still with us. I'm so very sorry about your deteriorating health! Are there treatments that can help? I'm sorry I'm so ignorant about treatment of HIV/AIDS. I mean, I know some about treating it as a chronic condition, but I know nothing about HIV/AIDS and aging bodies.

Here's hoping you have access to expertise who can help. Also sending warmth and hugs your way.

[lapucelle]

21. I hope you had a good day today and I hope you have a good day tomorrow.

Your friends here are holding you in our hearts.

[marble falls]

22. All we're asked to do is to do all we can. I pray for your health and comfort.

[yardwork]

23. Bill, I'm glad to hear from you.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. A lot of your old friends have been worried about you. We miss you and love you.

[sheshe2]

24. I am so glad you checked in here with us, Bill.

I have been so worried about you, we all have.

Holding you in my heart with love.💙