my name is keith... - TheBody.com's Bulletin Boards

My name is Keith and I'm an HIV+ gay man living heathily in
Seattle WA. I received my diagnosis in 1988 but believe that I
was infected in 1986 by injection drug use. Of course, hindsight
is always 20/20 and I can't guarantee that it was from a needle.
Along with my "partying", I was also very much into sex, usually
anytime, anywhere and practically with anyone. I have probably
slept with approximately 2,000 men but have only had passive anal
sex twice. I have been known to swallow, though....though most
doctors feel there is little chance or question whether there is
any chance from contracting the virus this way. I recommend that
if you're reading this, you don't go out and play even the most
remotely considered "possible ways of transmission" because
believe me, the chance is still to great! If you're not HIV+, why
take a gamble and if you are HIV+, WHY [censored] UP EVEN FURTHER? I've
been on several combination therapies, and trust me-the side
effects of many of the meds are just too great. I recently went
off my meds due to side effects and I recommend that if you are
taking meds, you don't do this either. For about six months now,
my viral load has been increasing at great speed (from 75,000 to
645,000) and my T-cells have plumetted even further. I have 4 and
they all have names. These 4 T-cells are my closest friends and
hopefully, will stick by me through thick and thin but like any
friendship, there are no guarantees. I, yesterday, made the
decision to restart my antiretrovirals and protease inhibitors.
My new combo will consist of 3TC, d4T, Saquinivir and Retonivir.
Wish me luck. I know there will be many visits to the bathroom
due to either throwing up or diarrhea. I also know that
headaches, fatigue, possibly neuropathy will once again rear
their ugly heads....but I'm ready to take that chance...and
should these side effects become unmanageable, I know that I can
stop the medication. I am a firm believer that QUALITY IS MUCH
BETTER THAN QUANTITY! ...but also know that the possibility of
both can exist side-by-side if I'm willing to put up with these
adverse effects. If you want to know more about my life (i.e., my
years spent as a male prostitute, the wonderfully happy 6 1/2
years that I spent in my only monogamous relationship, any of my
hopes, dreams or desires, then e-mail me at tdybehrcub@aol.com
I'm not embarrased about anything that I've done as these things
make up the wonderful, caring, compassionate and loving man that
my friends keep telling me that I am. I love to get mail from new
friends. Good luck and good health to all.

Post Extras: Remind Me!