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veterans vs. newbies...let the fists fly.....
#242174 - 09/21/08 11:40 AM
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I have been reading a lot of posts back and forth where the veterans bash the newbies and then somebody tries to throw in a neutral post to the effect that the veterans really have all the info.
But--here's a thought--HIV has changed quite a bit since 1984. Those diagnosed more recently will have a much different experience with the virus.
This is sad for those diagnosed 25 years ago. But, it does not belittle or take away from the experience that the "newbies" are having. It doesn't make it less valuable, their opinions less important, or their experience less real.
Everybody's voice deserves to be heard. And not met with such hostility.
Thanks for all of you who post your thoughts, opinions, and experiences. It's really amazing to read everything from the newbies to the veterans and all of the different experiences people are living for and through.
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franfrog
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Legend
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Reged: 01/05/06
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Posts: 1342
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Loc: NJ
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lovinlife
You make a great point but I do not think that it is the veterans against the newbies so much. I know I am labeled in this forum as a veteran but Iknow that I am still learning new things about this disease and medication that is out and still to come out.
When I come on as a "veteran" I am here to give support and hope to those "veterans" and "newbies" as I know that it is what I hope for when I am on here.
I think everyone does deserve to be heard and everyone will have an opinion. I also have learned that you have to have thick skin to come on here and expect to get some advice or posts that you do not like to hear.
I also think that it is what made me who I am today.
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AIDS2HIV
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Legend
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Reged: 12/19/05
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Veteran/newbie is just categorized by post count....
far as things changing, aside from the mortality & new infection rates, nothing really has changed, sure there are more meds now, than back then. Sure some facets of the science have improved, but those are only in the areas where the most money is made. You have to understand, HIV meds are so vital to those who need them, they are at the mercy of the manufacturer what they pay, and because of the politics involved of supply & demand, HIV meds are in the books for being some of the fastest pushed through the FDA, with very limited trials. Other than that and the USA footing the bill for every other country's HIV, with the promise to say a certain government approved jingle* Other than that not alot has changed...
HIV/AIDS is very much STILL a learning disease that is still in the early stages, doctors only get limited textbook and lab training in order to get that doctorine, still they depend on each individual patient seperately and collectively to "teach" them actual treatment....this disease and it's treatment, is tailor made to be host specific, meaning everyone respond's differently, yet share enough common denominators to be lumped into yet more categorization*
lets see...what else has saw significant change....more than half of the states in the US have turned down the funding for the failure known as Abstinence Only Programs. More recent, many states are losing the funding to even track/monitor HIV/AIDS.
lastly, there is one more change, ....over 30 years of red tape & hoop jumping have accumulated, and stacked against us.
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ScotCharles
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It is true that those of us who had the virus before protease inhibitors became widely available in the late 90's have a different perspective on HIV/AIDS than those who tested positive in the last ten years.
For me, I see an alarming trend toward the notion that HIV infection is not a serious matter with long term consequences in those who are newly infected. The HIV meds are dangeous drugs that effect the body at its most basic level; an effect that is not at all well understood. For instance, I have read recently that the damage to the pancreas done by certain protease inhibitors could lead to increased incidence of diabetes and early onset senile dementia in HIV positive people.
The recently diagnosed should learn to respect the experience of those of us who have struggled with HIV for decades. Youth always resents the counsel of experience; however, it is the responsibility of experience to continue to offer counsel.
The important counsel that I wish to offer is that HIV infection is a life changing event and that this change must be worked through to acceptance by the infected. HIV will continue to challenge the infected with new opportunites for change and growth. Without acceptance, the HIV+ person risks becoming mired in anger which can be expressed in self destructive habits.
We veterans are guilty of the bias of experience which can blind us to new ideas. So newbies continue to challenge us veterans with your ideas and allow us space to challenge your ideas. Hopefully our dialogue will give all of us new insights.
ScotCharles
--------------------
Life is a river.
Carpe diem.
Edited by ScotCharles (09/22/08 12:30 PM)
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Great post SC perhaps some truth in what you say, lets hope that over the years to come we will all benefit from emerging treatments perhaps even a ((dare I say it) cure
--------------------
How Many Roads Must A Man Walk Down Before He Admits Hes lost
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ScotCharles
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Legend
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Hope. Once I was wandering lost in Venice trying to find the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Health. I dispaired of ever finding it, when I saw written over a doorframe the phrase "Anchiave Espero", which roughly means "There is always hope." Just around the corner from that doorway was the Church entrance.
Later I learned that the door over which Anchiave Espero was written was the way by which Plague victims were admitted to the Church to plead their cause before the Sacrament.
I have never forgotten that experience; but, I still cannot abandon myself to what I see as the disappointment of total trust in the power of Hope. My loss, perhaps.
ScotCharles
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Life is a river.
Carpe diem.
Edited by ScotCharles (09/22/08 12:33 PM)
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Chuck that was a beautiful story, and very well received. Thanks. D
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AIDS2HIV
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Legend
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if LovinLife is a newbie to me......shouldnt i be bashing them? just want to stay on topic  ~
Co
(who is just kidding)
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Co-
Please start the bashing....I won't ever earn veteran status without it damn-it.
you can really take off the gloves and get rough. just don't break my rose colored glasses that i'm so determined to hang onto (their Dolce & Gabbana--I'm unwilling to part with.......).....................
T
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All you have to do to earn your veteran status is stay current with the trouble makers.. LOL (ONLY KIDDING). They know who they are, and know why we are talk to them, I guess they are popular. D
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AIDS2HIV
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Legend
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LOL....actaually, Lovin, most all of us "veterans" got the post counts up quickly to that status by working the AM I threads, answering questions,etc....they add up quick in there*
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stilhere
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Newbie
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Reged: 09/26/08
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I know I may be a newbie to thiwebline,but let me asure you I am a longterm survivor (24)yrs. at least I lost my wife to this dreaded diseas on August10 1995,and keep on going Just6 months short of the beginning of H.A.A.R.T. meds.if I sound bitter it;s because I still am she was truly my soul mate
I don't mean to bug anyone out but am just having one of those days. Look forward to many lighter conversations. I know I have a lot to give sorry
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