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Long Term Survival - a new beginning
#4262 - 05/23/00 11:16 AM
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I have been poz for 16 years now (since 19yo... now age 35), and am truly amazed that there isn't much being said about what we're to do with our lives once told (as I was just yesterday by my Dr)"you should prepare for a normal lifespan". This wasn't just a "pep-talk", I assure you - I have gone from the fine line of CD4 200 to current 750/undetectable. It may shock a lot of bitchers out there to hear me say that HIV was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was told I would be dead in 2 years, 14 years ago. Since then, I have visited 12 countries and 53 of our own Nat'l Parks. To my own amazement, I'm still alive! I don't mean to demean people who are just becomming poz, but realizing the important things in life isn't such a bad thing. NOW things are VERY different than the way they were. After spending my entire adult life existing on the "accellerated" plan, I now find I must "re-start" my life. Personally, I have managed to start building up a Nursery/Greenhouse business, so that the few years it takes to build - I can still maintain my SSDI (etc), and assure myself that a long life is a reality. Then, evaluate the future again, and perhaps convert "back" into the goal-oriented career pshycho I was truly born to be. What are you guys doing out there to prepare yourselves for a new beginning? Working the system to get our benefits and assets "in line"was no easy chore years ago - and dumping all that is rather daunting. Are we confident enough to start all over again? Is this our biggest test yet?
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Question, and remember this board is all anonymous, etc., so please know that I have no idea who you are:
How were you able to get benefits like SSDI, etc., for these years? Isn't HIV considered a treatable illness, thus taking you out of the criteria for qualifying?
Just wondering because I have been getting along on about $18,000/year, which is a bitch. I'd appreciate any advice.
Illinois
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I just qualified for SSDI, but it was only after my dr. stated that I could not work and my probability of returning to work was nill. Trust me it is no great $ ammount. It is based on your previous income. Mine was fair and I am only getting $931.00 per month... less than what you have. Out of that I have to pay my COBRA to continue insurance... make too much to qualify for Ryan White or any other aid. If I could be working I would be, keep working for as long as you can, it only adds to any eventuial SSDI income.
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I am + for 17 years now nad agree, this is the best thing that ever happened to me too.
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hey what's up Paul. Just found out I'm poz about a week ago. Your story is truly inspiring. Thanxs a lot for sharing.
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hey paul, what drugs are/were you taking to get you to the state you are now?
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