Ron's POZ Blog

I drove for the first time – ALONE – to my Infectious Disease doctor for the first time in 7 ½ years since being back home on 9/26 and my counts were: 630 T-cells and viral load remained undetectable. 6 years and only that slight blip in April of this year!!

As you might have gathered from previous BLOGs, I got the Chevy Uplander with all the conversions I needed: a remote side door and ramp, the middle row of seats removed for my Jazzy, driver’s captain’s chair that electronically goes front and back – up and down – swivels, a steering wheel knob and a hand-controlled brake/ accelerator. So, this “Update” will be a bit shorter since I had been sending so much.

I enjoy my freedom to go to the drug store, doctor’s appointments, shopping (grocery and the mall), post office and even road trips when I want to. Damn, it’s nice

My first road trip was 9/7/07 for a long weekend in New Hope, Pennsylvania where I got to see old haunts and old friends! It made me miss my old life and made me think about doing things to change my life and begin enjoying my freedom more. I definitely want to go back again to New Hope soon. I also would like to head toward NYC too, after I get even more comfortable with the van.

I sent for a disabled plate for the van on 9/26. I have a placard which is great, but my father suggested it being that drivers behind me would know then too. I had to go for a new physical on 9/17 for my application and also because I am trying to get a new Jazzy. Medicare allows a new one every 5 years so I am going to try too. My physical went well – everything else is normal or strong, so good news for me. I was told to start a calcium supplement because she feels it is a good idea being in a chair even though I exercise. She also told me I should weigh 180, so realistically, I should lose another 15 – which I am going to try.

The weight loss will also be good for my overall health I am sure. BUT, one of my nieces is getting married in early November. Added incentive!

I re-did my clothes storage in the storage shed here. I did have one 6 feet stationary wardrobe rack with a cover, but now went and replaced it with 2 three feet rolling racks with covers. I put all my suits, sport coats and pants/ jeans in one. The other has all my shirts and a few coats which is right now the one I will use more since I have been rotating my summer and winter clothes. I will admit that I was very melancholy going through my clothes because they reminded me of my life 8 years ago in NYC. Sigh.

I am still practicing my handwriting every day – one day in Spanish and the next in French and so on. I read aloud every day and now on Wuthering Heights. I just finished Persuasion – I figure I’d read some of the classics that well-read people are always talking about.

September is here and I am loving the warm, sunny days with no humidity – or bugs – so life is good right now for me. I try to spend as much time out in the sun – playing with the dogs too. Winter will be here soon enough!

I think I am going to actively pursue joining and participating in local HIV positive groups. It will be easy now for me to go and drive myself. It will give me the opportunity to make new local friends who understand me as we share knowledge and tips. My friends which are negative are very good to me, but 90% will never really truly understand, so I am hoping this new step will add a new dimension to my life. What do you think?

Anyway, my next update will be in late December or right after the New Year!