Subscribe to this blog's feedLife’s happenings has trumped my HIV – mostly
I cannot decide whether I like it or it sucks.
I have been keeping myself busy with so many things.
First, I had March that heralded spring. St. Paddy’s Day was quiet though and I focused on Easter because I was going to cook for my parents – being a dutiful gay son. I had started exercising and eating right soon after but again my back began bothering me. So, I went to my doctor and also spoke to a therapist who both told me I was pushing myself too hard with trying to walk. Too much, too fast. I was told to concentrate on lower stress, low-impact and cardio exercise and therapies. So, I have been re-working some of my more demanding exercises with more rides on the stationary bike, less stressful parallel bars, calisthenics and Pilates routines. I still use my rolling walker every day too. But now, I try to use it more to do little things to help build up strength in my lower back and stand to do everyday chores like dishwashing. I am determined to lose another 10 pounds and to build up stamina to walk – even if it’s only with the walker! Setting a more realistic goal has been harder for me, but it is the smart thing to do.
I REALLY hate the idea of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair!
The weather has been much better here especially in April so I made sure to enjoy the sun and warm weather. I was able to sun bathe a number of times which I liked a lot. Oh, I know the health concerns. But, I always use sun block, never allow myself to burn and limit my time to actually lie in the sun to an hour and a half each day at the most. I try to be smart even when I love doing something that many say are bad for you. It makes me feel wonderful and reminds me that I am not dead yet. So, I don’t act like I am.
The sunnier weather has given me added ambition to do house cleaning chores that I have let go for the winter. And, yes, from my power chair too! I have done so many of the hated or un-thought of projects from wiping down kitchen cabinets to shampooing the living room carpet.
The warmer weather has inspired me to exchange my fall/ winter clothes for my spring wardrobe of shorts, Ts and short-sleeved shirts. Of course, with the past few days as April ended, I was glad I kept handy a few sweatpants and heavy shirts! I even cleaned my room for spring, changing my bed spread too, to a lighter, more summer-like weight and look. Well, for the 2 weeks of 70s and low 80s, it all was a fortuitous change, but lately, hardly – thank God for heat!
Speaking of gas – whether for heat or my mini-van – what sticker shock as it continues to climb. I find myself being so much more frugal in trying to stretch it. Thank God/dess, it has been getting warmer and sunnier and less heat has been needed. But, for sure, I plan to be a bit smarter when it comes to the air conditioning later in the summer! My driving has become an all day event out for groceries, dog food, dry goods, pharmacy, etc. to make one big trip every few days. I ask my parents if they need anything too, so I can pick it up for them as I go to do my errands.
No more just going for a joy ride or going to pick up one thing anymore! BUT, I am still planning my road trips to New Hope/ Philadelphia and New York City.
I have been reading up and catching up on different comments and BLOGs on AIDSMeds.com and today I had the funniest comment every posted to one of my posts, “More than a wheelchair; more than HIV”. I was told that by using ice compresses on my head daily that I would be cured of my PML and, as an added bonus, any “immoral gay thoughts!” THAT made me chuckle – I am sorry, but I do not see myself as an immoral human being!
In March and April, I decided to be more pro-active in meeting men via Internet. Well….
After a concentrated effort to connect with gay men, I was able to garner a few very good and nice pen pals both HIV positive and negative, of all ages. But, along the way, Lordy – some of the guys are just on there for sex – big surprise, right? Not really. What did surprise me was the number of men looking to “discuss safe sex” or not even disclosing their status at the very start. I would be worried not to. I am more afraid if they are truly negative or of other STDs. And, the other amazing thing is how guys will still believe a partner who claims to be negative or clean without a second thought.
Other than being a cyber hussy, I became a sympathetic ear for some and I felt good being able to help an indecisive guy or a guy just down and out. I am good at being uplifting!! I am also grateful some guys bestow their life’s lessons on me or impart some wizened bit of advice.
Oh, and I voted for the first time. I voted in the Pennsylvania primary on the 22nd and I will only confirm I registered Democrat and voted as such. I don’t want to start a big debate on which Democrat I voted for, but I am sure most would agree – 8 years of Bush is WAY too much! I had to vote if I am going to complain! HE HE
Ron, you're simply amazing! While most of us have to force ourselves to exercise, here you are forcing yourself to go easy!
You are quite an inspiration.
Any news on your book's publication date? And please tell us what subject you are tackling for book number two. (And I apologise if you already did and I missed it or misplaced the information somewhere in the depths of my grey matter)
That guy who recommended the ice-pack on your head should go boil his own - I hear that cures people of judgemental attitudes. ;)
Ann
dear ron i wont take my statement back about ice cubes wrapped in plastic bag in closed windless room on head and forehead area it is non toxic treatment u havent got anything to lose it is very effective against depression suffered by gay men it knocks it out completelyit can be used periodicaly as an maintenence therapy with no side effect.it reduces risky behaviour among men period hetero or gay and ice cubes on spleen reduces swelling and makes liver new and so to the kidneys like new and apple vinegar to knock out low fever caused by aids virus.whos gonna have a last laugh.u will be suprised
Ron:
It sure was nice to know that ya are getting those dreaded things done around the house even if ya have to do them from your power chair ( hey ya still get er done so what makes it difference if you are standing or siiting ).
I know that it is hard after all to think about being confined to a wheel chair for the rest of your life but hey bubba being stuck in a chair sure as hades beats the alternatives does it not !
I also know that mobility is rated among the things that others take for granted but not this brazen bear sure does not ( I spent three months in and out of a wheel chair so I know the plights of getting from place to place under one's own power not to mention having to deal with those doors that are not
compatable with the ADA standards for such people like us .
I feel tha I must give ya a real great deal of thanks for being able to conquer your fears of getting out into the sun I myself tend to stay on the porch while the big bears go out into the woods (lol).
So here's a big ol southern bear hug to ya for your efforts of making things easier for the rest of us by speakign what's on your mind for all to see !
"ice compresses on my head daily that I would be cured of my PML"
Fuck is that all it takes? I've wasted a bunch of money then on meds....LOL
Working on your tan yet?
so much l apprciate your need 2 know your mate status l would advice that you go 4testing before you have sex with that mate of yours.pliz insist on that ITS SAFE goodluck
so much l apprciate your need 2 know your mate status l would advice that you go 4testing before you have sex with that mate of yours.pliz insist on that ITS SAFE goodluck
If your friends actually did KILL a cockatoo by slamming the poor defenseless creature around in a car, then you should be ashamed of your horrible self for making such light of it. I don't care what you've been through, you are heartless to post about it the way you did and your friends are psychotic. That is sick animal abuse and people like that should never be allowed to be near any animals. Where is your compassion? There is NOTHING even remotely humorous about them killing a bird. I was researching AIDS and now I wish I had never found your horrible blog. What a depressing thing to read about, animal abuse.