Friday, September 30, 2011

number 2

From two weeks to two months.

Exactly two months today when I started taking ARV’s (Lamivudine/Zidovudine and Nevirapine). First two weeks is crucial as this is the window period for the side effects – fever, body pain, rashes. I recalled my friend telling me, if we get through that two weeks alive then we’re ok. At least for me, my friend however, was never spared from the Nevirapine rash.

As for me, the first two weeks gave me fever at night and a slight fatigue feeling at work (in the morning – and I am not even doing anything yet). I am also under prophylaxis, considering my low CD4 count. I have to take antibiotics to protect me from acquiring TB virus and Pneumonia. Two weeks prior starting my ARV’s, I started with my prophylaxis – Zithromax and Cotrimoxazole. Zithromax, which I have to take 1500mg once a week, sent me to the hospital – this is within the two-week window period. Doctor’s findings – Drug Induced Gastritis. So, it is not the ARV’s that sent me to the hospital. It’s my prop.

The day after I got out of the hospital, Nevirapine was increased to twice a day since my body responded well with the meds. Surprisingly, since then I never had fever, I never felt fatigued, no body pains. Lab tests are all ok; result is always within the normal range. Thank GOD! I am still hoping and praying that everything will be ok and that I don’t have to switch meds as this would mean another adjustment.

Today, I feel happy and healthy. There are even times that I don’t feel or think about "it" anymore.

Happy 2nd monthsary to me and my partner – ARV!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

i miss you...

i do...i really do...i am holding on to the promise of friendship...i miss you my friend.

Friday, September 23, 2011

you learn...

After A While
by Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn
that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child
and you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn...