Thanks to Terry
Thanks for your excellent response to Ashley [see Reader’s Forum, March/April 2009 issue]. I know both gay cowboys and Indians from South Dakota.
I used to live alone on 13 acres in western New York (in the county which has the greatest number of horse owners per capita in the state). I put some “cowboy bait,” i.e. horses, out in the yard and soon had me a gay cowboy partner. HIV-positive, like me, to boot! Yee Haw!
Thanks again for your response. I enjoyed reading that issue with the cowboys on the front, and even read it front to back because of the cover and the content (something I don’t often do).
—N.R.
Cassadaga, NY
Climbing every mountain
After reading Jeff’s Editor’s Note in the March/April 2010 issue, I want to share with you how important your work and your organization are.
I have been HIV-positive for 20 years now. I met an outreach person from TPAN in May 2000—yes, at IML (International Mr. Leather). I was amazed at the scope of help and harm reduction efforts your staff provides. Anyway, the good man I met gave me a t-shirt. It reads on the back “Fuck Safe…Shoot Clean.” I have worn that t-shirt out.
You see, each October 11th (the anniversary of my diagnosis), my family and I climb Blue Mountain in the Adirondacks. In fact, the t-shirt has made it up many mountains in the Adirondacks.
As I climb the mountain, many folks ask me about the shirt; some are open to an HIV prevention message and, well, some are not. But I wanted you to know that as I continue to climb my personal mountain, your organization has been there with me for each step.
I work as a case manager at Albany Medical Center in New York. I often use your magazine as a teaching tool, and the very colorful list of meds hangs on my wall only to be replaced each year when the new Drug Guide comes out. Keep up the good work.
—Hank
Good for the bones
Since starting treatment in 1995, I’ve seen Positively Aware in different doctors’ offices and various HIV/AIDS organizations throughout the country. While waiting to see a doctor at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, I just happened to see the May/June 2009 issue. What really caught my attention was “How to Have Stronger, Healthier Bones” on the cover. I started reading the article “Make No Bones About It” because for the last two years, I’ve suffered several fractures and a broken leg, all inexplicable until that moment.
When the doctor came into the room, I informed him about the article and that I had been taking Viread for several years. I was immediately taken off Viread and put on Isentress. We also talked about other things that could be causing my bone loss. One thing that he mentioned—which was confirmed in your January/February issue—is a low testosterone level, which I’ve also suffered from for the last 10 years. I currently receive testosterone injections every four weeks, and more blood work is being done to determine if there may be other underlying conditions contributing to my bone loss.
Basically, I just wanted to say that if I had not seen the May/June issue of PA, I would not have been able to point those problems out to my doctor. So, thank you for providing a very informative magazine and also a big thank you for my free subscription! With your help, I’m able to stay on top of my HIV treatment and care. Keep up the good work.
—William Smith
Anamosa, Iowa
GAPA fan
Foremost, thank you for this wonderful publication that, in so many ways, raises the awareness of people and is a valuable weapon in the fight against ignorance, cultural bias, and social stigma.
I’m from Africa and am always drawn to the articles about HIV/AIDS in Africa. Though I’m at times disheartened, I’m hopeful for a better future for those who are suffering from this pandemic.
I read your November/December issue and was greatly moved by the article, “Fighting HIV One Grandmother at a Time.” It would really be a blessing for me if you would send me the address of GAPA in Cape Town, South Africa. I would like to write directly to the organization and share with them my moral and spiritual support.
Lastly, I read with interest the article on sexual assault in prison. Something that needs to be exposed is the involvement of correctional officers in these assaults. In many cases, the officers are directly involved and are aware of the situation beforehand. Next time you write such an article, I hope you’ll investigate the officers’ involvement. Continue to do the wonderful work that you do. Thanks a million.
—B.P.
Comstock, NY
Small world
I work at the Denver Public Health Department where I do HIV testing and counseling, and work with the Linkage to Care program that provides referrals for persons with HIV to medical care and other resources. I just received the March/April edition of Positively Aware, and although I have not been able to look at it in detail, what I have seen is great.
I also thought I might share a little story. Just last week, I was working with a young man here in Denver who is from the Chicago area. He happened to see the copy of PA that had the picture of Dr. Chad Zawitz and he said, “I know him!” It goes to show how small our world is getting, and for this patient, I think it was comforting to see a familiar face, even though it was just on the cover of your magazine.
Thank you for your efforts at producing Positively Aware. Please know that I appreciate having it as a resource to give to the patients I meet with. Keep up the good work.
—Michael Furhiman
Denver, CO
Drug Guide Correction
In the “New to the Game?” section of Positively Aware’s annual drug guide issue (March/April), where recommendations are listed from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for preferred medications in first-time HIV therapy, the regimen for pregnant women should be Kaletra plus Combivir, not Kaletra plus Truvada as stated. Positively Aware regrets the error.
