I can fully understand Matt’s concerns (Letters PN105 Tired of London,
not Life) about a move outside London. I moved from London to Cornwall eight
years ago when I had to give up work because of
my health, and it was the best thing
I could have done.
Shortly after, I became very ill and was hospitalised. A nurse referred me
to Positive Action South West which supports people affected by HIV/Aids in
Devon and parts or Somerset and Cornwall. I received fortnightly aromatherapy
massages and after about two years my extensive psoriasis disappeared and
my CD4/Viral Load counts improved markedly. The therapies and the change of
lifestyle definitely helped. I still use PASW when I need them.
I am happy with the medical service I receive from my GU clinic, although
I know many here still go to London for regular checkups and meds. You are
not necessarily going to get the full range of therapies or latest developments
in drug regimes (New-Fill is not available here). And funding is not as great
as in London. There are no specialist HIV clinics, just GU ones in the main
cities such as Plymouth, Exeter or Truro.
HIV-tolerant? When I first arrived my neighbour said my biggest problems would
be “You are from London, you have more money than the average round
here and you are gay.” In the end, being gay was the least of the issues
and HIV was not even mentioned. My advice? Move and gradually blend into the
local environment. I did this and many of my new friends are aware of my health
status. More became aware when my anonymous appearance on a Worlds AIDS Day
local radio piece resulted in my voice being recognised by several people.
The unanimous reaction was it was not an issue.
Come down and spend some time researching. Find out what it is like to
live here. Check out the public transport, the gay scene, employment, wages
(all minimal). Check out PASW and
the GU clinics. Then decide.
Alan, Cornwall
I call this a year to remember, because I have had more happen to me in this
one year than in my entire life. I found out that I, my life-long partner
and one of my children were positive and I finished university.
My partner and I had to start treatment at about the same time when we found
out we were positive.
For me, it was the side effects in the first two months which were very frightening.
I am sure plenty of you on treatment may know what I am taking about.
If it wasn’t for the support I got from everyone at the Trafalgar clinic
and my family, I am sure I would have easily given up the treatment.
As for now, I am generally happy with my life, thanks to the stories I read
in PN - especially those of Dawn, Raoul and Sara PN 105 which relate to me
as a mother (Sara if you ever need to talk to an adult I’m available).
I don’t feel that I and my family are the only ones any more. I have
a job in the NHS, although I am now looking around for a job to help and support
anybody who ever ends up in my situation.
A Nagawa, London
While I respect Ms Mushore’s right to hold her own beliefs in whatever
deity she chooses to worship, I just want to say:
what claptrap. Go pray to whomever or whatever you chose Ms Mushore, but do
not feel that its okay to preach to me and mine about what is right and what
is wrong. It’s belief systems like yours that have
supported oppressive laws throughout the world. Because of a selective interpretation
of a set of laws, written down as a life guide for semi-nomadic Jews thousands
of years ago, my brothers and sisters have been criminalised, set upon, beaten
up, driven from their homes, imprisoned, raped, tortured and too often, killed
because they are, or are alleged to be, attracted to others of their own sex.
Dónal Traynor, London
Susan Cole (PN 105) - I do read your columns. And you are right I would not understand the cheesy hotel porn! I was glad to meet Susan in Bangkok. I showed her picture to our HIV friends when I gave presentations on the International Aids Conference in Bangkok. Now, I know why she looks so tall. She wears very high heels. Susan, I pray you have a lovely and healthy baby.
Sister Teresa Hsieh,
Director, Lourdes Home,
Taiwan
I had the opportunity, over the last couple of months, to read the Positive
Nation magazine. I am really impressed with the quality of the work done,
the relevance of the subjects, as well as the quality of the information.
PN also has no fear to treat matters subject to controversy and that is also
something to be acknowledged. Finally, not many publications raise the issue
of hepatitis B.
Many congratulations to you and to all the team, as well as to UKC. I know
it’s a lot of work for you all. Keep up the good work that the community
needs.
Dr Michel de Groulard, Senior Adviser, Partnerships Development Country and Regional Support Department (CRD) UNAIDS, Geneva 27 - Switzerland
Wow! I was really excited. I had never read those columns where you have special guests. After I saw one in 106 - I know Kay’e Balogun - it made me want to read all of the previous columns and made me realise what I was missing. Thank you for that. I wish it could be a revelation to others.
Douglas, Leeds.
After my diagnosis three years ago I was promptly dumped by my boyfriend and
thought my life was over. I was given PN by a nurse at my clinic. Eventually
I got the confidence to reply to some of the adverts and then placed an ad
on the website. I was overwhelmed by the response.
I met a great guy and the other week,
after about six months of seeing each other, we decided to get engaged. I
really thought I was doomed to a loveless life and an early death. Now I take
every day as it comes and my future seems brighter than ever.
If anyone else feels like this - they
shouldn't lose hope.
Linda, Manchester
Letters, Positive Nation,
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Letters may be edited for length. Views expressed in letters are not necessarily those of PN or the UKC
