Support System

Just got back from lunch with a friend. Blanco Cafe makes a killer tortilla soup. Chiflado has a support system comprised of friends and family. They have been there through my ups and downs, my infamous roller coaster of emotions.

I've been having a severe bout of nausea for a few months and my nutritionist put me on the BRAC diet. That's bananas, rice, applesauce, and crackers. Yum. I'm ready for Shady Pines!

Everybody's been calling to check on me. Guess I should mention my name here, Chiflado. Where I grew up in San Antonio TX, a chiflado is a spoiled brat and I was Chiflado from birth baby.

After guzzling bottles of Maalox and Pepto-bismol, my PCP finally found a fabulous medication that seems to be working. So my problem is under control for the time being.

Another part of support are support groups and I'm off to one right now. Gotta keep up with the latest tea.

Ciao

I FIND OUT!

18 March 2004, 9 a.m. I had an appointment with a doctor that turned out to be an infections disease doctor. Boy was she mad at me! A case of shingles finally got me to get tested again for HIV. The social worker said if it's okay you don't have to come in, but if we need to see you, that's a different story. Charming.

So there I was all alone as I have been all my life. The whole visit was surreal and still is to me. I had 3 t-cells. Not only did I have HIV, but I was fully diagnosed as an AIDS patient because of that lucky number.

She ran a bunch of tests and gave me prescriptions and set me up for further lab testing. I was in a fog. The social worker wanted a list of my sexual partners, I was in a 'monogamous' relationship or so I thought. I gave no names since I didn't know any and promised to tell my partner.