411 followed by Tormenting Reflections!

Kaleb, my faithful Border Collie, and I spent our afternoon down on the beach. The first thing he does is roll in the sand then takes off in a sprint to the end of the beach and proceeds to attacks the waves before coming back and settling down by my side. As the warm sun bathes us in radiant light with the brisk wind caressing our aching bodies. I spend time listening and watching the majestic waves crashing against the shore. My mind continuously looping back to "Ryder" & his safety creating a horrible mind frame for concentration. As I reflect on the terrifying and relieving emotions following my first blog. From my lips to my higher power's ear, I pray my story will effect just ONE person!
After revealing my diagnosis yesterday about being HIV+, I have received a variety of responses. Some people were supportive & encouraging while others continue to show ignorance. However, having vowed to never keep hate in my heart, I viewed the ignorant statements as a mere sign that my story, powerful words, & soulful strength will help change the world.
So let's talk about MY HIV status and the 411 on what that means.
Following my official diagnosis, I made an educated decision to start anti-retro-viral treatment (or ARVs) right away. I was informed once I chose to start the daily regiment, I could never stop for the ARVs would no longer work against my HIV strain. After further testing, my wonderful doctor, "Bunny", explained I have a some what rare & resistant strain of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Together we chose the highest combination of ARVs available. By far these are not the only medicines I take every day, however, I started my regiment of Reyataz, Norvir, Epivir, & Viread. Thanks to "My Shining Star" & a special insurance, I am able to get my ARVs at no cost to me.
At first, "Bunny" could not believe my T-CELL count. Throughout all of my blood tests my t-cells stayed around 1,200. Within 6 months of starting my ARVs my VIRAL LOAD was so low it was (and remains to stay) undetectable. A true celebration after my hard struggles.
Now let me explain what all of this means. The CD4 T-cells are the "helper" cells that fight off any infections in your body. HIV- people usually stay around 1,000. When those cells his 200 (or below) that person officially has AIDS and can no longer fight off infections on their own. My count is 1,200. I am above most healthy HIV- people so the fact that I requested testing early is keeping my levels high and safe. Now for the VIRAL LOAD. Viral Load is the concentration of the virus in someones blood stream. So if someone had a very high viral load, that means that the virus is multiplying and taking over and attacking healthy cells. With the help of ARVs, people like myself can get a viral load so low that they are practically not contagious. This does not mean you should not take precautions. It just means that contracting the virus from that person would be more difficult. As most of you know, HIV can be transmitted through blood, sexual fluids (both male & female), breast milk, or if a woman gives birth without taking the treatments required. Women with HIV can conceive, carry, & give birth (via c-section) to a healthy baby if all rules are followed. So some ways to expose yourself (or, my precautions from exposing others however mild it may be) watch out for open cuts, sores, rashes, or exchanging sexual fluids.
Maybe now you can open your eyes to the world a little more!
Tomorrow I will be tackling the fear wrenching in my gut & my concern for someone so dear to my heart! "Ryder" you are in my thoughts tonight as you have been every night for months!