Continue to be brave my friends. HIV is only a small part of our lives.

I am a Long Term Survivor of near 40 years. I am almost 70 years old. The secret to my survival is Focus on my health and wellbeing, and directing my focus on my goals in my life. Ensuring myself that I have a purpose and a reason for still being here. Surrounding myself with Positive people and things that help me to grow and achieve my goals.

Try this and see how your journey goes. What have you got to lose. Be Blessed, Bruce

Funny you should say this @A myHIVteam Member. We just did a routine visit with my partner's audiologist.

His hearing aids are coming up on 5 years. The new ones have AI chips, and probably run $5000. That said, hearing aids are soon to be OTC, and probably much less expensive.

My partner not only struggles with his hearing, but his voice is more of a harsh whisper from vocal cords damaged by an opera career.

There is a joke that most of the conversations between partners amount to each of you saying, "WHAT?" from adjoining rooms. 🤠

PS: Once a week I go to a Zoom group so that I can be heard (and practice my listening skills). 🤠

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A myHIVte...

I asked this because lately I've been feeling left out of the picture. Whether it be family or my partner I think people misunderstand what it is to live with HIV and or Aids. I think they become your caretaker instead of your lover and your family worry all the time. They forget that you're still alive and that you have an opinion and a goal and a desire and a means to an end. And sometimes this HIV diagnosis blinds everyone to who you really are and just label you as a person with hiv. I fight hard for my dignity and my voice and will continue to do so.

I certainly felt unheard 5 plus years ago, when I realized my cognitive abilities were slipping. My work was demanding and mistakes had serious consequences. I felt brushed off by several doctors. Knowing I wasn’t completely up to the task, I left my career leading a team of designers of military ships at 58.

When that happens I choose just to observe and not speak until spoken to. Our time is more valuable than their conversation.