Pop Goes The Cherry

So I figure that you have to start somewhere, so here it goes...

I figure I should give you a little background info on me.

I am 30 years old, living in Kansas (yes by choice), I have a wonderful partner who I have been with for almost 13 months, I am returning to college (after 13 years away, it has been a wild ride), and I am HIV +.

As I mentioned, I am in a relationship, making me the positive side of a "magnetic" relationship. The issues that face a couple like ours are surprisingly not all that different than those that face normal couples... we fight over the usual sex, money, and time more than anything, and of course we have the silly fights that everyone loves (like what to eat for dinner... I mean really, can't he just effin choose something?). Overall, ours is a great relationship, and we certainly have a little deeper understanding of the importance of our time together than most couples. I am also significantly older than him, so we also have issues of me being a bit too parental, not that he isn't guilty of the same thing with me. I just sometimes have to remember that I was young once too, and notoriously did stupid things.

Going back to school has been really fun, I have been studying at the local community college for the last 2 years. I have been really successful at it (with the exception of this semester), and decided to transfer to Kansas State University this summer. That transition hasn't been easy since I have to give up my health insurance and prescription plan, opting instead for student health care, combined with Ryan White CARE Act drug coverage... very scary!

I am quite healthy, with CD4 counts of 794 and a Viral Load of 90k. Last month my doctor started me on meds as a preemptive strike. The side effects have really been kicking my ass, but seem to be fading a little with some manipulation. Speaking of which I need to take my meds... brb... there, did you miss me? I am on a combo of Lexiva, Norvir, and Truvada. As I understand it, a very common opening combo.

I am also preparing to ride in AIDS/Lifecycle 6, a 545 mile bike ride in June that I am completely unprepared for. The rides mission is to raise money and awareness for HIV related services. It has been tough. But I have 23 days left to go... I am scared shitless!

Anyway, that is enough background info for now... I will try to post at least 3 times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less, but that is my goal. I am gonna try to write as freely as possible, a true window into my poz new world.