Healthlopnik

"KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs" (kusabisensei) 09/05/2018 at 16:20 • Filed to: None

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I haven’t been to a doctor in 12 years, and I finally went. I’m still trying to process all that I’ve had happen to me. Note that this is somewhat personal, so if you don’t want to read it, you can move on.

My doctor was recommended to me as someone with a good manner and specializes in gay men’s health issues. Even so, it took me a while to actually book the appointment. This is due to the fact that I absolutely hate talking on the telephone to people I don’t know.

Because I live out 40 miles from Atlanta, I drive in on the day of the appointment, and sign in. We have a consultation about myself, and he wants to get me tested and bloodwork done so I can be prescribed Truvada. This is because I’ve been forcing myself to get out of my house, meet other guys and make some friends. My doctor wants me to be on it as the Southeast has the highest HIV infection rates in the US.

I have never been so frightened in my life during the blood draw and giving me an immunization (I’m terrified of needles), but the initial vitals look good. Resting heart rate looks fine, blood pressure is in a very good range. The only vital that is seems off is the fact that the scale read 281 lbs. I suppose I’ll have to go on the Colin Chapman diet for track days.

Fortunately, on Monday, the lab work came back and my prescription is currently on order at the pharmacy (because their ordering got backed up because of the holiday). They did tell me that because of my insurance and Gilead’s co-pay assist program, I will be able to have my prescription for $0 out of my pocket.

So I suppose this is good news. It’s more of me growing and being more of an adult and taking charge of my health, and the health challenges that I face as a gay man.

TysMagic > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:27

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Taking steps towards better health is awesome. Go you for making the effort - no internet sarcasm intended. 

Honeybunchesofgoats > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:28

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Dude, it’s life changing, but don’t forget your condom anyway. Part of being an adult is being more concerned about your health, and you get to an age where you realize that’s an okay priority to have. 

Chariotoflove > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:31

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I went and got an HIV test as part of getting ready to get married. I knew there was no reason to suspect a positive, but still, I did get an awful lot of transfused blood after the accident at a time when they were just beginning to test the blood supply for HIV. So, I figured it was the responsible thing to do, you know?

The time spend waiting between the blood draw and the results was terrifying. I’m a scientist, and not prone to irrational worrying. I understand how viruses work and all. Still, my animal mind told me it was reduced to a 50-50 chance either way. Sometimes just confronting something brings up all the fears.

Anyway, this is all by way of saying I’m glad things are looking good for you.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Honeybunchesofgoats 09/05/2018 at 16:31

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I now have the ability to make sex sound incredibly unsexy, by claiming that Truvada is but one tool available in the risk management toolbox. Something something combinations are needed to make sure all risks are managed effectively something something.

Now I’m a project manager. Damnit.

ttyymmnn > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:32

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Last fall, I went to the doctor because I was having pain in my esophagus/chest when I swallowed. It had been going on for a long time, but I never got it checked out, and I’m usually very proactive (bordering on hypochondria) when it comes to calling the doctor. Once I saw my doctor (whom I like very much and have been seeing for years), he laid out a number of possibilities for the pain, one of which was esophageal cancer. I’ve been a cigar smoker for 25 years, and while one generally doesn’t inhale cigars, there is still a lot of smoke . He also said that esophageal cancer is a very aggressive cancer. So I had a whole battery of tests done: blood, urine, barium swallow, x rays, heart stress test, you name it. It took about a week to find out that I didn’t have cancer, rather a hiatal hernia. But the week between first hearing the C-word and finding out the results was one of the worst, most fraught weeks of my life. I was mostly angry at myself for making all those poor choices, angry that I might have really screwed up, and was finally paying the piper. It definitely causes one to reevaluate some things.

I would encourage you to start making annual visits with your doctor for a physical, or even a general check up . Not only is it like preventive maintenance on your car, you will also build up a rapport with your doctor, which will help you be more comfortable about seeing him. And best of all, you might catch something scary in the early stages.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > ttyymmnn 09/05/2018 at 16:33

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I have to have bloodwork done every three months while on Truvada. Includes a full HIV/STD screen and a kidney function screen (as that’s the most common side effect in the clinicals, reported in approximately 3% of patients)

So since my doctor does the bloodwork, he’ll be seeing a lot of me.

Honeybunchesofgoats > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:35

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That’s attractive in and of itself though...

The closest thing I had to a sex talk was at 16: “did you sleep with that girl?”

“Yes.”

“Did you use a condom?”

“Uh huh”

“Okay.”

At some point you just start to realize that you can be way more sex positive if you’re a stickler about protection.  

ttyymmnn > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:35

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That’s good. 

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Honeybunchesofgoats 09/05/2018 at 16:37

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That was part of my reasoning. I want to help keep my partners safe as well. Even if it’s not a long term relationship, I still want that for them.

We all deserve that.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 09/05/2018 at 16:38

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Truth. I had been lax on getting my renal ultrasounds done as part of my regular care as a paraplegic . Good thing I did when I did 6 years ago, though. My doctor caught the renal tumor that surely would have killed me had it been allowed to grow without being removed early. Six years cancer free and very grateful.

Honeybunchesofgoats > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:39

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And that’s freeing! After I got an HPV vaccine, I felt much better about being a total dipshit. 

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:41

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Ugh, this hits home. My primary care doc retired in December and I haven’t looked for a replacement yet . My former psychiatrist recommended him years ago on the basis that he is/ was LGBT friendly. I don’t go to her now and am at a bit of a loss on how to proceed. He left a list of recommended docs that are accepting new patients, but I have no guarantee they’d be gay friendly. (Most of his clientele were retired straight people, which was hilarious as I started seeing him in my 20s. )

Boop. Anyway, congrats on making positive life steps.

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 09/05/2018 at 16:44

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I finally had a colonoscopy last year, my first one. I had just gotten over a violent, bloody intestinal infection of some sort. My doc said, “Ever had a colonoscopy? You will now.” Fortunately, everything is good, and I don’t have to have another for ten years. But I know men my age who have never had one, and while I won’t chastise anybody about how they handle their health, I will say that a colonoscopy is as hard as falling asleep and waking up, and there’s no reason in the world not to have one done. Unless, of course, you can’t afford it.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:47

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I actually had an almost identical experience recently, except I didn’t go on PrEP because the fact that no one wants to fucking touch  me is effective enough at preventing HIV.

Can’t get an STD if you don’t have sex.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 09/05/2018 at 16:47

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It’s the prep that’s miserable . My wife just had hers. Every 5 years for her, since her grandmother and aunt died from colon cancer, which is far worse than getting this procedure.

Mercedes Streeter > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 16:48

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I hate going to doctors who aren’t my transgender primary care doctor. There are usually all sorts of fun things that happen and ugggh.

As of right now it appears the histamine response of my body is screwed up. Any time I scratch myself red bumps appear and stay. It’s consumed most of my right hand and arm and I’m getting scared. I guess I’ll have to see a dermo. :(  

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 09/05/2018 at 16:51

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My wife turned 50 this year. Her father died from colon cancer which had spread to his liver , and I’m having trouble getting her to have one. Yes, the prep is not pleasant. But cancer, as you say, is worse.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 09/05/2018 at 16:56

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Keep at her.

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 09/05/2018 at 17:01

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Don’t worry, I will.

E92M3 > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 17:31

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I wouldn’t have sex with anyone without a condom unless they were tested after we met, it came back clean, AND I thou ght they were trustworthy (not cheating around). My ex-wife got a STD by cheating and not using prote ction. Atlanta is no joke when it comes STD’s, and it doesn’t matter what economic class you belong to , your sexual orientation, etc... NO ONE  is to be trusted with your life.

feather-throttle-not-hair > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 18:22

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I have a similar personality. Good on you for getting checked out! I’m in my mid-30's at this point and though my natural inclination is to just be like “fuck it, leave me alone” I do enjoy the peace of mind that comes with more frequent trips to the doctor for regular check ups.

Best of luck out there, and reading your posts below, its really cool that you’re thinking of your potential partners out there and keeping it as safe as possible. 

fhrblig > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 21:15

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I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself, and good on you for looking out for your potential partners.

Honestly, I think every gay man who is single and sexually active should be taking Truvada and using condoms.

The Dummy Gummy > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/05/2018 at 23:24

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I think we all take advantage of our good health while it’s there and just assume it’ll always be there. You’re not alone. I work in that industry and I’ve been absolutely shit with keeping up, until recently. Last year I got incredibly sick and I told myself it was time to buck up. I’m no longer alone and people depend on me... a lot. I do it for them. If it’s just you, do it for yourself in 20 years.

Glad you got your prescriptions . Consider Keto or seeing a dietician to work on the weight. Diabetes is no joke. In regards to Truvada, just k now there are a lot of amazing options out there that are life changing. The world is in a much better place than it was 20years ago. Stay safe friend.

pip bip - choose Corrour > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/06/2018 at 06:22

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you should see a doctor once a year.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/06/2018 at 06:32

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I’m a lazy bastard who is the exact opposite of what most people think a gay man should look like, and I’ve got guys who want to bed me (and have told me as such)

I know it sounds trite, but you do have to meet the right partners. I had to force myself to get out  of my house and go to a gay bar. It was worth it.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Mercedes Streeter 09/06/2018 at 06:36

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I could have found a GP much closer to where I live, but not knowing if they would have an issue with being LGBT+ honestly scared me. So that's why I drove into Atlanta.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Honeybunchesofgoats 09/06/2018 at 06:37

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I got round  1 of Gardasil 9 too. And will probably get Hep A next time I'm in his office.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > E92M3 09/06/2018 at 06:40

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For sure. PrEP isn’t a license to not wear condoms, because it doesn’t do a blasted thing against other STDs.

Since Atlanta is so high on the HIV infection rate in the US, it's more prudent to be on it anyway, as you may not make the world's best decisions when in such a sexually charged situation.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > fhrblig 09/06/2018 at 06:46

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Absolutely! My plan is PrEP + condoms to help manage my risk and theirs.

I believe a man should watch out  for those he has been entrusted with. I know there are guys who won't do that, because they are selfish pricks, but I will. I'm just that way.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > pip bip - choose Corrour 09/06/2018 at 06:50

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I have to see him every three months while on Truvada. Mandatory blood work to monitor kidney function.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/06/2018 at 07:07

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My problem is a bit more complicated. I live on an island with a negligible gay population. That means I have to turn my attention to the mainland. I get interest, sure, but then they realize that seeing me requires extra effort, and they just sorta evaporate  on me.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/06/2018 at 07:50

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Since most of my guys are at least an hour’s drive away from me (and in your case a ferry ride) you’ll have to make a weekend trip of it, or whenever you aren’t working.

In my case we’ll likely all end up planning play weekends and get a whole group together, knowing that some people may have to spend overnight as it is inconvenient to drive home and back.

This is the other reason why we all like going to conventions.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/06/2018 at 16:55

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I try but traveling is difficult what with being on an island and all. I spend a few weekends in Ptown every year for events (Bear W eek and so on) but that's about it as far as socializing. Hard to make day trips when you have to work within the constraints of a ferry schedule.