Touchy Subject - bit depressing

[WindingRoad]

So I spoke to my brother on the phone tonight. First off, I already knew he was HIV positive but tonight he told me his T-cells were much lower normal which didn't surprise me as he's been getting opportunistic type infections/illnesses. I know his condition has now officially become AIDS according to his viral load and T cell titer. I have a very intricate knowledge of the biology surrounding the testing and disease itself. I realize that new medicines are very effective at treating HIV and AIDS. In my mind I keep telling myself he will be fine and live a long life but I just keep getting an 'unsettled' feeling.:( It's probably just a bit of shock. I'm having a difficult time with this.

[KnottedYet]

(((((windingroad)))))

I treat a lot of HIV+ and AIDS patients. Some of them are remarkably healthy. It is a shock. Hang in there.

[Cataboo]

I'm really sorry - I know it's very hard to see someone you love suffer.

I've been reading about some promising research recently on HIV/aids but I'm not sure whether it's reached clinical trial stage - but it might be worth researching to see if it's an option for your brother. Basically they did "cure" HIV in one person a couple years back by happening to be able to give them a bone marrow transplant from a CCR5- donor, so that the new immune system was HIV resistant. Since the odds of a MHC compatible bone marrow match that happens to be CCR5- are fairly low, there's various efforts to be able to genetically engineer bone marrow stem cells to suppress CCR5 expression.

clinicaltrials.gov should have a list of any HIV trials that are being done.

This might help:
http://investor.sangamo.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=363201

[shootingstar]

((I'm sorry Winding.)) Does your brother live far from you? I hope you'll get together soon.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Windingroad & brother)))))))

Uncertainty and chronic illness can be h*ll on everyone, sometimes even worse than having a definite outcome looming. :(

Hang in there. Keeping you both in my thoughts.

[TryingisDying]

(((((HUGS))))))) Keeping you and your brother in my thoughts.....((((HUGS))))

[WindingRoad]

Thanks for all of the support it really means a lot to me. My brother is one of those patient's who is in remarkably good shape, in fact he also informed me he is now training for a triathlon. He's an awesome cyclist! He gets his blood tested all the time, he does what he's supposed to. Unfortunately he was a raging alcoholic a few years back and that was when he contracted the virus. But he seems to have changed mentally and physically for the better since his diagnosis (aside from the obvious of course). I just hope my niece doesn't have to go down that road (alcoholism runs in the family). She doesn't know her dads condition but I think she is starting to suspect it. For that matter my parents don't know either because we were afraid my mom would constantly worry about every little thing. I suggested to my brother we reconsider telling my parents. After all we were never sick as kids so I know my mom will start piecing things together soon if she hasn't already. So many variables in the equation.... the CC5R therapy is looking very promising. The good news is that he is just starting therapy and his doctor believes he is going to respond better than most given his good physical condition and that he is only just now needing medication. He obviously isn't feeling bad at all he's still training for the Hill Country Ride in April. It's a hundred mile ride to raise money for AIDS research. It's in Austin, Texas: those hills aren't for the faint of heart. This is why I say my brother has turned into an awesome cyclist, for one he's doing the HCR and another he's doing it on an very old steel Allez with downtube shifters. Bike is in great shape but most of the guys he rides with have fancy new carbon super lightweight bikes. He rocks!:D

[roadie gal]

I don't have much to add except to say that my thoughts are with you and your brother.

[indysteel]

Lots of hugs, WindingRoad. I'm very sorry to hear about your brother's diagnosis. I'm glad, however, that the diagnosis sobered him up. Mentally and physically, that has to help his situation, as well as his daughter's.

[Trek420]

(((((windingroad))))) (((((windingroad brother))))

Some of the strongest cyclists I've ever seen or met. Does your brother know about:

http://www.pospeds.org

check out the jerseys :)

[NbyNW]

(((WindingRoad & brother)))
Sounds like you have a very close and supportive relationship with your brother. Hope his treatments go well!

[arielmoon]

*hugs*

Hang in there and stay strong!

[GLC1968]

I'm sorry, WindingRoad. It sounds like you guys have a great relationship. I hope his treatments go well!

[badger]

hoping for all the best for you and your brother! I'm glad he's been able to turn his life around and that he's got an awesome sister like you!

[sgtiger]

Wow, he does rock! I hope his treatment goes well and hang in there, WindingRoad.

[TsPoet]

I'm glad to see he has a good level of fitness, I think that helps.
{{{{{hugs to you both}}}}}

[AnnieBikes]

Does he know how lucky he is to have a sister like you ?!!! ((hugs))

[PamNY]

Your brother sounds like a remarkable man, and you sound like a terrific sister. Best wishes to both of you.

[Bike Chick]

I am so sorry, WR. My thoughts and best wishes are with both of you. You are both fortunate to have each other. Hang in there and take it a day at a time.

[ASammy1]

(((((WindingRoad and brother))))) Keep strong!

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, I am so sorry. I am very close to my younger brother and the thought of him being ill like that gives me chills. I'm glad he has you to support him through this and that he is physically and mentally strong, himself. (((hugs))) to you all.

[channlluv]

Not much to add, but love to both of you, and the hopes that your parents take the news - all of it - well.

Roxy

[tribogota]

I am surrounded by friends who are HIV+ and even when they are totally healthy and have great test results it is always worrisome, always.