HIV/AIDS Support
Related: About this forumSorry for missing this but in my defense, I'm in the ICU. News is kind of 2 nature to me now, but this Is important.
RFK Jr. to gut vaccine promotion and HIV prevention office, sources saySource: CBS News
The entire staff of the federal government's Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy is expected to be laid off, multiple federal health officials told CBS News Friday. The moves are part of a broader restructuring plan ordered by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that involves cutting 20,000 HHS positions.
Much of the government's efforts to buoy lagging childhood vaccination rates nationwide have been run through OIDP, including a new campaign called "Let's Get Real" that had launched in the final months of the Biden administration to provide resources and information to health care providers talking to hesitant parents.
"Spreading the truth saves lives, so use our resources to help parents understand how vaccines work, why they're safe, and how they help protect kids," the department had said of the campaign after it was launched.
The Office of Minority Health has also been informed that it should expect to be dissolved, sources said.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-to-gut-vaccine-promotion-and-hiv-prevention-office-sources-say/
Thanks to demmiblue for catching it in https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143428535#:~:text=Feed%20Settings-,Latest%20Breaking%20News,-Related%3A%20General

spooky3
(37,553 posts)brer cat
(26,992 posts)one the mend soon!
And damn these assholes for reckless indifference.
William769
(58,976 posts)(Congestive Heart Failure): Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea), Persistent coughing or wheezing, Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues (edema) (40 fucking pounds, I kid you not!), They have me on a continuous lasix drip to releive the water weight, but instead of a regular catheter (ouch) It's what they call here a pouch catheter which goes over the penis (The urinary bladder is a hollow, stretchy organ in the lower part of your abdomen that stores urine before it leaves your body through your urethra.) I can pee all I want & not worry about it. Tiredness, fatigue, Lack of appetite, nausea, Confusion, impaired thinking (why I decided not to post in here with the exception of this post),Increased heart rate, Weight changes.
P.S. I just can't catch a fucking break.
Yes it can be related to HIV ( had full blown AIDS 3 years, HIV 17 years). But I'm a survivor.

AllaN01Bear
(25,548 posts)i do have afib.tachy cardia and braycardie (that goes the other way) on flursimiede as well.
William769
(58,976 posts)
Ocelot II
(125,172 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
NewHendoLib
(61,169 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)

SheltieLover
(69,627 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)

SheltieLover
(69,627 posts)Hru feeling?
William769
(58,976 posts)I Hurt bad, but people like responding to me here, helps a lot.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)It's good that you got to the doctor and/or hospital where they can take care of you. It's good that you're in the ICU because you're having cardiac issues and they'll watch you like a hawk.
Did you get there under your own power or in an ambulance. Forty percent of water weight is scary as hell so I hope that all the Lasix works. That stuff is brutal, so I'm happy that you have the pouch catheter and that it's more comfortable than an old-fashion catheter.
Sending good vibes your way for a speedy recovery so you can get out of there quickly and go home. I'm so sorry that this happened to you, in your long list of illnesses. They're no fun.
William769
(58,976 posts)


greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)But I have been in ICU. It was some years ago, and I was out of it at the time. But I lived.
William769
(58,976 posts)


greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)I spent three days having weird dreams. Seemed like a lot longer once I regained consciousness.
William769
(58,976 posts)Come on, stop that!
Sorry, I'm on a roll tonight.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)The triplets, who were about 11 at the time, saved me. Also, I dreamed about DU.
William769
(58,976 posts)




greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)



William769
(58,976 posts)Know I love Ya.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)Those nurses had better be nice to you.
William769
(58,976 posts)The C.N.A. is a robot though, I haven't broken through to him yet though.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)Got to ride in a Carriage with lights! I was special.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)At least they got you there fast. So your 4th night there. Hope you're sleeping well.
William769
(58,976 posts)
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)

greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)

William769
(58,976 posts)I wear a C-PAP and I don't like the one they have at this hospital.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)The triplets' father has to wear one, and he hates his. I can't imagine having to sleep with one.
William769
(58,976 posts)I use a full mouth, well becaue I breathe through my mouth & not my nose.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)Just not on my high list of to do's
greatauntoftriplets
(177,742 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)Pretty please.
summer_in_TX
(3,610 posts)The tech who tested me was very experienced. Thankfully she was willing to recommend equipment she knew worked the best because resmed had been working on it longer and had more kinks worked out. I've got the nasal pillow, my husband has a face mask, but just over his nose.
I wonder if they'll let you have the one from home brought up for you to use in the hospital? On the other hand, I hope you get to go home soon.
My husband developed chs about 15 months ago. It's been a journey. He's been in the hospital twice on the lasix drip, but it worked wonders. While it took some learning and trial and error, he's on an upswing now. (Hope you are not quite as stubborn as he is, so you get to feeling better soon and are able to stay that way.)
Sending you all the best.
William769
(58,976 posts)The drip is doing wonders for my leg's & thigh's so far as I can tell. Well I am qiurt stubborn (I think it's in my DNA :blush).
I just want to be able to eat again.
summer_in_TX
(3,610 posts)Will you be able to qualify for cardiac rehab, do you think?
Unfortunately, my husband was outside the window of time. It isn't effective after ten years apparently. He probably should have had it after his valve replacement surgery in 2014, but no one mentioned it to him. He developed a-fib, finally had an an ablation, but then developed chs within a week of that and ended up in the hospital doing what you're doing.
It took awhile mentally to adjust to the new reality. He's done better lately in managing his salt intake and so forth. It's took a year of a roller coaster to get here.
bdamomma
(68,541 posts)for you William769, also you have professionals taking care of you.
Again, we are here for you.
William769
(58,976 posts)

tishaLA
(14,649 posts)when I was still young and spent two weeks in the CCU going through more tests and poking and prodding than I care to remember. When I was diagnosed, my EF was 8 and they put me on the transplant list.
Fast forward a couple years and my heart had returned to normal, no signs of scarring, no cardiomyopathy, and an EF of 60, and I haven't decompensated in all those years, Cases like mine are rare, but there's still a possibility.
One thing I insisted on was getting to target doses of my CHF meds -- Coreg (carvedilol), lisinopril, and something else I can't remember -- as quickly as possible. Like every time I saw my Dr,, I asked him to increase my dosage. It meant I was terribly tired for a few months, but I wanted to be as aggressive as possible in dealing with it.
Keep fighting. It'll be exhausting and your limitations will be angering, but stay stubborn.
William769
(58,976 posts)Thank you for that.
Violet_Crumble
(36,304 posts)I'm really sorry to hear yr going through a really rough spot, but I know you've got the strength to get past this. My mum had congestive heart failure, so I've got an idea how yuck it is.
Get better soon!
William769
(58,976 posts)


Emrys
(8,648 posts)My dad was on lasix many years ago because of heart failure and edema in his legs and feet, and he'd been on it for over a year before some doctor realized they should have been giving him a potassium supplement. This mistake did nothing to help his various symptoms!
I hope they're keeping you comfortable and that you'll soon be on the mend.
William769
(58,976 posts)Taking potassium sucks. They are horse pills! But I take them. Thanks for looking out for me.
Emrys
(8,648 posts)If we have to pill our cat, I smear the pill in butter to lubricate it and help it slip down, otherwise the little devil spits it straight back out. Maybe an idea?
Take care, buddy.
William769
(58,976 posts)But ideas like that re best kept to one self.
erronis
(20,099 posts)How about deviled ham?
halobeam
(5,041 posts)Hugs to you ... wishing you the speediest of recoveries.
William769
(58,976 posts)You're right about the "IV potassium!" It BURNS!
Rhiannon12866
(236,074 posts)As I said, you know that you're now receiving those powerful DU vibes not only from every state in the country and numerous traditional allies as well! Thanks so much for checking in and let us know how you're doing when you can. And as long as you have DU, you'll have constant company and encouragement. Get well soon, hang in there and we're here to keep your spirits up and to keep you company at all hours!
TBF
(35,134 posts)I had a massive saddle PE out of the blue nearly 10 years ago (attributed to one of the new formula birth control pills). Similar in some ways, the PE put pressure on the right side of my heart, and I was worried I was having early heart issues (I was late 40s at the time but have rheumatoid arthritis). They used clot busters via catheter and thankfully I was on my way home after 8 days. Being in critical condition sure reminds us fast how tenuous life can be. Feel better soon, I'm glad you've got good care!
SWBTATTReg
(25,393 posts)we'll continue to hear your voice, strong and proud when you post another one of your amazing posts for DU to ponder, to enjoy, to assimilate, to act on.
hlthe2b
(110,174 posts)I am so sorry I missed the opportunity to give your my support (however distant and indirect) as you struggled with heart failure.
All my love, William769... You are truly a fighter and I'm hoping for that positive turnaround that might not be expected per your post today (May 2). I hope you can "feel" the hugs and intended comfort from your DU family.
cilla4progress
(26,343 posts)Take care.
William769
(58,976 posts)
blm
(114,151 posts)For you, though: 💐🫶🏽💐
William769
(58,976 posts)Hopefully.
sheshe2
(92,345 posts)Your DU family misses you and we need you back home as soon as you can be. Get well soon.
The unconscionable conduct of RFK Jr, taking away any and all access to lifesaving information and resources is harmful to us all. I guess that is the point.
William769
(58,976 posts)I hate to say this but I know from experience. if people can't place a face or a person to this (That's why I never change my avatar), they never think about it.
AnotherDreamWeaver
(2,910 posts)wishing you a speedy recovery.
William769
(58,976 posts)
MLWR
(357 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
mahina
(19,804 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
LoisB
(10,752 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
SheltieLover
(69,627 posts)Healing vibes on the way to you!
William769
(58,976 posts)


bsiebs
(840 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
Think. Again.
(22,330 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)


AllaN01Bear
(25,548 posts)

William769
(58,976 posts)

dchill
(42,570 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
Cha
(311,777 posts)


If HIV patients aren't struggling Enough.. along comes this maniac with a clever axing Life Saving Vaccines!

Mahalo for the link in LBN... I saw this post by JohnSJ and he speaks for me.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143428535#post4
Love you and still sending Healing Energy from Kauai. 🕯️🕊️❤️🌈
William769
(58,976 posts)



Cha
(311,777 posts)Heal and get your "fucking break"!
You are too.. 💕
William769
(58,976 posts)Between you, sheshe, greatauntoftriplets & SheltieLover I truley feel the love around here. Kisses all around.
Cha
(311,777 posts)And We're Fighting for you with our Love and Aloha from afar...
💜
wordstroken
(1,193 posts)Thank you for posting under extremely challenging circumstances. Stay strong.
William769
(58,976 posts)



LetMyPeopleVote
(164,650 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
murielm99
(32,014 posts)Your friends need you.
William769
(58,976 posts)
lapucelle
(20,263 posts)


William769
(58,976 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,275 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
Codifer
(999 posts)We will watch the world for you.
William769
(58,976 posts)
leftstreet
(36,772 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
Karadeniz
(24,499 posts)you get relief from them. Keep us updated....
William769
(58,976 posts)
NEOH
(224 posts)Sending love and good vibes your way!!
William769
(58,976 posts)
angel823
(425 posts)Keep fighting, we need you!
William769
(58,976 posts)
Deuxcents
(22,579 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
canetoad
(19,121 posts)`With love and sincere best wishes. Get well bro!
William769
(58,976 posts)

Spazito
(55,186 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
spanone
(139,239 posts)


William769
(58,976 posts)
malaise
(285,163 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)You are my family.
malaise
(285,163 posts)Get well soon my friend
cliffside
(948 posts)please try and take time for yourself to relieve some stress ... classical music, breathing exercises, whatever makes you relax. I'm familiar with the area and hospitals, have family nearby.
And be an advocate for yourself, in a nice way of course.
William769
(58,976 posts)




cliffside
(948 posts)it is difficult not to pay attention though, but try .... you cannot fight if you're sick.
Don't think you need to answer messages, read, soak in the encouragement and love and post a thank you once or twice a day if you are up to it! I do not mean to preach, but relaxation is good for the body and mind ... should take my own advice sometimes.
William769
(58,976 posts)Last edited Sat Mar 29, 2025, 03:30 AM - Edit history (1)
Doing it ever since.
cliffside
(948 posts)Efilroft Sul
(4,038 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)

BootinUp
(49,937 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)


dweller
(26,665 posts)You are in the best place for your health to improve
Let them heal you
🙏
✌🏻
William769
(58,976 posts)

magicarpet
(18,455 posts)..... and comments here at DU. Priority one is your health.
William769
(58,976 posts)Maybe I'll take a magicarpet ride.
magicarpet
(18,455 posts).... just don't turn the volume up too high. The ICU will think you are having a dance party.
(The black box takes some time to load.....)

DaBronx
(700 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
LexVegas
(6,744 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)



CaptainTruth
(7,699 posts)Sending healing energy.
William769
(58,976 posts)
JoseBalow
(7,659 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
TommyT139
(1,488 posts)The best revenge is outlasting them, so let yourself be taken care of. And if the news is making your beepers beep in bad ways, take a break. If you can watch Netflix, check out The Residence, a kind of cozy, kind of hilarious 8-part binge of a mystery in a White House where the president happens to be gay.
As far as Robert Kennedy Jr.: We who care about HIV -- because we care about our lovers, friends, ourselves and our families -- we have gotten through times like this before, times with the govt not giving a shit if we lived or died. We're in a far better place now, in every way, and while this administration's action absolutely sucks and is evil, the queer and poz communities have more skills and resources than most other groups who are also getting screwed. That's small comfort, I know, but maybe it will help for tonight.
William769
(58,976 posts)I have seen "Cozy" it is hilarious! I know the rest. I survuved the Reagan years, Blessed the Clinton years, and I have to admit for HIV even the Bush years for prescription drug coverage, The Obama years was tough going in the beginning but we ended up hitting the trifecta, trupm 1st time around we kind of sailed through, Biden we breezed through & trump 2 SCHREEEEEEEECH!
Long story short, been there from the beginning.
mercuryblues
(15,641 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
oasis
(52,343 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
nolabear
(43,735 posts)We need you around here!
William769
(58,976 posts)

judesedit
(4,556 posts)Sending healing vibes your way.
William769
(58,976 posts)

area51
(12,334 posts)My brother was diagnosed with CHF 9 years ago, and he's still going strong. I'll keep you in my prayers.
William769
(58,976 posts)
pnwmom
(109,901 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
littlemissmartypants
(27,906 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
Figarosmom
(6,189 posts)And get well
William769
(58,976 posts)
mountain grammy
(27,867 posts)hope you're healing and getting better.
RFK Jr is a nightmare.
William769
(58,976 posts)
niyad
(124,297 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
Ilsa
(62,875 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
calimary
(86,614 posts)I hope you don't have to spend too much time there, and that your recovery continues smoothly and quickly!
I hope you're near a window, or at least you're able to walk to one nearby. Around here, it's flower-budding/blooming time, and there's so much wonderful color everywhere! It sure does lift the spirits.
If you can, please keep us posted on what I hope will be very steady progress toward good health again - and SOON! I'll be watching for updates.
Just thinking about ya!
William769
(58,976 posts)Me too! All private rooms so I have a window on the 3rd floor but it's looking over all the 2nd floor roof's where I'm at!
Yes I will try to keep yoy posted on what they are doing to me & what is helping.
Hekate
(98,094 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
Skittles
(164,853 posts)THAT'S AN ORDER!
William769
(58,976 posts)
Greybnk48
(10,556 posts)You have a lot of friends here who care.
William769
(58,976 posts)
orangecrush
(25,006 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)
sheshe2
(92,345 posts)DU has a lot of love to share.
Sleep tight and have some sweet dreams tonight my friend.
William769
(58,976 posts)

mwmisses4289
(1,254 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
Solly Mack
(95,077 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)skylucy
(3,941 posts)PS This is all Trump's fault. (Sorry. I can't help it. I just blame everything on Trump now, because he's a turd and I hate him.)
Get well soon, William!
William769
(58,976 posts)
ms.pamela
(38 posts)Please get well and rest, we will carry on in the fight for democracy while you heal.
William769
(58,976 posts)

Lifeafter70
(546 posts)That worm brain is hurting so many of us and our loved ones.
Cutting funding and research that benefits all of us.
My son has ACC cancer, there is no cure and little research because of how rare it is. Wormbrain just stomped on what little hope many of our loved who are fighting cancer, HIV and other chronic diseases.
His ignorance regarding vaccine will kill so many children and affect future generations.
I will continue to speak up, protest and fight until they are gone or I'm in my grave.
Take care, rest and know that there are many of us who care.
William769
(58,976 posts)& here's love & hope to your son, we have enough to go around.
Lifeafter70
(546 posts)Now you get some rest.
I have been reading your post for a long time and want to continue doing so.
I started reading du I think in 2005 maybe earlier. First joined in 2008 but was purged doing the great hack. Didn't join back up until 2023. But I have lurked and enjoyed reading du.
So get some rest and let the docs and nurses take care of you
William769
(58,976 posts)I will get some rest just after I post a story in General Discussion.
DFW
(58,217 posts)Just figure that’s you, too.
Nine years ago, when my wife was told she had “the murderer,” and there wasn’t much hope of seeing any light at the end of her tunnel, we just said we’ll go for it anyway. We did, and she indeed has never yet NOT been here. Her month in the hospital was awful, but her nine years since OUT of the hospital have been a lot better. Look BEYOND the misery, and let no one tell you that’s not where you’re headed.
Easy to say, harder to do. Do it anyway.
William769
(58,976 posts)
Meowmee
(9,212 posts)I hope you’re getting better. Another diuretic is aldactone. My father was on that. My cats with chf were on lasix. Hugs to you 🤗
Diet, exercise and reducing fluid intake can all help chf. As well as weight loss. My brother who was recently diagnosed with afib was scared he was going to develop chf and lost a lot of weight, over 50-60 pounds.
https://flowtherapy.com/resource/latest-advances-in-heart-failure-treatment/
William769
(58,976 posts)& hope your father & cats are doing well.
Sparkly
(24,602 posts)I wish I could offer more in the way of prayers and healing, but I'd be a hypocrite. This is a terrible time, and there is no way around that. I can only offer you sincere empathy.
(I was a dance student in NYCity in the early 1980s, and lost many friends. Now I'm facing my own death from a rare cancer.)
There are forums here and elsewhere for sharing thoughts and feelings about what we are experiencing.
Wishing you all the best!!
sheshe2
(92,345 posts)I am so sorry to hear this. I don't send prayers either and haven't for a very long time. I will however send you love and hugs.❤
Sparkly
(24,602 posts)That means a lot to me!
sheshe2
(92,345 posts)
Sparkly
(24,602 posts)I don't quite understand the layers of messaging here anymore.
Sparkly
(Once Disco FABULOUS, now coughing up blood -- but OMG it was so much FUN!!!)
William769
(58,976 posts)Of course we we have love & vibes abound for you here also. We don't turn anyone away.
Sparkly
(24,602 posts)I'm not sure what you are apologizing for -?
And no, we don't.
William769
(58,976 posts)This is why I love DU So MUCH!
Response to William769 (Reply #186)
William769 This message was self-deleted by its author.
LiberalLoner
(11,340 posts)William769
(58,976 posts)
William769
(58,976 posts)& the Nurse tell's you you're wearing them.
Good night & thanks for keeping me company.
Evolve Dammit
(20,773 posts)

uppityperson
(115,940 posts)
Yeah, the orange one's news continues to suck and infuriate
Tumbulu
(6,557 posts)These times are brutal; making it all the more important to send each other love.
Hugs and love my DU friend.