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
(37,505 posts)brer cat
(26,957 posts)one the mend soon!
And damn these assholes for reckless indifference.
William769
(58,826 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
(25,280 posts)i do have afib.tachy cardia and braycardie (that goes the other way) on flursimiede as well.
William769
(58,826 posts)
Ocelot II
(124,889 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
NewHendoLib
(61,145 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)

SheltieLover
(68,424 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)

SheltieLover
(68,424 posts)Hru feeling?
William769
(58,826 posts)I Hurt bad, but people like responding to me here, helps a lot.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 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
(58,826 posts)


greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 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
(58,826 posts)


greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)I spent three days having weird dreams. Seemed like a lot longer once I regained consciousness.
William769
(58,826 posts)Come on, stop that!
Sorry, I'm on a roll tonight.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)The triplets, who were about 11 at the time, saved me. Also, I dreamed about DU.
William769
(58,826 posts)




greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)



William769
(58,826 posts)Know I love Ya.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)Those nurses had better be nice to you.
William769
(58,826 posts)The C.N.A. is a robot though, I haven't broken through to him yet though.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)Got to ride in a Carriage with lights! I was special.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)At least they got you there fast. So your 4th night there. Hope you're sleeping well.
William769
(58,826 posts)
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)

greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)

William769
(58,826 posts)I wear a C-PAP and I don't like the one they have at this hospital.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)The triplets' father has to wear one, and he hates his. I can't imagine having to sleep with one.
William769
(58,826 posts)I use a full mouth, well becaue I breathe through my mouth & not my nose.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)Just not on my high list of to do's
greatauntoftriplets
(177,687 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)Pretty please.
summer_in_TX
(3,593 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
(58,826 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
(3,593 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
(68,309 posts)for you William769, also you have professionals taking care of you.
Again, we are here for you.
William769
(58,826 posts)

tishaLA
(14,633 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
(58,826 posts)Thank you for that.
Violet_Crumble
(36,274 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
(58,826 posts)


Emrys
(8,636 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
(58,826 posts)Taking potassium sucks. They are horse pills! But I take them. Thanks for looking out for me.
Emrys
(8,636 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
(58,826 posts)But ideas like that re best kept to one self.
erronis
(19,857 posts)How about deviled ham?
halobeam
(5,041 posts)Hugs to you ... wishing you the speediest of recoveries.
William769
(58,826 posts)You're right about the "IV potassium!" It BURNS!
Rhiannon12866
(234,880 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
(35,119 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
(25,329 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
(109,913 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
(26,319 posts)Take care.
William769
(58,826 posts)
blm
(114,110 posts)For you, though: 💐🫶🏽💐
William769
(58,826 posts)Hopefully.
sheshe2
(92,146 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
(58,826 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
(58,826 posts)
MLWR
(349 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
mahina
(19,763 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
LoisB
(10,587 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
SheltieLover
(68,424 posts)Healing vibes on the way to you!
William769
(58,826 posts)


bsiebs
(836 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
Think. Again.
(22,330 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)


AllaN01Bear
(25,280 posts)

William769
(58,826 posts)

dchill
(42,404 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
Cha
(311,190 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
(58,826 posts)



Cha
(311,190 posts)Heal and get your "fucking break"!
You are too.. 💕
William769
(58,826 posts)Between you, sheshe, greatauntoftriplets & SheltieLover I truley feel the love around here. Kisses all around.
Cha
(311,190 posts)And We're Fighting for you with our Love and Aloha from afar...
💜
wordstroken
(1,185 posts)Thank you for posting under extremely challenging circumstances. Stay strong.
William769
(58,826 posts)



LetMyPeopleVote
(163,638 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
murielm99
(31,961 posts)Your friends need you.
William769
(58,826 posts)
lapucelle
(20,223 posts)


William769
(58,826 posts)
Diamond_Dog
(37,121 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
Codifer
(965 posts)We will watch the world for you.
William769
(58,826 posts)
leftstreet
(36,760 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
Karadeniz
(24,460 posts)you get relief from them. Keep us updated....
William769
(58,826 posts)
NEOH
(218 posts)Sending love and good vibes your way!!
William769
(58,826 posts)
angel823
(424 posts)Keep fighting, we need you!
William769
(58,826 posts)
Deuxcents
(22,343 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
canetoad
(19,022 posts)`With love and sincere best wishes. Get well bro!
William769
(58,826 posts)

Spazito
(55,185 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
spanone
(139,130 posts)


William769
(58,826 posts)
malaise
(284,477 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)You are my family.
malaise
(284,477 posts)Get well soon my friend
cliffside
(922 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
(58,826 posts)




cliffside
(922 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
(58,826 posts)Last edited Sat Mar 29, 2025, 03:30 AM - Edit history (1)
Doing it ever since.
cliffside
(922 posts)Efilroft Sul
(4,013 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)

BootinUp
(49,839 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)


dweller
(26,602 posts)You are in the best place for your health to improve
Let them heal you
🙏
✌🏻
William769
(58,826 posts)

magicarpet
(18,321 posts)..... and comments here at DU. Priority one is your health.
William769
(58,826 posts)Maybe I'll take a magicarpet ride.
magicarpet
(18,321 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
(698 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
LexVegas
(6,714 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)



CaptainTruth
(7,663 posts)Sending healing energy.
William769
(58,826 posts)
JoseBalow
(7,573 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
TommyT139
(1,427 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
(58,826 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
(15,613 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
oasis
(52,311 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
nolabear
(43,712 posts)We need you around here!
William769
(58,826 posts)

judesedit
(4,552 posts)Sending healing vibes your way.
William769
(58,826 posts)

area51
(12,317 posts)My brother was diagnosed with CHF 9 years ago, and he's still going strong. I'll keep you in my prayers.
William769
(58,826 posts)
pnwmom
(109,873 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
littlemissmartypants
(27,756 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
Figarosmom
(5,878 posts)And get well
William769
(58,826 posts)
mountain grammy
(27,833 posts)hope you're healing and getting better.
RFK Jr is a nightmare.
William769
(58,826 posts)
niyad
(123,883 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
Ilsa
(62,800 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
calimary
(86,444 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
(58,826 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
(97,794 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
Skittles
(164,468 posts)THAT'S AN ORDER!
William769
(58,826 posts)
Greybnk48
(10,549 posts)You have a lot of friends here who care.
William769
(58,826 posts)
orangecrush
(24,727 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)
sheshe2
(92,146 posts)DU has a lot of love to share.
Sleep tight and have some sweet dreams tonight my friend.
William769
(58,826 posts)

mwmisses4289
(1,116 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
Solly Mack
(95,015 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)skylucy
(3,932 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
(58,826 posts)
ms.pamela
(38 posts)Please get well and rest, we will carry on in the fight for democracy while you heal.
William769
(58,826 posts)

Lifeafter70
(533 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
(58,826 posts)& here's love & hope to your son, we have enough to go around.
Lifeafter70
(533 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
(58,826 posts)I will get some rest just after I post a story in General Discussion.
DFW
(58,080 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
(58,826 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
(58,826 posts)& hope your father & cats are doing well.
Sparkly
(24,574 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
(92,146 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
(24,574 posts)That means a lot to me!
sheshe2
(92,146 posts)
Sparkly
(24,574 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
(58,826 posts)Of course we we have love & vibes abound for you here also. We don't turn anyone away.
Sparkly
(24,574 posts)I'm not sure what you are apologizing for -?
And no, we don't.
William769
(58,826 posts)This is why I love DU So MUCH!
Response to William769 (Reply #186)
William769 This message was self-deleted by its author.
LiberalLoner
(11,205 posts)William769
(58,826 posts)
William769
(58,826 posts)& the Nurse tell's you you're wearing them.
Good night & thanks for keeping me company.
Evolve Dammit
(20,678 posts)

uppityperson
(115,925 posts)
Yeah, the orange one's news continues to suck and infuriate
Tumbulu
(6,549 posts)These times are brutal; making it all the more important to send each other love.
Hugs and love my DU friend.