Today's Blood Test

This afternoon I had my blood draw for my routine blood work.  My appointment was at 1:30 in the afternoon and I was fasting all morning preparing for it.  (Come to find out this doctor doesn't make you fast)  Ops.  It was actually a light draw today since they only took 6 vials.  The draw amount really depends on your doctor and what tests they order.  I currently go to the county clinic and they are funded by the Ryan White Act so they don't order as many test as my other doctor did.

Below are pictures from today's blood draw and yes it shows blood.

First picture is the vials empty...

The blood draw in progress...

Band Aid Time...

Vials ready for testing..

In just over two weeks I will have an appointment with the doctor to get the results of my blood test.  This test should have an "undetectable" ready.  The viral load is measured in number of copies of the HIV virus in your blood by a set amount of blood.  The point in which doctors begin to worry is when there are more than 75,000 copies and an "undetectable" means there are less than 50 copies.

Stay tuned for the results of my blood test. 

Blood Work

Tomorrow afternoon I have to go in for my routine blood work.  They will draw any where from 8 to 14 vials of blood to run a battery of tests on.  They will check my t-cells (CD4) and my viral load to track how I am responding to my medications.  Every morning I take 3 different medications (4 pills total) and luckily I have not experienced many side effects.  However in the morning if I want my cholesterol test to be accurate I will have to fast.  Anyone who knows me knows that I do not do well with out food.  Here is a picture of a daily dose of my medications.

I will be posting photos and possibly videos of the blood draw so check back soon. 

PF Chang's Rock n Roll Marathon

On January 16, 2011 I will be running my very first 1/2 Marathon along with my sister, Jena, and Holly.  I have been trying to get 3 runs in a week to build up my endurance for the 13.2 miles we will run that day.  Some of my runs are much harder than the others and I do feel pretty amazing after my runs.  The one thing I really don't like about my runs is that I can't stop and play with all the dogs I see along the way.  :(  I will be running by someone out walking their dog and to see how sad the dog looks when you run by without petting them is really just sad.  They give that irresistible puppy dog face that no one can refuse but you just keep on going.

Anyways...  For anyone who is the Phoenix Area on Jan 16th and wants to run with us or come out and cheer us along let me know. 

The "Facing AIDS" Photo Campaign

Help reduce the stigma surrounding AIDS by putting a face to it and tell people what you are doing to Face AIDS.

Follow these easy steps to make a difference....

1.) Download your sign (PDF) of the "FACING AIDS"

2.) Write your message on the sign and take a photo with the sign like mine below.

3.) Share your photo on your social networking sites.

4.) Add your photo to the Facing AIDS Flickr Group

Help start the conversation and start talking about HIV/AIDS.  Encourage your friends to get tested and go get tested yourself.  Post your comments on here and tell us how AIDS affects you. 

Free Carnival

For those of you in the Phoenix area if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend check out the Carnival at my nieces school.  My Sister (Kirsten Wise Erickson) has put a ton of work into the event and it is a huge fundraiser for the school. 

http://www.candeopto.org/default.aspx

Above is a link to the schools website and below is a link to their Facebook Page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Candeo-Carnival/149656455061542?ref=ts

They have rides, games, and vendor booths.  (Make sure you stop by my moms while you are there and give her a hug and a kiss for me, and buy a few things as well)

It is located in the Northwest Valley off Lake Pleasant Parkway between Happy Valley and Pinnacle Peak.  You can even stop by the Midfirst Bank on Happy Valley and Lake Pleasant Pkwy and tell them I referred you and open a new account. 

Why I'm Wearing Purple Today

Today I am wearing Purple in support of Pancreatic Cancer and November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.  Denise Swartzman a dear friend of mine (Valerie my fiancees mom) is battling Pancreatic Cancer.  She is one of the few to have survived the original diagnosis.  Pancreatic Cancer has the highest mortality rate and is the lowest funded form of cancer.

I have included a few links with more information for everyone. 

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/pancreatic

http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2009/04/pancreatic_cancer_some_facts_f.html

http://knowitfightitendit.org/

Preparing for World AIDS Day on 12/1/10

What are you doing this World AIDS Day?

When was your last HIV/AIDS Test?

Below are a few links that will help you plan your World AIDS Day and information on how to get tested.

http://www.aids.gov/world-aids-day/

Spread Awareness..  Tell someone about your status whether you are poz or not.  Lets get the conversations started.