#584 Aging with HIV: Discrimination, Treatment, Hope

The Not Old - Better Show

Aging with HIV: Discrimination, Treatment, Hope

The Not Old Better Show, Art or Living Interview Series

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today’s show is brought to you by Chess.com and Faherty Brand Clothes. Please support our sponsors and check out today’s show notes for special offers from Chess.com and Faherty Brand.

Our guest today, Dennis Fleming, age 62, is a social work consultant based in Sacramento, California. Diagnosed with HIV in the early 1990s, Dennis has struggled to find an effective treatment regimen for decades, until Dennis learned about Rukobia – an HIV Therapy for heavily treatment experienced (HTE) adults living with HIV.

Following his initial diagnosis, treatments were not yet available, and he had a hard time coping with his status. Nearly five years later, he began treatment with an antiretroviral therapy, but with limited success. The experience led him to stop treatment for a year, resulting in a severe case of toxoplasmosis. After recovering from this life-threatening experience, Dennis Fleming became determined to prioritize his health.

Older HIV-infected gay men may experience multiple forms of stigma related to sexual orientation (homonegativity), HIV (HIV stigma), and age (ageism), all of which can negatively impact quality of life (QOL). We’re going to be talking about what Dennis Fleming has witnessed in 30 years with aging and HIV, his unique perspective on how HIV has changed during the last four decades and Dennis Fleming will share what this milestone means for long-term survivors, including how treatments have evolved? Fewer pills, prevention? Hope. Be part of society. What are friendships and family life like? Stigma…

Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show via internet phone, Dennis Fleming.

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