This class continues to amaze me. It's so rare I can say a class has a profound effect on my views. So much of my course work as an science major has been about facts and mechanisms. I always thought that HIV meant the end of life. I never knew about the life expectancy after diagnosis being many years given the right circumstances. So I think I subconsciously have approached most questions in our assignments with an idea that people who lived with HIV took a few pills everyday. There was no real realization of the life changes that the condition would bring because not only is there a bulky treatment regimen to remember each day, that regimen is also a constant reminder of the virus in their system. I know for me, I tend to overthink, and mull, and relate little things to meanings in life and for me, having to manage my simulated HIV each day for the M&M was a constant reminder of not only the virus but of the complications the virus would bring to my life. The stigmas especially. Even when people were not looking at me differently... taking the pills made me feel like I was, "different", an outsider to the carefree people who could roll out of bed with coffee in hand and go about their day without the worry of missing a pill...
It's a very profound place where I am at in my growth in this class and as a person...
I have to go finish my summary now... :)
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I remember I took a pill at a sushi restaurant in front of two girls. They were not really my friends, more like aquaintances. I had to take some medicine, I take it every day of my life. One of the girls asked what the medicine was, and I said "nothing." Later on, I found out she was talking badly behind my back about me taking the medicine, saying if I didn't want anyone asking about the pills, that I should have gotten up from the table and took them in the bathroom! I think she was just mad because I didn't give her an answer to her question.
ReplyDeleteWell, Ashley people can be rude! This module was a big one. I felt as if I could relate with patients much more! I must admitt it was draining taking all these pills!
ReplyDeleteAshley, she would have been more concerned if you had said HIV. People like her are never satisfied. Not answering her or answering her, it wouldn't have made a difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are learning so much in this class, Christine. I would love to see where you are in five years time. You have my email; keep me posted on your life journey.