[brephi]

I am at wits end right now. My brother has been diagnosed HIV+, has lost his job, has no money, no life insurance, no health insurance and all of his fair-weathered friends have disappeared. He lives on the West Coase and I live in the Midwest. I had to respect his lifestyle because he is an adult and that was his choice. All I asked him to do was to practice safe sex to avoid contracting HIV+/AIDS. He couldn't or wouldn't do that. Well, it's too late now. He's gone from 170 lbs. to maybe 100 lbs, according to my sister who is now with him trying to help him to get better. I couldn't make the trip to see him because I've recently had back surgery and am in no physical condition to travel. He is such a good person and to hear him in such pain really brings me down. Please excuse any typos because I am crying as I am typing this message. I don't know how much more of this I can bear, but I have to. He is the one really suffering now so I feel selfish thinking about myself. Please pray for him. Thanks.

[myoasis89]

Originally Posted by brephi

I am at wits end right now. My brother has been diagnosed HIV+, has lost his job, has no money, no life insurance, no health insurance and all of his fair-weathered friends have disappeared. He lives on the West Coase and I live in the Midwest. I had to respect his lifestyle because he is an adult and that was his choice. All I asked him to do was to practice safe sex to avoid contracting HIV+/AIDS. He couldn't or wouldn't do that. Well, it's too late now. He's gone from 170 lbs. to maybe 100 lbs, according to my sister who is now with him trying to help him to get better. I couldn't make the trip to see him because I've recently had back surgery and am in no physical condition to travel. He is such a good person and to hear him in such pain really brings me down. Please excuse any typos because I am crying as I am typing this message. I don't know how much more of this I can bear, but I have to. He is the one really suffering now so I feel selfish thinking about myself. Please pray for him. Thanks.

I'm so sorry this happened. I will definately keep your brother in my prayers. I think people need to be more informed on HIV and AIDS. It's horrible to be stuck with this disease. I hope he gets better...you're not selfish by the way. Some siblings are not even close with their sisters or brothers and would not offer their help. You're courageous and he's lucky to have a sister like you since all of his friends have vanished. Good luck and keep us updated...we're always here to listen

[thunderbear]

I am so sorry that your brother is sick. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers. I don't think you are being selfish. You have to worry about you too. I agree with myoasis. It is wonderful that he has siblings like you all. I hope everything goes ok. Take care of yourself. Your brother needs you to be strong for him.

[deliquesce]

oh brephi. i'm so sorry that you, your brother and your whole family are going through this .

i will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Michah]

Hi there, we already have something in common.......our love of chihuahuas!!! I have one called Coco. When I feel out of control I give her squeeze and a kiss and somehow I feel better for a moment..........do it lots and you feel better for heaps of moments!

Rely on the small things......thats what gets you through. HIV is nasty. One of our close friends is HIV+. So I understand the uncertainty and fear. Medicine is much better now at staving off the bug. He will do well.

I will pray for your brother to see his way safely through this journey, I will pray for you whilst you are providing support to your brother and healing for your surgery and to your family for the support they will need to give in the future.

Good Luck