Good question JimFromWisconsin. You've gotten some great responses. Like you, I would love to be in a support group or gathering event(s) where we share, shaking hands, group hugs, etc. But even in a big city like Atlanta (I live in Midtown Atlanta), it seems every gathering is online. However, that's okay w/me. Connection, even online, is essential, informative, and a learning experience. Online, I've signed up for several HIV/AIDS research groups and organizations to learn the latest project (I'm HIV+ 42 years and 78 years young). Being in a group such as myHIVteam, this is where the "lived experience" exists.

To be honest I don't know how I arrived here but am happy that I did .

I meani being the dinosaur of the group my past experiences I have related in response to others questions have been beneficial to them ......

Then of course it's always good to be part of a consortium of one's own kind because we are not afraid to speak openly about the problems as they arise so others can be made aware of future possible problems and if and when they arise do not cause panic because the topic was brought up here among friends who offered different solutions based on their own life experiences ........

Then of course there are THOSE problems that folks don't want to speak of openly yet a private note can be the answer that brings two folks from different points on this big blue ball together because they shared a bond of commonality on a subject ....

So keep sharing and learning from each other about meds , side effects of same. , and of course plans for the future because " dammit we are still here " despite all the things life has thrown at us we managed to as a group or as a single person have over come 😀 !

I've been on this site since it started (not the very start, site was 2 months old when I joined). When I first joined I was the 1,480th person worldwide to join. now we have over 51,856 people.

Jim. I love the idea of a big dinner table. Don't remember how I got here, but I am here and if by sharing my experiences, offering an ear or prayer, or just by sending someone as HUG, I feel that I have accomplished something. Again, blessings to us all.

I'm here because it helps to have others that are able to help you with issues you are going though and they understand what you are going through. They can offer suggestions as to what they did when they had the come across the same issue as you. Also I feel I have made many good friends on here, The original two I started with and felt a connection with are Gabriel and Ernie, then others came along and we became a cohesive group. I enjoy reading the things that others have thoughts on. It helps me with my thinking.