it's more than that. a good friend of mine was diagnosed with HIV in december of 1989. he has never progressed beyond HIV, and a lot of people who know him feel that he's pretty much cured, but he's not. they choose to perceive it that way, however - i suppose it makes them feel safer.

he is very responsive to treatment, and his doctors know their stuff. not everyone is that lucky, but it's still no fun for him. he takes many medications, some of which make him really ill at first, and he's usually a tiny bit queasy, always has a slight metallic taste in his mouth, and has to avoid certain drugs and foods that change when his meds are changed. he has to switch meds regularly, and usually takes 3 different medications in any given period - generally he takes 13 - 18 pills per day. it's worked out really well for him, and i'm glad he's relatively okay, but i'd do a lot to avoid what he goes through. if i had a dick, you can bet i'd wrap that thing up if that's what it took.

of course, this isn't the impression most people will give you if you talk to them about him. they talk about him as if he's really healthy, feels great and couldn't be better... i guess it makes them feel better, but it's pretty much a lie that they tell themselves and others.