Stephen Fry : HIV and Me

Dymetrie · 09-10-2007, 22:20

Well I've just watched the second part of this documentary and have been astounded at some of the stories and facts which have been revealed by it.

Most notable is the fact that a third of the people with HIV in this country are unaware of it (although not surprising considering the current levels of promiscuity amongst the youths of this country) and the fact that over 25 million (yes, a figure which is worryingly close to half the population of this country!) people in Uganda are infected.

The way in which the documentary was handled was amazing. Stephen Fry was the perfect person to present it as he is such a reassuring and empathising person. The way in which he presented the facts and spoke to those people who were open about their status was brilliant and he has earned even more respect from me than he already had.

The courage of the people who were included in the programme was heartening as, due to new drug treatments, the most debilitating thing about HIV/AIDS now is not the disease(s) itself but rather the stigma which comes with it.

The final story had me almost crying out in astonishment. A man who was born a heamophiliac, contracted HIV in the mid/late 80s through a blood transfusion, was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma at the end of the 90s and has now been told that he is going to die of liver disease. Yet through all of this he has not only married but has two children (both of whom are HIV negative, as is his wife) and refuses to give up.

More information here.

Although I was completely open minded about not only the disease, but also about those with the disease before watching this two-part documentary it has opened my eyes even more to how devestating it can be, not only to the physical health of an individual, but also their mental health and self-esteem because of the reactions from others.

Pebs · 10-10-2007, 00:29

We've been bombarded with facts at work about this and the figures are astounding. The most prolific carriers/infectors in Essex are women infecting other men/women partners. 63 people diagnosed just in Essex last month, the majority women. And other STDs are on the increase too.....the message is getting lost somewhere.

Blackstar · 10-10-2007, 00:49

My friends new wife is HIV+ and i really wish I'd managed to see this, any chance of someone who has is recorded being able to send it to me?

BBx · 10-10-2007, 09:28

What channel was this on Dym?

BB x

leowyatt · 10-10-2007, 14:24

I'm being ignorant here having not watched it yet, but from the title it suggest Steven Fry is HIV+ is this the case?

Belmit · 10-10-2007, 14:25

I haven't seen them but I don't believe so. Will get round to watching them eventually though.

leowyatt · 10-10-2007, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belmit

I haven't seen them but I don't believe so.

Ah ok I was a but

when I read the title and just wanted to check.

Desmo · 10-10-2007, 14:52

The title had me wondering the same thing mate

leowyatt · 10-10-2007, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desmo

The title had me wondering the same thing mate

glad it wasn't just me

Dymetrie · 10-10-2007, 15:20

Hey, it's what the programme was called!

09-10-2007, 22:20	#1
Dymetrie A large glass of Merlot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Letchworth with a Lightsaber Posts: 5,819	Stephen Fry : HIV and Me Well I've just watched the second part of this documentary and have been astounded at some of the stories and facts which have been revealed by it. Most notable is the fact that a third of the people with HIV in this country are unaware of it (although not surprising considering the current levels of promiscuity amongst the youths of this country) and the fact that over 25 million (yes, a figure which is worryingly close to half the population of this country!) people in Uganda are infected. The way in which the documentary was handled was amazing. Stephen Fry was the perfect person to present it as he is such a reassuring and empathising person. The way in which he presented the facts and spoke to those people who were open about their status was brilliant and he has earned even more respect from me than he already had. The courage of the people who were included in the programme was heartening as, due to new drug treatments, the most debilitating thing about HIV/AIDS now is not the disease(s) itself but rather the stigma which comes with it. The final story had me almost crying out in astonishment. A man who was born a heamophiliac, contracted HIV in the mid/late 80s through a blood transfusion, was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma at the end of the 90s and has now been told that he is going to die of liver disease. Yet through all of this he has not only married but has two children (both of whom are HIV negative, as is his wife) and refuses to give up. More information here. Although I was completely open minded about not only the disease, but also about those with the disease before watching this two-part documentary it has opened my eyes even more to how devestating it can be, not only to the physical health of an individual, but also their mental health and self-esteem because of the reactions from others. __________________ Khef, Ka and Ka-Tet....

10-10-2007, 00:29	#2
Pebs Easymouth Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 6,716	We've been bombarded with facts at work about this and the figures are astounding. The most prolific carriers/infectors in Essex are women infecting other men/women partners. 63 people diagnosed just in Essex last month, the majority women. And other STDs are on the increase too.....the message is getting lost somewhere. __________________ ...faster you naughty little monkey! Running through hell, heaven can wait!

10-10-2007, 00:49	#3
Blackstar Ambassador of Awesome Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Edinburger Posts: 3,676	My friends new wife is HIV+ and i really wish I'd managed to see this, any chance of someone who has is recorded being able to send it to me? __________________ Jim Garrahy's Fudge Kitchen

10-10-2007, 14:24	#5
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	I'm being ignorant here having not watched it yet, but from the title it suggest Steven Fry is HIV+ is this the case? __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!"

10-10-2007, 14:25	#6
Belmit The Mouse King of Denmark Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The Winchester Posts: 6,476	I haven't seen them but I don't believe so. Will get round to watching them eventually though. __________________

10-10-2007, 09:28	#4
BBx Reverse SuBo Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: London Posts: 8,673	What channel was this on Dym? BB x

10-10-2007, 14:52	#8
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	The title had me wondering the same thing mate __________________

10-10-2007, 15:20	#10
Dymetrie A large glass of Merlot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Letchworth with a Lightsaber Posts: 5,819	Hey, it's what the programme was called! __________________ Khef, Ka and Ka-Tet....