145. Ryan’s story with HIV; The good, the beautiful, the lemonade

145. Ryan’s story with HIV; The good, the beautiful, the lemonade

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett August 8, 2023 Duration: 53:07
How far has science progressed with treating HIV? Quite far and Ryan will share all the details.   Today’s episode will give you a peak into Ryan’s life - from his HIV diagnosis, to breaking the news to his family, to recovering from work discrimination, and to conquering life. Cliché as it may sound but Ryan did make lemonades from lemons.    As you listen to this episode, we hope it gives you a glimpse of what HIV is now, how it’s being treated, the daily experiences of HIV patients and why there shouldn’t be fear and discrimination but instead love and acceptance.     Summary Outline Today’s episode discusses about:  Ryan’s HIV diagnosis  Sharing HIV news to family and opening about being gay  What you can do when diagnosed with HIV  Discrimination in the workplace for people with HIV  Bouncing back up from this   Foot fetishes   Current treatment for patients now   How it’s like with dating and life   Treatment options available for heterosexual men with or without HIV   Who are bug chasers   Condom use for protection  And a lot more    Here is Ryan's message for a new HIV diagnosee: BREATHE!!!  This is not the end of your life but the beginning. Think on the bright side it’s all “POSITIVE” from here on!!!! Touch base with your local HIV organisation. They will have counselling services and/or a Peer Navigation programme or be able to point you to one. In Perth there is POWA(Positive Organisation WA). Find an HIV+ Peer and get peer support or even a group of peers. In perth we have a monthly brunch for People with HIV. Even if you don’t think you need counselling engage with one, its surprising how even when you think you have things sorted how the discrimination affects you. Engage with your specialist/Dr around your treatment options you don’t have accept the first one they suggest. It’s your own body you decide what goes in it and there are multiple HIV treatment regimens available now with different side effects what is best for me is not necessarily the best for you. Enjoy listening! ---------- Websites: https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ http://prost.com.au/   Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett YouTube: Melissa Hadley BarrettLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/   Music David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi  

For anyone who’s ever felt alone or confused about a sexual health issue, The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health provides a rare and essential space for honest dialogue. Hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett, this podcast emerged in 2020 from a collaboration with physiotherapist Jo Milios, born from a shared frustration with the silence and stigma surrounding men's bodies. The show has since grown into a substantial resource, with nearly 200 episodes and over 219,000 streams, reflecting its vital role. What you’ll hear here isn’t just theoretical; Melissa blends her clinical expertise with direct, anonymized conversations from her practice, often including the perspectives of patients and their partners. This approach transforms each episode into a nuanced exploration of real-life concerns-from erectile function and pelvic pain to intimacy and communication-topics that are routinely avoided yet universally impactful. The discussions are grounded in science but delivered with a relatable, compassionate tone that makes complex information accessible. Tuning into this podcast means joining a community where awkward questions are welcomed, evidence replaces myth, and personal stories illuminate the path to better health. It’s a practical guide for men and those who care about them, dismantling embarrassment one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health
Podcast Episodes
168: A Touchy Subject [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
In this episode I speak to the amazing founder of “A Touchy Subject”, Victoria Cullen. https://www.atouchysubject.com/ A Touchy Subject is a great resource for men and their partners about sexual recovery when diagnosed…
167: Porn Star Liam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
Is it possible to break your penis? Yes it is. Today we discuss this tricky penis problem with Liam. This issue is always a problem but even more so when your penis is your livelihood. Listen here to find out how he brok…
166: Running for life - A prostate cancer story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:43
In this episode of the "Penis Project Podcast," I chat with Jason Phillips to discuss his journey following his prostate surgery. Jason wants to give back, get on with life as he knows it and most importantly raise aware…
165: Pete and his Dynamo Penis / Penile Implants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
In this episode of the "Penis Project Podcast," I chat with Jenny and Peter to discuss Peter's journey with penile implants following his prostate surgery. They cover various topics related to the decision-making process…
164: Canada calling - for help! A prostate journey. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:31
Today we speak to George all the way from Canada. George came to Australia and fixed his continence and got his old fella to remember what he was supposed to do. This man had a very complicated and drawn-out post op reco…
163: Is that a gun in your pocket…Frisk search gone wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:46
If you are a regular listener to The Penis Project then you will probably remember Rod Popcorn from episode 53. If you haven’t listened back that far, then I recommend you go back as this is a funny, honest account of a…
162: Online Dating - A first-hand account from an expert. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:30
Happy Valentine’s Day! Since today is the day of love and friendship, I thought it would be a good time to discuss online dating. Today we are talking to Lee, and this is a fun and informative discussion. Lee has been on…
160: Swinging, a first-hand account. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:20
This week, Melissa and Kate speak to a couple who met at a swinger’s group. Yes, you heard correctly, swingers. This is a lifestyle choice that many of our listeners may not know anything about. I think I am open minded…