David Downie's Journey From HIV Nurse to End of Life Patient Part 1

Seeing Death Clearly

This episode is the first part of a two part episode where I had a deeply personal conversation with my friend David Downie, a former nurse who worked during the early days of the HIV pandemic. As someone who grew up in the 80s, I was aware of the epidemic but didn’t understand the full scope of what it was like for those on the frontlines. A few weeks ago, while on a phone call with David, I learned more about his powerful story, and I knew I had to invite him to share his experiences on the show.

David began by recounting his time as a nurse, starting in Colorado, when the HIV crisis began to unfold. In the early days, the disease seemed far away, affecting mostly communities in New York and Los Angeles. However, it soon reached Colorado, and David found himself caring for friends and patients affected by the epidemic. He worked in the ER and eventually at HIV clinics in Denver, witnessing the devastating toll the illness took on individuals and communities.

David shared the emotional burden of those early years when there was no test for HIV and people lived in constant fear of contracting the virus. When testing became available, the fear of a positive result weighed heavily on those waiting for answers. Later, when he moved to Los Angeles—one of the epicenters of the crisis—he worked at an HIV clinic and saw the early effects of treatments like AZT, which, despite offering hope, came with harsh side effects.

As our conversation progressed, David opened up about his current health struggles. Nearing the end of his life, he spoke candidly about his experience with heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. He shared how his meditation practice, rooted in our shared connection at a meditation center in Philadelphia, has helped him cope with physical pain and navigate his final months with greater peace. David’s reflections on the inevitability of pain and death, and how meditation has shifted his perspective, offer a powerful message on finding acceptance and serenity in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

You can follow David's personal journey on his YouTube page. https://www.youtube.com/@daviddownie5594

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