All About Hiv / Aids Discussion + I Suspect I Might Have Hiv Symptoms + Hiv Medication Prep + I Tested Positive (Compiled)

[Avecinfuser]

there is also Dr TT Tan at SGH clinic A who is from the infectious disease dept.

And if you are worried over the cost of medication, you can always switch to the generic version of the meds which is cheaper and equally effective. If you go thru CDC etc, they cannot sell you generics and then original ones cost a bomb.

also join Club CG and be active in the group. Every quarter you can apply for the Paddy Chew subsidy. But if you are already under the CDC subsidy, then you will not be eligible for this one.

Hi there, just wanna ask what is this Paddy Chew subsidy? Please elaborate. Thanks.

[Avecinfuser]

Haha! Of course you can acknowledge. Please carry on the positive forces to encourage many many who are thinking of committing suicide due to HIV.

You are welcome! Its my pleasure and honor to those who read my posting a year ago, though it isn't something we should be happy about, but hey look... We won't die! Hehe...

It was unintentionally but yet I am glad my true encounter encourages others who are newly diagnosed HIV+ and changes their mindset.

May the force be with you guys "HIV+", you really can lead a better life by thinking positively. Hugs.

Hey there, I'm also somewhat in your boat. This is my 11th month since I was diagnosed. Still staying strong and healthy. Thanks for the encouraging words. Kudos!

[Guest HIV 5 years]

Apologies, just as a clarification, in case some people might read what I have wrote preiously and gotten a wrong idea ... I realised that the followup blood thest that was done in AFA was just a confirmation test. They do a test called Western Block, which helps to confirm the test to ensure that the tester is really tested positive. It does not provide you with the CD4 or viral load information. That will have to be done separately, as a registered patient.

Hi walking dead, Im a patient of CDC but also seeing a GP in chinatown whenever I don't feel well so the GP knows my condition and has been a great help. The GP can actually do CD4 counts for you. He'll send the blood to SGH for testing. However, He cant do the viral load test.

If you want to stay out of the system until you really need to, you can monitor your CD4 first with the GP. You can get a viral load test in Bangkok Red Cross at very reasonalble price. My suggestion is that you get your CD4 tested through the GP and if its above 300 then you should be fine for the moment. Monitor the CD4 every 3 months. When you have the time and $$ to travel to Bangkok, do the viral load and drug resistance test. In the meantime, take good care and stay healthy.

[Walking Dead]

Haha! Of course you can acknowledge. Please carry on the positive forces to encourage many many who are thinking of committing suicide due to HIV.

You are welcome! Its my pleasure and honor to those who read my posting a year ago, though it isn't something we should be happy about, but hey look... We won't die! Hehe...

It was unintentionally but yet I am glad my true encounter encourages others who are newly diagnosed HIV+ and changes their mindset.

May the force be with you guys "HIV+", you really can lead a better life by thinking positively. Hugs.

Hi 11th Mth, thanks will try to be more positive thinking and worry less about what had happened and try to look forward and be more positive in attitude :)Kinda feeling swamped down with things recently, so packed, hope I can really concentrate and work on getting all the logistics done up in time ... do look for me if you're free to chat OK ? I have some stuff I would like to ask you again. Thanks ...

Hi walking dead, Im a patient of CDC but also seeing a GP in chinatown whenever I don't feel well so the GP knows my condition and has been a great help. The GP can actually do CD4 counts for you. He'll send the blood to SGH for testing. However, He cant do the viral load test.

If you want to stay out of the system until you really need to, you can monitor your CD4 first with the GP. You can get a viral load test in Bangkok Red Cross at very reasonalble price. My suggestion is that you get your CD4 tested through the GP and if its above 300 then you should be fine for the moment. Monitor the CD4 every 3 months. When you have the time and $$ to travel to Bangkok, do the viral load and drug resistance test. In the meantime, take good care and stay healthy.

Hi HIV 5 years. Just to clarify on what you've mentioned, how is the GP able to send the blood to SGH without having to take down all my details ? Would he not be obliged to give the information to CDC once they inform him of the results so they can do contact tracing ?

If it is possible, could you drop me a PM or contact me on MIRC so that I can get the details of your GP ? At least even if I don't do the tests there, it's always good to be able to tell a GP my condition so he can give treatment and diagnose with the consideration in mind, in case there may be other Opportunistic Infections which might pose a greater risk due to my lowered immune system, and that might go un-noticed by other doctors.

I'm planning to go as soon as I can once I get enough information, hopefully before June or July I'll be able to go down and at least do the CD4 and viral load to see my current state and check the doctor's advice on whether to start on the medication or to wait. I have read differing opinions about starting the medication before the CD4 goes below 500 (or was that 300 ?) so I am a bit puzzled. Thanks for all the information, hopefully I can go and get some results ASAP and have some ease of mind and not worry that I'll drop dead from an OI before I start treatment.

[Guest 11th Month HIV+]

I'm planning to go as soon as I can once I get enough information, hopefully before June or July I'll be able to go down and at least do the CD4 and viral load to see my current state and check the doctor's advice on whether to start on the medication or to wait. I have read differing opinions about starting the medication before the CD4 goes below 500 (or was that 300 ?) so I am a bit puzzled. Thanks for all the information, hopefully I can go and get some results ASAP and have some ease of mind and not worry that I'll drop dead from an OI before I start treatment.

Well, The CD4 Counts according to WHO standard is below 500 strongly recommended to start medication to avoid any further possible viruses infection.

Plus the chances of CD4 count rising faster will be higher and body is able to combat viruses.

Anything below 300 is consider dangerous because our body is no longer able to fight against any form of virus attacking.

According to my doctor, usually those 3rd world countries people without financial stability will take the risk of letting CD4 count go below 300.

If we are financially ok, best is start once it below 500.

[Walking Dead]

Well, The CD4 Counts according to WHO standard is below 500 strongly recommended to start medication to avoid any further possible viruses infection.

Plus the chances of CD4 count rising faster will be higher and body is able to combat viruses.

Anything below 300 is consider dangerous because our body is no longer able to fight against any form of virus attacking.

According to my doctor, usually those 3rd world countries people without financial stability will take the risk of letting CD4 count go below 300.

If we are financially ok, best is start once it below 500.

Hello again 11th Mth thanks for the reply, will take note, thanks ! Hope to talk to you again some time, take care now

[Guest HIV 5 years]

Hi 11th Mth, thanks will try to be more positive thinking and worry less about what had happened and try to look forward and be more positive in attitude :)Kinda feeling swamped down with things recently, so packed, hope I can really concentrate and work on getting all the logistics done up in time ... do look for me if you're free to chat OK ? I have some stuff I would like to ask you again. Thanks ...

Hi HIV 5 years. Just to clarify on what you've mentioned, how is the GP able to send the blood to SGH without having to take down all my details ? Would he not be obliged to give the information to CDC once they inform him of the results so they can do contact tracing ?

If it is possible, could you drop me a PM or contact me on MIRC so that I can get the details of your GP ? At least even if I don't do the tests there, it's always good to be able to tell a GP my condition so he can give treatment and diagnose with the consideration in mind, in case there may be other Opportunistic Infections which might pose a greater risk due to my lowered immune system, and that might go un-noticed by other doctors.

I'm planning to go as soon as I can once I get enough information, hopefully before June or July I'll be able to go down and at least do the CD4 and viral load to see my current state and check the doctor's advice on whether to start on the medication or to wait. I have read differing opinions about starting the medication before the CD4 goes below 500 (or was that 300 ?) so I am a bit puzzled. Thanks for all the information, hopefully I can go and get some results ASAP and have some ease of mind and not worry that I'll drop dead from an OI before I start treatment.

Hi WD, Im not BW member and I don't hve internet so I can't PM or chat on line. Im using the public library internet services.Just to clarify about the CD4 level. Our CDC here still base on a CD4 level of about 200 to signal that treatment with ARV is warranted. Bear in mind that there are other factors involved in arriving at a decision for starting ARV. In the US, the new recommendation for starting ARV is when CD4 starts to fall below 350. Opportunistic infections starts to happen when CD4 falls below 200. The idea of starting ARV at higher CD4 of 350 to 500 is for better immune recovery in the long run. But not all HIV specialists agree with this.

Any GP can do CD4 counts for their patients. Cancer patients need to do CD4 counts too! The GP can send blood samples to SGH and there's absolutely no need to mention about HIV. However, the viral load test is specific to HIV and thus the patient has to disclosed his status but GP would have to refer the patient to CDC or SGH for treatments.

The clinic I mentioned is: Cambrigde Clinic. Tel 63271252. Pls call to ask for address. The doc is Dr Chua and he is very compassionate and non-judgemental towards hiv patients. If fact I feel much more at ease with him than all the CDC hiv doctors. The clinic is one of 2 private clinics that first started anonymous HIV testing. You can just walk in and talk to him and do a CDC 4 count. The result will be out in less than a week and hopefully some good news for you to give you peace of mind. Wishing you all the best!

[superflawless]

While taking your HAART meds, perhaps you would like to try out some "Mindful Meditation"?

"Mindfulness meditation slows progression of HIV, study shows

Reducing stress can bolster immune system in HIV-positive adults, others"

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/uoc--mms072408.php

On youtube, there is a very good video on how to start practicing meditation.

It's free, easy to do and you can do it anywhere and at any time:

But of course, I am not saying meditation replace medication.

But it can help your immune system. Stay strong and continue to stay safe. Practise safe sex. No bad karma.

[Walking Dead]

Any GP can do CD4 counts for their patients. Cancer patients need to do CD4 counts too! The GP can send blood samples to SGH and there's absolutely no need to mention about HIV. However, the viral load test is specific to HIV and thus the patient has to disclosed his status but GP would have to refer the patient to CDC or SGH for treatments.

The clinic I mentioned is: Cambrigde Clinic. Tel 63271252. Pls call to ask for address. The doc is Dr Chua and he is very compassionate and non-judgemental towards hiv patients. If fact I feel much more at ease with him than all the CDC hiv doctors. The clinic is one of 2 private clinics that first started anonymous HIV testing. You can just walk in and talk to him and do a CDC 4 count. The result will be out in less than a week and hopefully some good news for you to give you peace of mind. Wishing you all the best!

Thanks HIV 5 years ! It's really good to know that I can do the CD4 check first. At least I can know my condition before I start treatment. I guess I'll copy the number down first just in case it gets deleted for being considered a form of "advertising".

While taking your HAART meds, perhaps you would like to try out some "Mindful Meditation"?

"Mindfulness meditation slows progression of HIV, study shows

Reducing stress can bolster immune system in HIV-positive adults, others"

On youtube, there is a very good video on how to start practicing meditation.

It's free, easy to do and you can do it anywhere and at any time:

But of course, I am not saying meditation replace medication.

But it can help your immune system. Stay strong and continue to stay safe. Practise safe sex. No bad karma.

Thanks Superflawless for the video, I'm sure other people will find it useful as well !! Trying to practise abstaining actually, at least till hopefully one day the viral loading goes down to undetectable, then yes, definitely safe sex with a regular partner IF it is even possible to find one

Edited April 19, 2011 by Walking Dead

[Guest Guest]

Hi Avecinfuser,

what made you decided to get tested in the first place? Were you sick all of sudden? How bad was it?

Thanks for sharing.

[Avecinfuser]

Hi Avecinfuser,

what made you decided to get tested in the first place? Were you sick all of sudden? How bad was it?

Thanks for sharing.

Hey there, nothing so serious. I've never been hospitalised before in my life. And I hardly ever fall sick. So I never knew I had it until the Ministry of Health contacted me to get tested. Someone that I had unsafe sex with was tested poz+ and so MOH did some tracing of his sexual contacts....standard government procedure I think. Anyway I was one of them so that's how I knew.

[superflawless]

Here's something interesting about whether or not to start treatment earlier, in case you are undecided:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=143324

It says:

"The researchers found that the death rate was about the same regardless of whether patients began treatment when their CD4 levels dipped under 0.500 X 109 cells/L or if they waited until their immune systems deteriorated more and reached below the level of 0.350 X 109 cells/L.

However, the risk of death did rise when patients weren't treated until their CD4 cells fell to an even lower level: 0.200 X 109 cells/L.

Patients were better able to stave off AIDS itself when they began treatment when their immune systems were stronger -- when they dipped below 0.500 X 109 cells/L."

[superflawless]

Interesting slideshow about the history of HIV/Aids:

http://www.medicinenet.com/aids_retrospective_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

[Walking Dead]

Hi 11 Mth, need your advice on something, hope you can hop on MIRC when you need this, rather urgent :/ thanks !

[covert]

My true story -

I am a curious straight who lead a straight life attached with a gf almost 4 yrs ago, but i realise something isn't right in the relationship.

Slowly i become a bi and broke off with my gf. Finally I am out to this circle, till now it's close to 4 yrs.

As i was new to this circle, AJ sex is really interesting to me. Going to club, getting to know new friends... leading a whole

new life like never before.

The temptation is strong that sex is hardly resisted if the guy you are with is your type. Initially, cautious sex is a must.

BUT, when there is instance when rare catch come and you have no condom, we tend to look at the person appearance. Thinking in my mind,

he look gorgeous... he doesn't look sick at all. He look like a innocent boy next door, he cannot be a HIV+!! Still i don't want anal penetration, at most rubbing around. This kind of encounter isn't alot though. After a while, i am tired of looking around in IRC which i always ended up with disappointment. Therefore i had a sex buddy which we regularly had fun with weekly. As i feel that this is much safer than random ONS.

To cut the story short... i zoom in to the recent past year. I was having a few fever recurring every couple of month that doctor had no idea what causes it. During this period, i had fun with my regular sex buddy(a married man). I am perfectly fine. Until Mar10 period i was hospitalise due to high fever close to 40 dc. I am very irritated by this fever that i have on and off every few month that i request to see a specialist. I took a few blood test including HIV.

last month, i went back to get my blood test report. Upon stepping in, my doctor tell me immediately "I have a bad news for you, YOU ARE HIV positive!!" My soul is gone, i couldn't accept what i heard... I was thinking to myself, what did i do? Who pass this disease to me? I really cannot recall, as my sex partner really isn't alot. They are still perfectly fine to me, as we still keep in touch. BUT, the reality is... I am contacted with HIV without knowing the source it's from.

The purpose of me writing this, i hope those who are still negative better think about the consequences. Those married, please be careful as you are married under singapore law, if you are HIV +, your spouse will get know under singapore law. For those who are single and young, (oh by the way, i am 31yo this year... LOL!!!), better start saving money and do investment. I hope to encourage those HIV+, who is currently having depression, shunning away from friends, thinking of ending your life... PLEASE DON'T!!!! I walk out from it, 7 days after i know it. You can too! We still have the right to live on... We WON'T DIE!!!! Protect yourself by boosting your immune system... maintaining it at the optimum level for your CD4 count above 500, you will be fine!!

Last but not least, i will like to advise those who bring revengence thought whom think that why you have to go thru all these... who passes HIV to you. Please don't have revengence thought maybe by going to Sauna and sex with anyone RAW!! The person who pass HIV to you, you hated him but yet you pass it to another victim, he will also hate you (You aren't different from the person you got HIV from). There is no end to it, its a vicious cycle. Let's live on and lead a healthy lifestyle. Hope everyone healthy!!

Peace!

Good for u dude ^.^ Life goes on...

[Guest worried one]

hey guys, i gave someone an unprotected blowjob yesterday. he didnt cum in my mouth and he told me he's clean, but I got a fever like 1.5hours after the blowjob. are std symptoms that quick? also what are my chances of hiv?

[superflawless]

hey guys, i gave someone an unprotected blowjob yesterday. he didnt cum in my mouth and he told me he's clean, but I got a fever like 1.5hours after the blowjob. are std symptoms that quick? also what are my chances of hiv?

You could be having an anxiety attack.

Do not worry.

Just go and have an anonymous HIV test at Block 31 Kelantan Lane.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

(Last walk-in will be at 8.15pm)

Saturdays: 1.30pm to 3.30pm

(Last walk-in at 3.15pm)

Don't speculate and get yourself worried into a knot. Get tested.

[Guest Guest]

is it a real fever or just psychologically 'discomfort that make u feel feverish'

[superflawless]

Even a psychological panic attack can induce a fever. That's why they say a person's moods can affect his or her immune system. It's best to have a proper check up to determine whether a pathogen is present.

[Guest worried one]

ok update: i just tested negative today on oraquick. but i'd have to do it again at 3 mths and 6 mths according to the doc.

i'm never doing something like that again

guys PLEASE play safe. I cannot stress this enough.

[Guest Guest]

i once worried for an entire year thinking i may be infected. during that period, whenever i m idle, my mind goes back to the fear and often i feel 'sick', the feeling of body temperature fluacting, no mood to do things etc. i also keep a lookout on any skin rashes, touching my lymph nodes on my neck, often eat alot to make sure im overweight (as i was told HIV ppl will lose weight overtime for no reason).

after i got myself tested, i felt like i m given a new life.

[charlie]

A question related to HIV & STDs, dunno where to post, hence post here.

If lets say one suspect his last encounter to be risky to HIV or STDs,

just how long should he wait before doing the blood test to get a true

confirmation whether he is infected with HIV or STDs?

oops wrong quote. sorry!

Edited May 23, 2011 by charlie

[charlie]

ok update: i just tested negative today on oraquick. but i'd have to do it again at 3 mths and 6 mths according to the doc.

i'm never doing something like that again

guys PLEASE play safe. I cannot stress this enough.

ya. dont 'play' esp if you got ulcers or cuts inside ur mouth. makes the viral transmission easier.

[Guest safe]

how accurate is oraquick a few days after the sex? if let say one is negative few days after the encounter right, how many percent is this correct?

but @Worried One, I must say that HIV transmission through oral sex is pretty rare though. There was a study which followed gay couples for 11 years, where one side of the couple has HIV and the other side doesnt, showing that unprotected oral sex between them did NOT make the HIV negative person HIV positive. And that's after so many years.

Disclaimer though: I am not encouraging unsafe sex. It's better if you can slip a condom on that dick.

[epicalar]

Is it still safe to get cum into our body after the guy shoots his load onto his body and gets in contact with the air for like 1 min?

Edited May 24, 2011 by epicalar

[Guest Subway]

Hi guys, I need some help here.. Would be nice if someone can help answer some of my doubts..

I met a guy 3 days ago. We used a lot of poppers, lots.

I did blowjob on him for like an hour, cause he keep using popper, then he got soft and then hard and then soft so it is quite long.

Then he fingered me, used toys on me into my ass which I think his hands has got precum and when he finger me, his precum got inside my ass as well!

Lastly he fxxked me, with a condom.

The next next day, I woke up feeling extremely weak, all worn out, feeling very warm and sweaty and headache.

I felt better the next morning, headaches, weakness are gone but still waking up with SWEATS around my chest, body but not face!

It is very exaggerating, my shirt is soak with sweats, Is it because of the sudden hot weather these days? I never sweat like this before!

Are these symptoms of HIV?

Or is it because of the poppers?

Oh, I forgot to mention I had sore throat as well, it hurts when I swallow my saliva.. All these happened after meeting this guy..

Cause the guy told me to inhale the popper through my nose AND through my mouth. And poppers are sort of corrosive right? Is it because of that that cause me sorethroat? I'm just trying to comfort myself I know

I am really scare, because before he fxxk me, he asked me " condom or no condom? " Which obviously shows that he do raw fxxk!

I don't know what to do, I'm only 19 this year and I don't have the courage to get myself tested as I fear the result..

And if I were to get tested and I am positive, is it mandatory to undergo treatments? Will the government get informed, my parents will get informed ?

I really don't want to add on burden to my parents..

Advice me please someone..

[charlie]

Hi guys, I need some help here.. Would be nice if someone can help answer some of my doubts..

I met a guy 3 days ago. We used a lot of poppers, lots.

I did blowjob on him for like an hour, cause he keep using popper, then he got soft and then hard and then soft so it is quite long.

Then he fingered me, used toys on me into my ass which I think his hands has got precum and when he finger me, his precum got inside my ass as well!

Lastly he fxxked me, with a condom.

The next next day, I woke up feeling extremely weak, all worn out, feeling very warm and sweaty and headache.

I felt better the next morning, headaches, weakness are gone but still waking up with SWEATS around my chest, body but not face!

It is very exaggerating, my shirt is soak with sweats, Is it because of the sudden hot weather these days? I never sweat like this before!

Are these symptoms of HIV?

Or is it because of the poppers?

Oh, I forgot to mention I had sore throat as well, it hurts when I swallow my saliva.. All these happened after meeting this guy..

Cause the guy told me to inhale the popper through my nose AND through my mouth. And poppers are sort of corrosive right? Is it because of that that cause me sorethroat? I'm just trying to comfort myself I know

I am really scare, because before he fxxk me, he asked me " condom or no condom? " Which obviously shows that he do raw fxxk!

I don't know what to do, I'm only 19 this year and I don't have the courage to get myself tested as I fear the result..

And if I were to get tested and I am positive, is it mandatory to undergo treatments? Will the government get informed, my parents will get informed ?

I really don't want to add on burden to my parents..

Advice me please someone..

aiyoh you shouldnt go play around when you're sick, mr sandwich!

first, you met the guy 3 days ago, and 3 days is a real short time for symptoms of acute infection to show up. they might take anytime from a couple of weeks to months. the sweat might be the bad weather, i get that nowadays and it's so humid!

argh i dunno abt the poppers though, but they are less likely, imo, to cause a sore throat than a viral infection. but in the first place the precum hand (sorry for being crude) is less likely to transmit the virus, usually only raw penetrative sex could have a higher chance of transmitting the HIV, and that is when the condom is still intact and not torn.

dont worry so much, what you can do now is to wait for a few weeks, get tested at AFA @ DSC and then get a piece of mind. well as a teen myself i understand how sometimes hormones get to the better of us, but u gotta control i guess.

ohwells. pm me if u need more clarification or sth. based on what u described u have a lesser chance of getting hiv.

[Guest advise]

Hi guys, I need some help here.. Would be nice if someone can help answer some of my doubts..

I met a guy 3 days ago. We used a lot of poppers, lots.

I did blowjob on him for like an hour, cause he keep using popper, then he got soft and then hard and then soft so it is quite long.

Then he fingered me, used toys on me into my ass which I think his hands has got precum and when he finger me, his precum got inside my ass as well!

Lastly he fxxked me, with a condom.

The next next day, I woke up feeling extremely weak, all worn out, feeling very warm and sweaty and headache.

I felt better the next morning, headaches, weakness are gone but still waking up with SWEATS around my chest, body but not face!

It is very exaggerating, my shirt is soak with sweats, Is it because of the sudden hot weather these days? I never sweat like this before!

Are these symptoms of HIV?

Or is it because of the poppers?

Oh, I forgot to mention I had sore throat as well, it hurts when I swallow my saliva.. All these happened after meeting this guy..

Cause the guy told me to inhale the popper through my nose AND through my mouth. And poppers are sort of corrosive right? Is it because of that that cause me sorethroat? I'm just trying to comfort myself I know

I am really scare, because before he fxxk me, he asked me " condom or no condom? " Which obviously shows that he do raw fxxk!

I don't know what to do, I'm only 19 this year and I don't have the courage to get myself tested as I fear the result..

And if I were to get tested and I am positive, is it mandatory to undergo treatments? Will the government get informed, my parents will get informed ?

I really don't want to add on burden to my parents..

Advice me please someone..

Look for a family doctor who is nice and comforting and share with him your troubles.

You have face the music anyway, it's getting the courage to do so.

It may not be HIV but something else that is easily treatable if checked early, but if you delay due to worry, you might miss the boat.

You can tell the doctor not to let anyone else know.

Only if you got HIV is it mandatory to inform the govt and your parents.

Anyway there is a window period of 3 months or so before the HIV turns positive.

[split]

ok i went to read up on all the risks of sex and stds the past few days (something which I suggest everyone to do before they decide to go ahead with sex).

Based on what I've read up, a blowjob (unprotected or otherwise) is deemed by various HIV experts as a no-risk or low-risk activity. I read that the odds of contracting HIV is somewhere between 1 in 4000 to 1 in 12000 (other experts believe it to be 0). To put this in perspective, the odds of getting four-of-a-kind in poker is 1 in 4165. So you do not need to worry too much about giving a blowjob. Nevertheless, I would still not recommend for you to take the risk and perform one if you have a major bleeding wound in your mouth or if you know for sure that your sex partner is HIV+.

@subway, I must say that the worrying part of your post is that you believe that some precum got into your rectum, which has pretty fragile lining. That makes a HIV test a must for you, especially if your partner was very vigorous with the sex toy/finger. However, I must assure you that HIV symptoms DO NOT appear so soon after the infection. They usually take about 3 weeks to surface. What you have could just probably be a viral infection from intimate and vigorous sexual activity with another person. In any case, please check with your GP and learn from this.

Edited May 24, 2011 by split

[Guest what]

ok i went to read up on all the risks of sex and stds the past few days (something which I suggest everyone to do before they decide to go ahead with sex).

Based on what I've read up, a blowjob (unprotected or otherwise) is deemed by various HIV experts as a no-risk or low-risk activity. I read that the odds of contracting HIV is somewhere between 1 in 4000 to 1 in 12000 (other experts believe it to be 0). To put this in perspective, the odds of getting four-of-a-kind in poker is 1 in 4165. So you do not need to worry too much about giving a blowjob. Nevertheless, I would still not recommend for you to take the risk and perform one if you have a major bleeding wound in your mouth or if you know for sure that your sex partner is HIV+.

@subway, I must say that the worrying part of your post is that you believe that some precum got into your rectum, which has pretty fragile lining. That makes a HIV test a must for you, especially if your partner was very vigorous with the sex toy/finger. However, I must assure you that HIV symptoms DO NOT appear so soon after the infection. They usually take about 3 weeks to surface. What you have could just probably be a viral infection from intimate and vigorous sexual activity with another person. In any case, please check with your GP and learn from this.

where did you read these info from? unprotected oral sex carries 0 risk (according to some "experts")???

if the guy's pre-cum or cum is swallowed by you, when it goes into your stomach, the virus can penetrate through the stomach lining and enter the blood stream. Or if you have bleeding wound in your mouth, no need to be major, just small tiny cut already put you at great risk. I heard of 1 case, the guy did not do anal sex, only did oral but he ended up infected with hiv.

why do you think a guy gets hiv from having sex with a woman? it's because the virus is present in the woman vagina's fluid and when the man's dick is inside the vagina, the virus penetrate thru the thin skin at the head of the penis and enter the man's blood stream.

if someone sucks you you also at risk cos if the guy has cut/wound in his mouth, that's the source of virus and when he oral you, the virus can penetrate thru the thin skin on your penis' head like I mentioned above.

Bottom line: unprotected oral sex is not safe. do it at your own risk.

[clayton]

Hi guys, I need some help here.. Would be nice if someone can help answer some of my doubts..

I met a guy 3 days ago. We used a lot of poppers, lots.

...

This struck me immediately.

As mentioned, there's a window for HIV symptoms and CD4+ T levels don't just drop immediately to below 500 from a fresh infection (going by the assumption that you were tested HIV- previously). So, likely you should rule this out.

The differential is then the highly suspect inhaling alkyl nitrites (poppers), and an acute condition where your blood cannot carry and release as much oxygen as it should. Most of the presentations from your description are symptomatic of this condition ("methemoglobinemia") .

[split]

http://www.avert.org/oral-sex.htm

[Guest Hope]

Looks like there is some hope in curing HIV after all!

This is good news my friends.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/here-is-the-first-man-to-be-cured-of-hiv--aids-.html

[Guest]

Looks like there is some hope in curing HIV after all!

This is good news my friends.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/here-is-the-first-man-to-be-cured-of-hiv--aids-.html

For people around the world who are already HIV positive, Mr Brown's

story should be encouraging news that scientists are getting closer to

a large-scale cure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5l_5Tyz3Kc

[Walking Dead]

Hi 11th Mth Poz,

I've just come back from BKK after my initial consultation and tests done, currently waiting for the drug resistance test results. Hope you'll be able to log in to talk a bit on MIRC so I can get further info from you, thanks !! Will be online with the same nick, thanks !!

WD

[Guest Cure for HIV]

Cheers all. 1st Man cured of HIV. Hopefully the big cure will really come soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5l_5Tyz3Kc&feature=player_embedded

[Sgjerkoff]

Cheers all. 1st Man cured of HIV. Hopefully the big cure will really come soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5l_5Tyz3Kc&feature=player_embedded

Those who have immunity towards hiv is way cool

[No Frills Factory Outlet]

he is a unique case to begin with and he underwent chemo ...

[kh87]

91% of anti body - vacine for HIV

[Walking Dead]

Link removed

91% of anti body - vacine for HIV

Kh87, your link seems a bit suspicious, are you sure it's safe for viewing ?

[kh87]

resend

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pNPqiGFB3Og" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Edited June 2, 2011 by kh87

[kh87]

hiya i dunno how to use embed... its safe la.

[Avecinfuser]

Here you go.

Edited June 2, 2011 by Avecinfuser

[Guest worried sick]

Have been sick and recovering from fever for the past week. Finally thought of taking the test as there seem to be many early symptoms that points to me contracting HIV (recurring fever, cough, weight loss). Feels really really worried and sad today. I know that my walk to the clinic later and the 20mins wait are going to be life changing, no matter what the result might be.

I will most probably be abstaining from any form of casual sex while i get my life back on track.

The dreadfulness that i carry in my heart now is heavy. I do not know how long i can carry it.

[Guest Hi]

Have been sick and recovering from fever for the past week. Finally thought of taking the test as there seem to be many early symptoms that points to me contracting HIV (recurring fever, cough, weight loss). Feels really really worried and sad today. I know that my walk to the clinic later and the 20mins wait are going to be life changing, no matter what the result might be.

I will most probably be abstaining from any form of casual sex while i get my life back on track.

The dreadfulness that i carry in my heart now is heavy. I do not know how long i can carry it.

I totally feel you. Was born gay and horny made our lives so difficult and shallow.

Btw, do you do raw anal sex?

Hope test comes out ok for you.

I would like to ask hiv+ ppl some questions. Hope you dont mind:

- do you know who you got it from after you found out you're hiv+?

- do you inform the ppl who u had raw sex with that u are diagnosed with hiv and tell them to get tested themselves?

- do your family members know you're infected?

[Guest worried sick]

I totally feel you. Was born gay and horny made our lives so difficult and shallow.

Btw, do you do raw anal sex?

Hope test comes out ok for you.

I would like to ask hiv+ ppl some questions. Hope you dont mind:

- do you know who you got it from after you found out you're hiv+?

- do you inform the ppl who u had raw sex with that u are diagnosed with hiv and tell them to get tested themselves?

- do your family members know you're infected?

i always do and choose safe sex ... if the guy doesn't want it safe ... i won't go thru with it.

Just that I had one encounter where I didnt know he took it off and came inside me. He was short hence i couldnt tell the difference when he took off and re-entered.

Only a couple of hours more. . .

[Guest Guest]

Have been sick and recovering from fever for the past week. Finally thought of taking the test as there seem to be many early symptoms that points to me contracting HIV (recurring fever, cough, weight loss). Feels really really worried and sad today. I know that my walk to the clinic later and the 20mins wait are going to be life changing, no matter what the result might be.

I will most probably be abstaining from any form of casual sex while i get my life back on track.

The dreadfulness that i carry in my heart now is heavy. I do not know how long i can carry it.

Life is not about the duration but the meaning you give it.

I had many NDE in the past (due to a respiratory dysfunction since young) and had crossed over to the other side and back.

The amazing about life itself is its eternity (which I had a glimpse). It goes no & on....

U have 2 choices - to die a miserable man or

to live every day with gratitude.

There are many HIV+ in other parts of the world. If you were to compare your situation to another carrier in the rural area of Africa. You are in a better position to get treatment.

If no, look around you. There are ppl who are visually impaired, without limbs, on wheelchair,etc. Life goes on.

Pls believe in a Higher Power and pray for strength and courage.

More power & luv to you

[gaycurious85]

i always do and choose safe sex ... if the guy doesn't want it safe ... i won't go thru with it.

Just that I had one encounter where I didnt know he took it off and came inside me. He was short hence i couldnt tell the difference when he took off and re-entered.

Only a couple of hours more. . .

how is the result?

[Guest Guest]

when was that last encounter before u fell sick?

i hope its negative for u.

[Guest Guest F]

Waiting for the test result can be very traumatic.

If the test is done during the window period, the doctor will say that even if it is negative it does not mean anything. Must come back again after the 3 month window period.

Meanwhile, to manage the anxiety, would need to take on some kind of anti-anxiety pills so as to get on with the normal routine in life.