[Hiv Support Group] Living A Life Being Hiv+ & Living With Someone Who Is Hiv+ (Compiled)

[jocker]

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/11-biggest-hiv-and-aids-myths-busted011213

 

This a good read up for those who want know more about HIV.

Edited October 1, 2014 by jocker

[mate69]

Another informative read for those interested:

 

Thailand hits party scene to combat rising HIV levels among gay men

 

http://yourhealth.asiaone.com/content/thailand-hits-party-scene-combat-rising-hiv-among-gay-men

[Guest Jun]

Hi, I was diagnosed w HIV a couple of years ago. Anyone knows of any HIV support groups out there? I've read of a project Hope somewhere but can't find much about it.

[Guest ClubGenesis]

Action for Aids runs a support group. You can email them at clubgenesis.sg@gmail.com

[vin8tan]

Hi, I was diagnosed w HIV a couple of years ago. Anyone knows of any HIV support groups out there? I've read of a project Hope somewhere but can't find much about it.

 

 

Hi Jun,

 

I'm one of the coordinated care case manager with Action for AIDS and a person living with HIV too. If you need to talk to someone or get referral to our support group, feel free to drop me an e-mail at avin.tan@afa.org.sg or sms/line/whatsapp me at 91804782.

[zeithkeith]

Living with HIV+, it need people that understand and have neutral thinking @ work.

As i only let 2 person at my workplace know, they are understand but not the rest of my colleagues.

As we get sick easily, tend to absent from work. Furthermore some of the discomfort is internally & not shown thru appearance. 1st thing goes into their mind is "Keng". So there are times when i not feeling right, i still report to work. End up suffering but got nobody that able talk to.

Just happen months ago, i was having fever with bodyache for 3 weeks plus...due to shortage of people in office, i have to endure & only "friend" during the period is Panadol. I endure till the time that i unable to manage as the temperature(up to 38.5 deg) not going down to normal after taken medicine.

I feel stress up

[lovehandle]

POOR boy, zeith

 

 

i m  naive,but do u still have sex now?

[zeithkeith]

POOR boy, zeith

 

 

i m  naive,but do u still have sex now?

Nope

[lovehandle]

That is because u decided not to ? Or Aids Patient cannot? Or it could be people are afraid??? 
Do  u look normal apart from being "thin" now? 

[zeithkeith]

That is because u decided not to ? Or Aids Patient cannot? Or it could be people are afraid??? 

Do  u look normal apart from being "thin" now?

What your status?

What do think?

[G_M]

Goodness... I just being tested and confirmed to be HIV Positive 2 days ago on Tuesday .....

I am so Scare Now !!! 

The side effects of HIV Medication seems so Terrible......

I am not sure I will be Strong enough to endure through.....

Any friends here who are positive as well.... whereby I could talk to .....

Please reply me....

The Main forum is not a place for Ads, but in due of your condition, I've moved your post to Personals.

Please do not post any ad in the main forum meant for discussion.

This is friendly warning by the mod.

The next ad posted in the main forum will get you a warning point.

If you are not sure why you are getting this message go read the rules http://www.blowingwind.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=67&p=410979

Regards

GM

[Guest theShade]

newly diagnosed here... any tips or advise?

[GachiMuchi]

newly diagnosed here... any tips or advise?

Ask yourself these questions :

1. Will you be informing your other sex partners which you had practice unsafe sex to go for HIV test?

2. Will you be practicing safe sex in the near future?

3. Will you be informing people that you are poz?

4. Will you seek help from agencies / counsellors which will help you in better managing your condition?

5. Will you be volunteering your time to help out in relevant agencies?

 

Take care!

[Oogachagacare]

newly diagnosed here... any tips or advise?

 

Depends on where you were diagnosed, & whether you're a Singapore citizen.

 

If you were diagnosed in  an anonymous testing site (eg: run by AFA or a private clinic), then you'll need to follow up with a confirmatory test & also consider getting registered with the CDC so that you can access  treatments. You can't access these hospital treatments in Singapore anonymously.

 

If you're not a Singapore citizen, when you have to renew your permit/ pass/ visa, you will be required to go for an HIV test. Currently, the law (under the Infectious Diseases Act) states that you  will not be able to stay in Singapore as an HIV+ non-Singaporean.

 

For more information & support, you can contact AFA Singapore at: info@afa.org.sg

 

If you prefer to talk face-to-face with a professional counsellor about any issues (not just HIV-related), you can get in touch with Oogachaga at: counselling@oogachaga.com

 

Take care!

[2359sharp]

Some information on oversea POZ friend coming to visit Singapore.

 

http://www.drtanandpartners.com/how-to-visit-singapore-if-you-are-hiv-ve/

Singapore has strict anti-HIV laws.

Anyone who is HIV +ve is not allowed to visit Singapore.

However, tourists and individuals coming in on Social Visits passes are not routinely screened.

If a person wishes to work in Singapore, become a Permanent Resident or become a Citizen, a HIV test is usually required.

Some HIV +ve people still want to visit Singapore. Some even for HIV treatment.

I wrote to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore to ask them exactly how a person who is HIV +ve can still visit Singapore.

This is their reply:

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (Non-AIDS) are classified as contagious diseases under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 137).  Foreigners suffering from AIDS or infected with HIV are ineligible for the issue of a Visit Pass. If they wish to visit Singapore, they may seek prior approval through ICA before their intended travel. An appeal for entry may be submitted through a local sponsor at the Visitor Services Centre, 4th Storey, ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718 for ICA’s consideration. The local sponsor may also mail the duly completed application forms, along with the relevant supporting documents (e.g. Doctor’s letter about medical condition, purpose of visiting Singapore etc), addressed to:

Director

Visitor Services Centre

Appeals Unit

ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road #08-00

Singapore 208718

The following documents are required for the application:

a) Application Form 14 & V39I (duly completed & signed); (Available for download at http://www.ica.gov.sg/e_services_overview.aspx?pageid=290 )
b) Photocopies of applicant’s passport pages showing the bio date page and signature of the passport holder;
c) Local sponsor’s Singapore Identity Card (I/C); and

d) Notice of refusal, if any.

Note: Local sponsor can be an individual Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident (SC/PR) aged 21 and above or a Singapore-registered company.

Please state clearly the reason(s) or purpose for the applicant’s entry and intended duration of visit on Application Form 14. The applicant may also include any other supporting documents that he/she deems relevant to substantiate his/her application.

Thereafter, his/her local sponsor will be notified by post on the outcome.

[Steamfish]

Anyone can advise me where to get financial aassistance for my HIV Medication? It cost like $810 a month.

[Guest hiv]

Anyone can advise me where to get financial aassistance for my HIV Medication? It cost like $810 a month.

Go to TTSH CDC, it cheaper. wothin $550 per month, 3 type of med.

can pay by medicsave

[CosmicBlue]

Hi fellow BW members, yesterday I have been diagnosed with HIV. Until now the news still feels like a dream. I remember from the rapid test I took one week before, when the results were out It felt out of place.. it was the least expected disease I felt possible to infect me. Given that I had a fuck buddy for a considerable length of time and did not have sex with other guys when I started seeing him. I was tested negative during 2nd month committing to my then fuck buddy. He always emphasized on health and safe sex and he looks very healthy.

After some time we agreed to have it raw as I was only seeing him and he says he practices safe sex between his other buddy that he saw less of compared to our meet ups. When I went for my HIV rapid test and got my first results, I texted to tell him abt it. A few days later he told me his results were negative. It was strange to me that he did not catch the illness after we did raw on many occassions.

It was yesterday that I got the results for the confirmation test. I didn't shed a tear when I received the confirmation probably because I was already prepared to accept whatever the outcome would be. And I found spirituality that I practice in terms of meditation and metaphysical activities helped me understand life with a more open perspective helped me to practically accept the news.

I have done what I can to trace who spread to me the illness but to no avail. It is important for that I let go of these attachments and start to live a life that I truly want. As a student, I now worry now is finances I am lacking to pay off the future consultation and medication. The DSC counsellor says that there is cheaper medication that can be bought at AFA purchased from Thailand. But still feel burdened from the initial costs of CDC consultation and tests.

I'm sharing my journey here as I believe there are others out there may have newly contracted the virus. I do not want to walk this journey alone and we can go through this together. It doesn't have to feel and remain hopeless that the collective society makes it out to be. Although this is a sensitive issue, with caution, I hope to be acquainted with like-minded guys that are positive too.

-CosmicBlue

[Guest PozD]

Hello CosmicBlue,

 

I was diagnosed with HIV two years ago and at an advanced stage of the disease. I live in Germany and I have immediately started to take the meds. Initially, I was under a shock and I thought that my life was ruined. But now, two years after that, my life is very much back to normal. Yes, I must take three pills every morning, never forget that. There are however only mild side effects, if any. BUT, I should do much physical exersise, really sweeting. This helps indeed. And I have no viruses in my blood, already for one and a half years. I cannot actually infect anybody. Stay strong...

[Guest Guest]

Hi CosmicBlue,

 

did u experience any symptoms of HIV like fever, rash etc?

[Guest polsk]

Hi fellow BW members, yesterday I have been diagnosed with HIV. Until now the news still feels like a dream. I remember from the rapid test I took one week before, when the results were out It felt out of place.. it was the least expected disease I felt possible to infect me. Given that I had a fuck buddy for a considerable length of time and did not have sex with other guys when I started seeing him. I was tested negative during 2nd month committing to my then fuck buddy. He always emphasized on health and safe sex and he looks very healthy.

After some time we agreed to have it raw as I was only seeing him and he says he practices safe sex between his other buddy that he saw less of compared to our meet ups. When I went for my HIV rapid test and got my first results, I texted to tell him abt it. A few days later he told me his results were negative. It was strange to me that he did not catch the illness after we did raw on many occassions.

It was yesterday that I got the results for the confirmation test. I didn't shed a tear when I received the confirmation probably because I was already prepared to accept whatever the outcome would be. And I found spirituality that I practice in terms of meditation and metaphysical activities helped me understand life with a more open perspective helped me to practically accept the news.

I have done what I can to trace who spread to me the illness but to no avail. It is important for that I let go of these attachments and start to live a life that I truly want. As a student, I now worry now is finances I am lacking to pay off the future consultation and medication. The DSC counsellor says that there is cheaper medication that can be bought at AFA purchased from Thailand. But still feel burdened from the initial costs of CDC consultation and tests.

I'm sharing my journey here as I believe there are others out there may have newly contracted the virus. I do not want to walk this journey alone and we can go through this together. It doesn't have to feel and remain hopeless that the collective society makes it out to be. Although this is a sensitive issue, with caution, I hope to be acquainted with like-minded guys that are positive too.

-CosmicBlue.

sorry to hear that. did u encounter any symptoms before decided to take up HIV test?

[azimuth]

Thank you for the sharing. A constant reminder to everyone to never never trust anyone who says they are free of HIV. Better to use protection than to worry about the consequences later. :-)

[lostintranslation]

And to all people who are worrying out there, go for your screening! It's better to know than having this limbo in your mind. If you don't have it, that will put your mind to rest and learn to be safe in the future. If you unfortunately have it, at least you can deal with it. It's not the end of the world. No discrimination to love, everyone!

[Guest guest]

wat are the most regret thing after they have been detected of having hiv?sex without condom?  everyday visiting sauna?

[Guest hellogoodbye]

Don't be despaired, there will be hopes for everyone.

 

http://www.crossmap.com/news/hiv-and-aids-cure-news-and-updates-new-hiv-vaccines-test-shows-promising-results-involves-dna-a-18937

[CosmicBlue]

Appreciate the encouragement guys. I feel that as a person that has always wanted to become healthier in my food intake and overall health, this has pushed me to taking health more seriously now. Like to be conscious in taking more fruits than usual and to remember to have an intake of vitamin C daily with more sleep to balance with the low immunity right now. Still exercising at least 3 times a week as I already have this virus, I do not think it's an excuse to become haggard or feel lousy. How taboo HIV virus still is, would affect the reaction of being sad. But I realize if one finds out he has HIV and feels hopeless and sad, is just a social/media conditioning. It is emotionally more benefitial to treat this as an opportunity to come to this crossroad and determine what is unreal and what is real in my life and what do I really want.

I decided to go to the DSC for a check up is because I realize my immunity level dropped. I was falling sick very often and have recurrence of tonsilitis. At one time the sickness lasted for 3 months. Hence I decided to face it and went for a check up. If anyone is experiencing what I have mentioned, do not hesitate to go for a check up. It's important to put our health first. Appreciate the private messages so far too.

[Guest Guest]

thanks for the update.

 

im sure u can find self help group w ppl having condition like you.

 

take a deep breath and tell yourself its not a death sentence. as long as u take med regularly, u are good to go.

 

my only concern w getting HIV is not dying of it but the COST of the treatment and tests.

[Guest Guest]

yes the cost of medication is really high and you are only allowed to use 550 per mth out of your medisave to pay for these medication so you probably would still have to fork out 200-300 monthly depending where you seek consultation at a public hospital.

 

Having said that, not everyone has got enough in their medisave. even if you have some reserves in your medisave, the rate you are using just cant match the way you are topping it up even when you are working because whatever cpf goes in, only a small section goes to medisave

 

i sincerely hope that the gov could provide some form of subsidy or if possible the hospital could use generic medications instead of those by drug houses and that would really bring down the cost 

[Guest PozD]

Appreciate the encouragement guys. I feel that as a person that has always wanted to become healthier in my food intake and overall health, this has pushed me to taking health more seriously now. Like to be conscious in taking more fruits than usual and to remember to have an intake of vitamin C daily with more sleep to balance with the low immunity right now. Still exercising at least 3 times a week as I already have this virus, I do not think it's an excuse to become haggard or feel lousy. How taboo HIV virus still is, would affect the reaction of being sad. But I realize if one finds out he has HIV and feels hopeless and sad, is just a social/media conditioning. It is emotionally more benefitial to treat this as an opportunity to come to this crossroad and determine what is unreal and what is real in my life and what do I really want.

I decided to go to the DSC for a check up is because I realize my immunity level dropped. I was falling sick very often and have recurrence of tonsilitis. At one time the sickness lasted for 3 months. Hence I decided to face it and went for a check up. If anyone is experiencing what I have mentioned, do not hesitate to go for a check up. It's important to put our health first. Appreciate the private messages so far too.

When you start taking meds, you may have stronger side effects initially. But they should fade as time goes on. Keep track of your blood sugar, it may go up once the treatment has been started. The virus should disappear from you blood within about half a year and you would be undetectable afterwards. The immune system recovers much more slowly and it can take several years until it returns back to the normal state. Look at your situation as a new start in your life.

[Guest Guest]

When you start taking meds, you may have stronger side effects initially. But they should fade as time goes on. Keep track of your blood sugar, it may go up once the treatment has been started. 

 

So the medication will cause diabetes? How to prevent that?

[Guest Guest]

 The immune system recovers much more slowly and it can take several years until it returns back to the normal state. 

 

So in that interim several years, what would the person experience? Will he be sick often? Does that mean the first few years will not be normal?

 

Can you guys share your personal experience? Do you feel sick often?

[lostintranslation]

So in that interim several years, what would the person experience? Will he be sick often? Does that mean the first few years will not be normal?

 

Can you guys share your personal experience? Do you feel sick often?

I think everyone's genetic made up is different. I heard horror stories from other poz friends but I myself have been alright so far. Having said that, I am also pretty new to the meds, so things may not have happened yet (hopefully will never!). Till now, I don't feel the effects of the virus or meds, so I think you will only know when things start to happen? Just educate yourself with the doctors and pharmacists on the meds, be mentally prepared but don't scare yourself too much because it's not gonna help. Stay positive always, and there are a lot of other PLHIV out there who are willing to share and help!

[jason212]

Hi all. It has been a week since I found out I'm pov. The emotion roller coaster ride is overwhelming. It does get better as the day passes. I am still trying to sort things out. There are lots of information available and speaking to other guys who have go thru this helps. Appreciate a few individuals who are willing to share their experiences and supports. I believe and I want to have the courage to continue to live a good life. Will be taking small steps at a time. If anyone wants to chat, do PM. Let's support each other. - Jason.

Edited June 18, 2015 by jason212

[Guest PozD]

So the medication will cause diabetes? How to prevent that?

Increased blood sugar is one of the possible side effects. This does not yet mean that you have diabetis. If the effect is mild, as in my case, all you need is to have regular physical exersise (like, e.g.,  jogging) and reduce your sugar and hydrocarbonates consumption. If this does not help, you may have to take special meds.

[Guest PozD]

So in that interim several years, what would the person experience? Will he be sick often? Does that mean the first few years will not be normal?

 

Can you guys share your personal experience? Do you feel sick often?

This depends on the state of your immune system when you have started the treatment. If the number of your immune cells was low (lower than 350), the immune system could not recognize many bacteria and viruses, although you were infected with them. Therefore, your organism could not fight the infections before you were diagnosed. When you start to take meds and the number of immune cells begins to increase, your immune systems suddenly finds the infection and your organism begins to fight against it. This means that you would have some transient inflammation (say, of your upper respiratory tract). This a little like having an acute episode if you have a chronic infection. However, after each such inflammation episode you would feel better - because your immune system continues to get stronger all the time. It is actually a nice feeling, to see how your health gradually improves.

[Guest PozD]

Hi all. It has been a week since I found out I'm pov. The emotion roller coaster ride is overwhelming. It does get better as the day passes. I am still trying to sort things out. There are lots of information available and speaking to other guys who have go thru this helps. Appreciate a few individuals who are willing to share their experiences and supports. I believe and I want to have the courage to continue to live a good life. Will be taking small steps at a time. If anyone wants to chat, do PM. Let's support each other. - Jason.

Remember, you can have a normal and happy life nonetheless. But this would require high discipline on your side. NEVER forget to take the meds, whatever the circumstances were. If you are not taking care of that, the virus can come back and the resistance can develop.When there is no virus in your blood, you cannot infect anybody. In a recent study, there was not a single virus transmission event in over 40000 anal intercourse acts without a condome if the partner status was "positive, but undetectable". Practically, you are healthy then and may only experience perhaps some side effects of the meds.

[Guest guest]

question: can hiv positive still have sex with stranger.As long he continue practicing safe sex again this time.

[azimuth]

question: can hiv positive still have sex with stranger.As long he continue practicing safe sex again this time.

 

Without going into the risk percentage, the HIV positive person will first have to declare his status to the stranger. Otherwise, the person will be breaking the law.

[Guest wozzit]

When there is no virus in your blood, you cannot infect anybody. In a recent study, there was not a single virus transmission event in over 40000 anal intercourse acts without a condome if the partner status was "positive, but undetectable". Practically, you are healthy then and may only experience perhaps some side effects of the meds.

PozD, Im not sure where you get your facts from but I suggest they r not entirely accurate. This is from the aids.gov website -

Having an undetectable viral load greatly lowers your chance of transmitting the virus to your sexual and drug-using partners who are HIV-negative. However, even when your viral load is undetectable, HIV can still exist in semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, breast milk, and other parts of your body. For this reason, you should continue to take steps to prevent HIV transmission.

https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/understand-your-test-results/viral-load/

Edited June 18, 2015 by wozzit

[Guest PozD]

PozD, Im not sure where you get your facts from but I suggest they r not entirely accurate. This is from the aids.gov website -

https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/understand-your-test-results/viral-load/

Wozzit, results of the survey are well known and can be found at www.body.com or www.aidsmap.org. However, transmission cannot indeed be absolutely excluded because the virus is present in very small amounts in a latent form in some body cells. A person with the undetectable viral load should therefore be considered as potentially infectious. He should follow all necessary steps to prevent transmission and can be legally prosecuted otherwise.

[Guest better life]

My CD4 is 600+ now, doc very happy for me.

I m very normal now, n should led a normal lifestyle.

One has to b exceptionally strong in the face of a disease tat may destroy this life.

But to older soul like me, I dun really bothered by its inconveniences.

I still strive for a normal lifestyle.

I still love, I still sex with people tat r OK with my statue, I still do my best dun anyhow spread it...

We r not dead yet, y should we migrate to the coffin so early n waste our remaining life away?

Hiv people, the more u hav to fight to get wat u want in life.

All is not lost, as long as u still hold on to ur soul. We only hav one, mind u...

Treasure ur soul, dun be discourage, this disease won't affect ur other lifes.

In my other lifes, I can still come back with a brand new body, n hopefully wiser not to contact such diseases again.

Wish me luck n wisdom ya?

Certain things may takes several life to perfect. So dun waste away this life, u can still live a fruitful, joyful n honest life amidst society pressures n injustice.

Let feel the strength, u r not alone!

Hav faith for a better life ya?

[snowball]

得到HIV的患者并不意味世界末日，

如果能够从过去的醉生梦死，浑浑噩噩的"恶梦"中"苏醒"过来，

振作，不再虚度年华，这也不是一件坏事。

重要的不是过去，而是把握每个现在，才可以拥有美好未来。

加油!

[Guest Guest]

I only tested positive after getting an opportunistic infection (CMV) a few months ago. My CD4 was 90 and VL about 4 million. I'm not sure what lies in my future. By definition I had very early progression to AIDS, is that right? I'm now on medication. Should I expect a poor prognosis?

 

How  any of you guys out here has the same experience?

 

[Guest GUEST]

wat are the symptom to look out for when u meet a Hiv positive at the sauna.

[Guest Patient associate]

I'm working in DSC and I see many familiar faces in CC.

[Guest PozD]

I only tested positive after getting an opportunistic infection (CMV) a few months ago. My CD4 was 90 and VL about 4 million. I'm not sure what lies in my future. By definition I had very early progression to AIDS, is that right? I'm now on medication. Should I expect a poor prognosis?

 

How  any of you guys out here has the same experience?

Your viral load will go down if the medication works. But you will remain vulnerable for infections and, yes, for some cancers until your CD4 count sufficiently improves. This means that there will be a critical period in your life, where your health needs to be monitored closely by your doctor. It is difficult to say how long this period will be. This depends on your age, your genetics and many other factors. Good luck - stay strong.

[Walking Dead]

I only tested positive after getting an opportunistic infection (CMV) a few months ago. My CD4 was 90 and VL about 4 million. I'm not sure what lies in my future. By definition I had very early progression to AIDS, is that right? I'm now on medication. Should I expect a poor prognosis?

 

How  any of you guys out here has the same experience?

 

Hi Guest, when I was first diagnosed and sought help and advice from fellow poz people, I met up with 2 guys who had similar CD4 count as yours. While it is indeed the 'clinical' definition of AIDS, medication will gradually help your body to recover it's immunity. However it might take quite some time before your CD4 will reach normal levels again. Based on what little I know it is just an indicator so don't be too worried if your condition takes a while to stabilise. The first thing you should take note is your VL. After starting on medication it should drop pretty fast and go below 10k within 6 months of medication. If you exercise regularly and take care of your diet it should improve faster (text-book reply from my doctor, no personal experience).

 

So with regard to your question, once your VL is under control (it might take a while) it should not be too much of a problem if you did not exhibit any other Opportunistic Infections. Your CMV should go away once your immunity system improves. Just take care of your physical and mental health and you will gradually be on your road to recovery. Do take care and follow the advice of your doctor as much as possible.

Edited June 19, 2015 by Walking Dead

[Guest wozzit]

wat are the symptom to look out for when u meet a Hiv positive at the sauna.

You cannot see anything! A person can be HIV positive n not show any symptoms at all. So u have to protect yourself always.

[Guest LonelySoul]

Hi Guest, when I was first diagnosed and sought help and advice from fellow poz people, I met up with 2 guys who had similar CD4 count as yours. While it is indeed the 'clinical' definition of AIDS, medication will gradually help your body to recover it's immunity. However it might take quite some time before your CD4 will reach normal levels again. Based on what little I know it is just an indicator so don't be too worried if your condition takes a while to stabilise. The first thing you should take note is your VL. After starting on medication it should drop pretty fast and go below 10k within 6 months of medication. If you exercise regularly and take care of your diet it should improve faster (text-book reply from my doctor, no personal experience).

 

So with regard to your question, once your VL is under control (it might take a while) it should not be too much of a problem if you did not exhibit any other Opportunistic Infections. Your CMV should go away once your immunity system improves. Just take care of your physical and mental health and you will gradually be on your road to recovery. Do take care and follow the advice of your doctor as much as possible.

 

 

I seldom speak to anyone about my condition except in the cyber space because i am afraid of the social stigma and how people will portray me, whether they will speak ill of me. It has been 3 years since my diagnosis. Before i was hospitalised due to opportunistic infections, i was very ill. I was an undergraduate in one of the most prestigious university in Singapore. Life was bad for me to fall ill every day and i could hardly concentrate on my studies. At that time, i felt breathless even just walking from my bedroom to the kitchen. I was literally sick everyday. Failing that upon hospitalisation will affect my studies, i hang on for one full semester until my exams were over before admitting myself to the hospital. I was diagnosed with Pneumocystis pneumonia. At that time, my CD4 was 100+ and the viral load was 100,000+. After 3 weeks of medication, my viral load dropped to 100+. Unfortunately, i was hospitalised again. This time round it is due to CMV. No one knows my condition, not even my parents. I know they will never accept it and they might go berserk if they ever find out one day. This three years, i have been managing my condition all alone by myself, with the help of the social worker to apply for medifund to pay for the medications and hospitalisation bill. Close to one month of hospitalisation cost S$10k, drugs to treat CMV cost thousand of dollars. Having say that, i count myself lucky to be able to receive the treatment as a student. Even a working adult in Singapore will not be able to afford this amount. Today, my viral load is undetectable and i have finally completed my degree with a 3rd class honour. Although my results are not very fantastic, given the condition i was in, i guess i have tried my best. What holds in my future i do not know. As for now, i can only wish to find a good job to pay for my medications and hopefully one day there will be a cure for everyone. My advise to everyone is that detect early and receive proper treatment. Do not worry for the cost because there is always a way out for everyone here. With Medisheld life in place for Singaporean and PRs, the cost of medication will be reduced by 50% which is affordable for most working adults. As for students like me, the social workers will be able to assist you to make sure you have your medications everyday.

[jason212]

Appreciate the encouragement guys. I feel that as a person that has always wanted to become healthier in my food intake and overall health, this has pushed me to taking health more seriously now. Like to be conscious in taking more fruits than usual and to remember to have an intake of vitamin C daily with more sleep to balance with the low immunity right now. Still exercising at least 3 times a week as I already have this virus, I do not think it's an excuse to become haggard or feel lousy. How taboo HIV virus still is, would affect the reaction of being sad. But I realize if one finds out he has HIV and feels hopeless and sad, is just a social/media conditioning. It is emotionally more benefitial to treat this as an opportunity to come to this crossroad and determine what is unreal and what is real in my life and what do I really want.

I decided to go to the DSC for a check up is because I realize my immunity level dropped. I was falling sick very often and have recurrence of tonsilitis. At one time the sickness lasted for 3 months. Hence I decided to face it and went for a check up. If anyone is experiencing what I have mentioned, do not hesitate to go for a check up. It's important to put our health first. Appreciate the private messages so far too.

 

Hi cosmicblue,

 

Well said. I guess we both got diagnosed about the same time. There are decisions to be made at this cross road. There are many good experiences shared by many before us and I believe we can continue with our life journey. The support we get from other guys living with HIV is great. Many are very helpful though we are only strangers. Jia you to all!