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

[Poz+32]

Can you private message me, would like to ask u smth, thanks

[Guest Being massaged]

What is about? Don't tell me he is positive.

[GuestBlower]

Hello Internet People,

 

First time commenting here. I thought I'd share my experience seeing a local doctor at NUH. Not sure if that was already covered cos it's 1am and I only browsed the last few pages of this thread (a LOT of info, guys).

 

I was infected in end 2012 (actually 12/12/12 to be exact), diagnosed in Feb 2013. 

 

Since then, I've been seeing a local doctor. At that time I didn't know of any other alternative avenues for treatment so I went with the DSC referral to NUH. My name was registered with MOH. I was also assigned a social worker. However, it was all such a blur at the beginning; I forgot my social worker's name and I didn't contact her (Recently though, I got to know another social worker, so that's ok now).

 

Privacy-wise, I don't think the government will pass your HIV status willy-nilly around outside of healthcare purposes (like for the recently announced Medishield Life). It hasn't prevented me from getting a job. It hasn't caused me any discrimination (not that I know of anyway). I think the more pressing (and more probable) issue would be running into someone you know working at NUH. LOL.

 

I was attached to a NUH doctor since then, and initially I saw her every 3 months. That has slowly progressed to once every 4 or 5 months. 

 

We monitored all those essential stuff and set an estimated timeline for the start of my treatment (about 2 years from time of diagnosis). It was a good plan since by then, I would have completed university. (moral of the story: get tested early!)

 

It's coming to 3 years this Dec, and my current estimated treatment start date is around Nov 2015. 

 

Cost-wise, seeing the doc has been affordable. I pay for consultations, blood tests (there are so many), vaccines etc.

 

For example, my initial test (to determine the blood count, CD4, hepatitis, and HIV strain etc) worked out to be 1,000 but after the govt subsidy and AFA $200 subsidy, I paid only $300 plus. 

 

I believe there's a subsidy for consultations cos each bill I receive for services (including consultation and for e.g. vaccines or blood tests) has a govt subsidy. I end up paying between 40% to 70% of the total charge. At that time, I was a uni student whose sole income was from giving tuition. Pretty affordable i think. 

 

Of course all these doesn't cover treatment cos I havent reached that stage yet. However, my social worker informed me that most first line (?) drugs cost around $400 plus, while second line drugs (which you use if those first line ones don't work as well for you) cost about $800 plus. She assured me that only a small fraction of patients need to use second line drugs.

 

Well, Im not going to put all my hopes in "a small fraction" because in life, Im not very lucky.

 

So I'm hoping to get those drugs cheaper elsewhere, perhaps BKK. The info I found here is really quite helpful, thank you very much.

It's likely I will have to start medication in the hospital first, so that any side effects can be quickly quashed by a doc who isn't a plane trip away. Im still waiting to find out how long before I can start to transition to generic or brand name drugs which can be bought in BKK.

 

I guess with simple financial planning (not the insurance kind, but more like budgeting your own income and spending), getting medication can be affordable. 

 

-----------

 

As an aside, if you're newly diagnosed, it would definitely feel like everything is going south, the best worst is yet to come, and your life is going to be a hole of crap. It would probably feel like that for a period of time. Some people take weeks, some take months. And you should take your time to come to terms with this new set of cards that life hands you. The important thing is to know that there's treatment available and you can still live a proper life. There will be some inconveniences healthwise and finances-wise, but that is a small price to pay to be able to live. 

 

Also, please get tested early. And often. It will save you a lot of worry. 

[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/

Hi wozzit, here are two new links with much infomation about the undetectable HIV status, both for HIV positive and HIV negative people.

 

http://www.aidsmap.com/Viral-load-and-transmission-a-factsheet-for-people-with-HIV/page/1044617/

http://www.aidsmap.com/Viral-load-and-transmission-a-factsheet-for-HIV-negative-people/page/2989764/

 

This the official web site of NAM in Britain, see http://www.aidsmap.com/Our-name/page/1563890/.

[jason212]

Hi, anyone on isentress/truvada combination? care to PM me please. 

[mx67]

is there any health supplement that HIV carrier should not take?

[azuchan]

is there any health supplement that HIV carrier should not take?

Your pharmacist would tell you to avoid Chinese herbs because they may interfere with drug absorption.

[mx67]

Only if u do treatment overseas. That's what I do. I did it at BKK

[lostintranslation]

I know I may sound silly for asking this:

Is there any chance that we got detected and we have to receive treatment yet without letting MOH/authorities to know of our HIV status?

Depends on where your confirmation test was done. if your westernblot is performed in Singapore, then the clinics will have to inform MOH. If you want to be treated locally, then sorry mate, you will be registered with MOH. But it's really not that bad.

[Guest Guest]

The ones who are fearful of the authorities here knowing they are HIV positive are the rich and famous with ambitious dreams in life and the foreign workers even though eventually paper can't hide fire forever.

One is afraid of gossips the other is afraid for their rice bowl here.

[lovehandle]

bkk, cheaper? but sg will have subsidies..........

Pls don't tell me that u hve to fly to bkk regularly?
The doc of bkk can speak English well and communicate ok?
 

Only if u do treatment overseas. That's what I do. I did it at BKK

 

[mx67]

I only fly to BKK once every 6 months. And yes, Thai Doc can speak English well, so communication is not an issue.

[sum1outhere_03]

More info about HIV:

 

 

https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/hiv-in-your-body/stages-of-hiv/

[mx67]

dO U fly there for injections/purchase those medicine or just to do a half-yearly check?

Are their prescriptions really cheaper (not forgetting need to include air ticket)?

 

I was introduced by local doc to go BKK for treatment since I don't want record at MOH. So far only been there once for blood test and medication. However, I did found a runner in sg whom sell medication here but must have prescription and had bought some medication from him. I have planned to go BKK every 6 months for blood test. As for medication, think I will still get from local runner.

[lovehandle]

Erm, Cosmicblue
 then how did you get the hiv? since your f buddy is safe

U mentioned that
"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"
How expensive are all the initial costs?
 

Do you experience any side effects now? I read from this forum that tonsillitis can be one of the side effect, really???

 

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

 

[mx67]

Poz

 

I get to read your old posting only now:

 

Did you just walk into Bangkok red cross? why not a general hospital in bkk? They gave you good rates/subsidies in spite that u r  a foreigner (non-thai)?

What is the side-effect that u mentioned? u started fall sick easily?

How much(%) cheaper generally ?

I know it sounded rude but can I asked how did u contract hiv? through a regular partner or thru random means like going sauna or ...

I felt that sg doctors tend to associate that gays are promiscuous and we love visiting saunas, not that I do not have a permanent partner, I just cannot find one,what to do??

 

As for me, I was only introduced to BKK private hospital. I am not familiar with other hospital in BKK. I did thought of going to Red Cross or other general hospitals, just that I don't know much about the procedure there.

 

Also, am hoping to find someone here who seek treatment from BKK, maybe can guide me or we can go together.

 

As for how I got contract, I am not sure myself. I don't go sauna nor often have ons. I only have sex like one or twice a year. Perhaps, just my luck.

[lovehandle]

but mx67, why don't  u go bkk and one shot get all your prescriptions? esp that u r there every 6mths ?
The reason why u must do blood test in bkk is cos u don't wish that sg knows your conditions right? I assumed that u find  Prices of pte hospital in bkk, still cheaper that doing it in sg?
 

I was SO scared when u mentioned u only hve sex like one or twice per year, and u don't even ONS, oh dear.....lady luck is strong in u(oooops sorry)
U didn't believe in protected sex????
I m also old (not too sure of your age, but I guessed u r probably 8 yrs older than me), despite at 40+ , I felt my sex urges are always there...
I will alwys want protected sex(though I know in saunas, some tend to remove my condom halfway, thinking that I might not noticed that)
 

I read that u :
"went to BKK for  first treatment on 20 Sept to 24 Sept 15" U mean just to do a first treatment, u hve to stay there for so many days just for  treatment?
 

U can msg Poz+32, he visited redcross , he can go with u.....

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure how the rest contracted hiv, just very curious whether most got it thru random sex or more from a regular partner?

I was introduced by local doc to go BKK for treatment since I don't want record at MOH. So far only been there once for blood test and medication. However, I did found a runner in sg whom sell medication here but must have prescription and had bought some medication from him. I have planned to go BKK every 6 months for blood test. As for medication, think I will still get from local runner.

[mx67]

but mx67, why don't  u go bkk and one shot get all your prescriptions? esp that u r there every 6mths ?

The reason why u must do blood test in bkk is cos u don't wish that sg knows your conditions right? I assumed that u find  Prices of pte hospital in bkk, still cheaper that doing it in sg?

 

I think when you just realised you contract from it, you wont be think straight. All I want that the moment was to find out what I can do. Sad to said, I didn't get much help I needed at that moment. Except from people here who advice me to go to Dr Tan & Partners. So I just take whatever suggestion. I did email the hospital to find out about the cost before I flight there. Sg might not be that cheaper either.

 

 

 

I was SO scared when u mentioned u only hve sex like one or twice per year, and u don't even ONS, oh dear.....lady luck is strong in u(oooops sorry)

U didn't believe in protected sex????

I m also old (not too sure of your age, but I guessed u r probably 8 yrs older than me), despite at 40+ , I felt my sex urges are always there...

I will alwys want protected sex(though I know in saunas, some tend to remove my condom halfway, thinking that I might not noticed that)

 

I read that u :

"went to BKK for  first treatment on 20 Sept to 24 Sept 15" U mean just to do a first treatment, u hve to stay there for so many days just for  treatment?

 

As first time there for treatment, you need to run few blood test, so you need to be there few days, get result and medication.

 

U can msg Poz+32, he visited redcross , he can go with u.....

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure how the rest contracted hiv, just very curious whether most got it thru random sex or more from a regular partner?

[Guest PozD]

Pardon my ignorance, pozD:

 

U mean that if viruses remain in cum, but HIV can only be transmitted thru blood, then how did the cum with HIv viruses transmitted to the sucker/blower who take-in all the cum?

While I have more "top"tendencies, I do have fetish for cum-sucking once a while...

 

Unless your partner has an undetectable status, there are viruses in his blood and cum. If some cum with viruses is in your mouth and there also some (even small) wounds in the mouth (bleeding), then the viruses may enter through the wound your blood and you can get infected. Therefore you should avoid getting cum under BJ.

[lovehandle]

insightful sharing

[Guest Guest]

Pardon my ignorance, pozD:

 

U mean that if viruses remain in cum, but HIV can only be transmitted thru blood, then how did the cum with HIv viruses transmitted to the sucker/blower who take-in all the cum?

While I have more "top"tendencies, I do have fetish for cum-sucking once a while...

 

 

 

its a hit n run thing. no one can tell u how much amt of cum can infect a person thru oral and stuff like that.

 

even if a poz person has some blood in his saliva, the saliva may have deactivated the virus before it passes to ur mouth and get deactivated again by your own saliva as the virus is pretty weak. they have to pass from direct blood environment to blood or cum to blood scenarios. 

[Guest PozD]

its a hit n run thing. no one can tell u how much amt of cum can infect a person thru oral and stuff like that.

 

even if a poz person has some blood in his saliva, the saliva may have deactivated the virus before it passes to ur mouth and get deactivated again by your own saliva as the virus is pretty weak. they have to pass from direct blood environment to blood or cum to blood scenarios. 

Correct. The chances are actually low, but they do exist. Having a BJ with a HIV positive is OK, but do not intentionally and regularly let the cum into your mouth. If accidentially this has happened, clean your mouth quickly.

[Guest Scaredy cat]

strangely many tops only not want to waste their "deposit" , they insisted the blowers to suck all their semen in...

In the first place, can someone also share how does syphilis get transmitted?

Last nite,
I was at sauna (don't worry, I usu go for protected sex), I saw an old uncle with a back that leads me to more suspicions, on first look, some may thought he has 老人斑, pigmentation/skin condition of elderly (my grandpa has such  老人斑, pigmentation when he aged, but it s different from his)
abit like this: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/images/rash-gbr.htm (his was less protruding or obvious, but the colouring is darker on his)
https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=syphilis&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiKq4KZ-OnJAhXDxI4KHRGEALAQ_AUIBygB&biw=1366&bih=565#imgrc=GM3X6BLUTIqQeM%3A

 

 

but again, I m not an expert, he seemed to walk around normally, but I just felt uncomfortable...
Anyone has herpes before (esp fresh ones)
are they all looked like mini-pimples that grouped together?

Pls do not get me to approach a doc, cos I don't wish to ans their whole long string of qns if I asked too much


 

[Guest Guest]

maybe its ezcema?

[Guest MightBeAHIV+]

After 3 days of having unprotective sex.. i feel like i will get HIV and i am very scared. I couldnt sleep, and having mild headache, but i havent had any symptoms yet and im scared that the symptoms will come out. Maybe its just stress symptoms but im really really scared. i dont want to let anyone down. I pray to god, that i wont be infected. I promise i wont do it anymore. Its a huge regret and an eye opening lesson for me.

[Guest just another hiv+ guy]

i usually have appt with my doc at CDC every 6 mths, then get prescription for 6 mths worth of meds, then go to BKK Red Cross to get the meds on my own.. very much cheaper.. if can get promo plane tics, u can really save a lot, especially now with THB being quite weak..

i usually go for 3D2N, stay at budget hotel near BKK Red Cross within walking distance so that i could save on travelling cost too.. maybe those who intend to buy meds in BKK on your own can consider doing so too..
anyway, my doc did mention he can give me prescription for 1 yr worth of meds, am considering that option so that i do not need to travel to BKK so frequently.. expiry date of the meds is usually ard 1.5yrs-2yrs, so don't have to worry abt meds being expired if kept for so long..

just sharing my own experience, hope that is helpful for fellow HIV+ mates here..

[lovehandle]

So it is not redcross that give you the prescription?

 

Can Bangkok redcross give you the prescription instead?

i usually have appt with my doc at CDC every 6 mths, then get prescription for 6 mths worth of meds, then go to BKK Red Cross to get the meds on my own.. very much cheaper.. if can get promo plane tics, u can really save a lot, especially now with THB being quite weak..

i usually go for 3D2N, stay at budget hotel near BKK Red Cross within walking distance so that i could save on travelling cost too.. maybe those who intend to buy meds in BKK on your own can consider doing so too..
anyway, my doc did mention he can give me prescription for 1 yr worth of meds, am considering that option so that i do not need to travel to BKK so frequently.. expiry date of the meds is usually ard 1.5yrs-2yrs, so don't have to worry abt meds being expired if kept for so long..

just sharing my own experience, hope that is helpful for fellow HIV+ mates here..

[Guest just another hiv+ guy]

i think can, but i'm not sure as i have not done that before..

but for my case, i have appt at CDC every 6 mths, so must as well get the prescription from the doc here & just buy the meds at BKK Red Cross..
if just buy meds without consulting doc, the whole waiting process is not more than 30 mins.. if consult doc & wait for prescription, might take much longer time.. i can't advise on that cos haven't done it.. maybe others who've done it can advise on this..

 

 

So it is not redcross that give you the prescription?

 

Can Bangkok redcross give you the prescription instead?

 

[lovehandle]

ARE those medicines readily available in pharmacies of bkk?

 I tried getting all sort of medicines and antibiotics from pharmacies (some strictly wanted a doctor's prescription) , but I know some which will not bother , but I m not sure of HIV-related medicines will they be able to "release" them w/o doc's prescription


I think some have shared that they don't want sg to keep a record of their condition hence they will only do their checks at bangkok



 

[Guest just another hiv+ guy]

errrr, not sure if the meds are also available in BKK pharmacies, but i don't think so..

my doc specifically told me to get from BKK Red Cross.. At least I can rest assure that the meds i'm getting are not fake meds..

 

 

ARE those medicines readily available in pharmacies of bkk?

 I tried getting all sort of medicines and antibiotics from pharmacies (some strictly wanted a doctor's prescription) , but I know some which will not bother , but I m not sure of HIV-related medicines will they be able to "release" them w/o doc's prescription


I think some have shared that they don't want sg to keep a record of their condition hence they will only do their checks at bangkok



 

 

[lovehandle]

Noted,
I think redcross has a lot of supplies and hence they can sell it affordably (economies of scale) to commoners...

 

Oh, when I mentioned pharmacies, I do specifically ask for the exact and the specific brands that I want (no compromise)

Pharmacies must be decent-looking and looks trustworthy (and the pharmacist must be qualified)

Anyway, I saw bw mbrs selling generic medicine eg Cialis at unbelievable cheap rate, when I qn them they said it is a generic one
-> then why are they quoting the brand name?
eg Gucci handbag at s$10, why is that a Gucci when it s just an imitation/generic , he shd called it Gusai
No1 should purchase anything from a non-reliable/trustworthy pharmacy and also stop selling

If anything happened, when HSA stepped in, it will not end well for either parties...






 

[lostintranslation]

i usually have appt with my doc at CDC every 6 mths, then get prescription for 6 mths worth of meds, then go to BKK Red Cross to get the meds on my own.. very much cheaper.. if can get promo plane tics, u can really save a lot, especially now with THB being quite weak..

i usually go for 3D2N, stay at budget hotel near BKK Red Cross within walking distance so that i could save on travelling cost too.. maybe those who intend to buy meds in BKK on your own can consider doing so too..

anyway, my doc did mention he can give me prescription for 1 yr worth of meds, am considering that option so that i do not need to travel to BKK so frequently.. expiry date of the meds is usually ard 1.5yrs-2yrs, so don't have to worry abt meds being expired if kept for so long..

just sharing my own experience, hope that is helpful for fellow HIV+ mates here..

Ha. I do the same, but I go longer so that I can go to my favourite night markets. Heh. But I do get my friends to buy on my behalf as well if they go as well (happened only once though).

Adding on, all Thai Red Cross needs is the prescription. And do remember to take a picture of your prescription because Thai Red Cross doesn't return the prescription, just in case you need to show the customs. Good to know the one year option, maybe I will ask my doctor next time I see him.

Cheers.

[lovehandle]

ooops, big news on Gonorrhoea

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-35153794?ocid=socialflow_facebook&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=facebook

[G_M]

On 12/22/2015 at 8:52 PM, cjh said:

any poz seeking friends or more? PM me ^^

 

On 12/28/2015 at 9:00 PM, cjh said:

Any or frds or more? PM me

The Main forum is not the place for the ads.

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=814014

GM 

[lovehandle]

47 minutes ago, HIVPOSSG said:

So I had been on med for 2 month plus... I having dry skins... and both of my feed kept on tearing due to the skin kept on peeling more than 2 months. And inside my ass hole have wound( a small cut ) as well which did not recover for a week or two already. I wish to seek guys that are more experience to advise me what to do to live healthy as a HIV positive guy here. And Hope to seek a relationship. Flex BTM here. Stay at west area.

sounds bad , hope the rest can help u

[HIVPOSSG]

Thank you lovehandle. Appreciated. But seems like only 1 person gave my advice... Hope to get more variety of answers to try out.

[Guest]

19 minutes ago, HIVPOSSG said:

Thank you lovehandle. Appreciated. But seems like only 1 person gave my advice... Hope to get more variety of answers to try out.

Hello HIVPOSSG. Have you talked about your condition with your doctor? You should do this first. As I see, you are already undetectable, but how high is your CD4 count? The side effects of the meds are more pronounced at the beginning, so you may need to wait for some time. Eventually, the doctor can suggest to change the meds you take.

[sum1outhere_03]

5 hours ago, HIVPOSSG said:

Thank you lovehandle. Appreciated. But seems like only 1 person gave my advice... Hope to get more variety of answers to try out.

Hi HIVPOSSG,

 

Just saw your message.

 

Firstly, don't worry too much about having the virus. Live like a normal person. There is so much more to life than just thinking about your illness. You still can exercise, laugh, have outdoor activities like you usually do! For some as due to the medication side effects (i.e especially for drugs like Efavirenz) where you will feel dizzy after taking it, it's best to take these drugs at night and have an earlier night (on the bright side, you can rest more and rest your kidneys & liver at the scientifically right time). Other than work stress, try to eliminate other unnecessary sources of stress, which will do harm to your physical body. Some of the doctors may suggest to do things like qi gong, yoga, which in general also helps to relief some stress (and may boost even your CD4 counts [read from somewhere])

 

Have a cleaner diet, less sugar and salt, more vegs and fruits (although occasional sinful stuff should be ok).

 

Check with your doc if these symptoms are the cause of the meds.

 

You can also check some of these websites:

 

http://www.aidsmeds.com/list.shtml

 

https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/education-materials/fact-sheets/21/53/what-to-start--selecting-a-first-hiv-regimen

 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/basics/treatment/con-20013732

 

All the best

[Guest PozD]

HIVPOSSG, you can find much useful information about HIV therapy and side effects of the meds at www.aidsmap.org, a British website.

[HIVPOSSG]

It doesn't really tells me how to solve my problem.. =(... Sigh.. besides.. if got one hiv poz close friend.. I don't feel so suffocated I guess... im alone.. =[

[lostintranslation]

On 13 January 2016 at 2:30 AM, HIVPOSSG said:

It doesn't really tells me how to solve my problem.. =(... Sigh.. besides.. if got one hiv poz close friend.. I don't feel so suffocated I guess... im alone.. =[

Well, still the same advise... Talk to your doctor. None of us are professionals, and everyone has a different condition. It could maybe be due to some other conditions  or the weather or your diet, and not the meds. The thing is, we don't know and no one here can tell you for sure. Speak to your doctor and stay healthy, yeah?  

[Guest PozD]

HIVPOSSG, please note that depression is actually an illness and it can also be a side effect of the meds you take. Tell your doctor about your mental state. On the other hand, it would also probably help if you meet other HIV+ guys, and not for sex, just to talk. I am located in Berlin and there are various such HIV support groups here.

[Guest]

My fren just tested reactive, waiting for confirmation result.  He has been doing bareback top n btm for many years. Active in grindr too. Then he also blurted out another fren in our group who has missing in action for yrs actually had hiv recently as well.  Gosh. Last time when I heard ppl having hiv, it doesn't impact me but knowing two ppl I know have it, I want to avoid casual sex now.

 

My fren shows no symptom while the other complained of rashes for two weeks in 2011 only to know he is pos in 2015. 

[Guest]

If the result turns out to be reative, what shall he do the next step? 

Can anyone here share some tips or experiences?

 

[ct2005]

15 hours ago, Guest said:

My fren just tested reactive, waiting for confirmation result.  He has been doing bareback top n btm for many years. Active in grindr too. Then he also blurted out another fren in our group who has missing in action for yrs actually had hiv recently as well.  Gosh. Last time when I heard ppl having hiv, it doesn't impact me but knowing two ppl I know have it, I want to avoid casual sex now.

 

My fren shows no symptom while the other complained of rashes for two weeks in 2011 only to know he is pos in 2015. 

Your fren did not do regular blood test, like every 6 months?

 

Even those who does not do bareback sex or is on PrEP also need to do regular blood test. Sometimes, I wonder what are the youngster thinking nowadays... or should I say ... they are not thinking ...

[Guest]

no. didnt do test for like 2-3yrs

[Guest]

Just weighing in on my own experiences here. I think a lot have been covered by previous posters.

 

I was diagnosed 5, almost 6 years ago. I didn't have the choice of not reporting to MOH since I was diagnosed in the hospital. Long story short, never had sex outside of my ex bfs. Never felt the need to go for tests (huge huge mistake) and I was so busy with overseas work until I fainted on one occasion and was hospitalized with a CD4 <100. I survived and have been undetectable and on Atripla ever since with a CD4 of 650+.

 

For the first 4 years, due to the nature of my work, I have never had the time to do the med runs to BKK and since I do the tests locally, I buy the medication locally. The social workers will tell you how to go about buying it for cheaper locally.

 

I went to BKK red cross last year for the first time. It was a breeze, you be in and out within 30 minutes if you are just getting medication with a prescription (obtained from SG doctor). However, on my last 2 trips in Aug 2015 and Jan 2016, they placed a limitation that I can only get 6 months medication per visit even if I have a SG prescription for 8 months which is how often I see my doctor. The cost at the red cross is 15870 baht for 6 months original Atripla (works out to be about SGD 106 per month) and 12000+ baht for 6 months generic Atripla. (some of the generics are from India and some Thailand, manufactured either under a special license or at places with lax IP laws)

 

So I had a chat with my SG doctor about this and I was told just across the BKK red cross, along Rama IV road, (walk down from Sala Deang BTS) there are a few pharmacies. If you go in the day, you will see some are filled with tourists buying various sorts of medications ranging from pills to creams. One of the pharmacies quoted me 3000 baht for a month's original Atripla. (about SGD 120). During the recent trip, I bought my 6 months worth at BKK red cross and 2 months at the pharmacy. 

 

If you can, request for your doctor to give you one more copy of your prescription. The BKK red cross insists on retaining the original prescription. The pharmacies along the road will accept photocopies. But it is advisable to keep a copy of the prescription as you pass through SG customs on the way back. I was asked to produce the original copy by them once so having 2 copies from the doctor is handy.

[Guest]

How much is the different to get local meds, original Atripla?

Is generic Atripla available in Singapore??

Sorry, but, I would like to know any discrimination feeling, please don't get offended.

After taking Atripla meds, you blood count CD4 will increase??

 

 

 

[Guest]

As far as I know, generic Atripla is not available in Singapore, not from "official" sources anyway.

The local runners were charging me SGD120 per month for Atripla.  

 

I am not a doctor or a healthcare professional so I cannot and will not answer questions like if CD4 will increase after taking meds. Please get the info from the doctors, they are the best to tell you the information. 

[HIVPOSSG]

I am not having depression and my cd4 already reached undetected. Kind of lonely when I cant tell anyone. I don't have any real life HIV positive friend...

Edited February 2, 2016 by HIVPOSSG
Incomplete sentences..