Poz Guys: How Has HIV Changed Your Life? (aside from sex)

[Pig Bottom]

I must say that I am surprised that the state does not pay for HIV medication in the US. After all, it is in the public interest to keep viral load levels undetectable to reduce the chance of transmission.

In British Columbia, Canada, HIV medication is free. In most other provinces it is also free or has a nominal dispensing fee.

I think they are only free for low income people who can't afford them and qualify for the help.

[green_dna]

I think they are only free for low income people who can't afford them and qualify for the help.

nope, it's covered by healthcare.

[Guest]

It is "covered" by my health care plan but I have a huge deductible on them and I have a huge upfront deductible on my insurance plan, so the first few months of the year I pay for the meds full price. I make too much money to qualify for ADAP or other programs

[Guest Porthos]

I tested positive June 2008. I hadn't been tested in a long time and took one of those Home Access tests. You draw a drop of blood, FedEx it and use a code number to retrieve my results. I was shocked to hear over the phone I was poz.

Two days later I visited the local HIV clinic for an OraSure 20 minute test...poz also, followed by a western blot...poz also. I immediately signed up with an HIV specialist formy primary care. I had not been to a doctor in 13 years...stupid. My CD4 was 511, Vl 47,000.....pretty good.

But....He started me on meds right away. He said that I was educated, motivated.....why wait. I started with Atripla....1 pill, once a day. The first week I had side effects...anxiety, sweats, achiness...within one week nothing.

2-1/2 years later....still undetectable, CD4 over 1000, I've lost 25 lbs....now 6-1, 175, exercize 6 days a week and even run a few 5k's.

Bottom line is that I'm very lucky. I have great health insurance...$10 copay for Atripla, I see my doc every 4 months...I'm his star patient.

My life in a wierd way has gotten better.

[Poz.Guy]

HIV has not had a great deal of impact on my life in general. When I was first diagnosed almost 20 years ago, I was on the heavy meds (crixivan, AZT and 3TC. That was replaces with Sustiva when it came out and then finally Atripla, which is a great combination. for me. I'm also probably one of the most med compliant people on earth. I can honestly say that I've never missed, even on dose in all the years I've been on meds, which was two weeks after my initial diagnosis.

Actually the only time I even thing about HIV is when I get my semi-annual blood work and call the pharmacy to reorder my medication. The only other way that its really impacted me is that I appreciate each day more then before and also treat people with kindness . Its kind of a gift, in a sense.

[wammt]

In my case I ended up losing my job, as I was subject to twice yearly medicals. After being on disability for a number of years I did have to take early retirement. The drug regime I am on right now (Atripla plus some others) is pretty good, but I have had some combinations that were murder on my guts. I noticed that I also have to stick to a fairly rigid diet and schedule. I have not had any HIV related illnesses since the original diagnosis, but it has helped in getting quicker access to medical specialists for any other ailments.

As far as sex is concerned it has been a definite crimp (which is a different story). My kids (and most of my friends) have been great about it, it also has turned off a few people. I have also discovered some new friends.

[ericnl]

Since I got pozzed last summer I had some illnesses that were probably triggered by my infection with hiv. Most of them were annoying and didn't mean anything. But there was one serious problem: somehow my dorment Crohns disease came back. The infection in my bowels was so bad I had to take prednison for more than 3 months and eventually gained a lot of weight that i'm now slowly losing again. My doctor told me that hiv had attacked my immunesystem wich led to my extreme bowelinfection. Luckilly the drugs worked, otherwise I would now be shitting through a hole in my belly.

I would like to know if any of you guys had illnesses like me that were caused by your hiv conversion.

EricNL

[rawTOP]

Since I got pozzed last summer I had some illnesses that were probably triggered by my infection with hiv...

I merged your post into this one which deals with a lot of the same issue...

[jridge]

Hi Eric, do you regret becoming positive now that you know the health problems you have had?

[bbdood]

Hi I'm new on here and this is my first post.

I have to say that although I was healthy pre HIV, I live a much healthier lifestyle now. I also have a better outlook on life and have never felt/looked better. It's quite ironic I guess. I recognise things that don't actually matter and spend my energy fixing things that do. Of course I wish I didn't have it but at the same time I do enjoy the sexual freedom it gives me. I find it a relief that I don't fear any std now. Mind you if I get one I make sure I contact everyone I have been with.

As far as opportunistic illnesses, I lasted 4 years pre meds. Then I suddenly got extremely sick. It was so sudden it took even my Dr by surprise. I got KS but it's all under control now and I'm back to not thinking about it and focusing on being the fittest I can be. Coming up to my 3rd year and I've never missed taking them. It's just part of my breakfast regime.

I have to say that initially with it I was in a full panic and almost suicidal. Then something clicked. I know it's clichéd but this saying is so true: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. (I removed the God reference as I'm atheist)

I'm from Oz and feel very fortunate that our medicals are fully covered by the government. I believe they have a social responsibility and hope all other governments in future do the same.

Cheers

[hairybearmark]

I was diagnosed in late 2006 when I became ill with pneumonia. I never suspected I had HIV for a second as I had only barebacked with my partner and was in a monogomous relationship (or so I thought..!). I was told that I was poz while I was in hospital and it knocked me for 6 when the nurse from the HIV clinic told me. I got used to the news remarkably quickly as the nurse was remarkable upbeat and stressed how much treatment had improved in the previous few years. I was put on meds immediately and my viral load went from skyhigh to undetectable in a month. CD4 count took a bit longer to recover, but I'm fine now. Family are great about it. If I'm honest no-one ever asks me how I am which is a good sign in my family! Only my manager knows about my condition at work and there's no problem about my going to the clinic for my check-ups every 3 months. Thanks to the National Health Service, all my meds and all treatments are free. Came off my original meds last March and have been taking part in a new trial since then. So far, so good! I'd never have chosen to get HIV, but since I have it I have to make the best of it.

[cmmolthr]

I will say I was a bit timid at first, but that was 23 years ago, after this long, it's such a part of me that I sometimes wonder what I'll do if there ever is a cure

[cmmolthr]

I think initially I had some Thrush...a fungal infection in the mouth/on the tongue, but I understand that neg folks can get this as well, so I don't know if this was caused by HIV or not.

[evilqueerpig]

As someone who's NEVER had a condom on/in me and NEVER been monogamous, I was fully prepared for my POZ diagnosis.  Coming out as POZ showed me who my true friends are.  To the newly diagnosed, I say, accept your status and know you're not alone, for the POZ community is full of wonderful, friendly men.....and feel free to pm me.

[jtonic]

my answer isn't that interesting but here goes :

1. the diagnosis led to the worst six months of my life (depression, isolation, suicide attempt, on top of financial problems which have since straightened out)

2. today I'm actually in better health and shape than I would've been. habits change everything. better diet. more activities. more frequent and better health care. and an oddly liberating outlook on life.

3. oh, the thread said aside from sex... PM me if you're curious to know how my sex life changed ;-)