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Author Topic: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?  (Read 5176 times)

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Offline aliveinla

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« on: March 23, 2008, 03:51:14 pm »
With the trend of my absolute CD4 numbers dropping, I am afraind next lab, which I will do in 2 weeks, will come up below 200 so that I will be diagnosed AIDS patient. I read on this forum that this will stay on my record, what are the consequences? Will i be qualified as disabled and get a disabled parking? :-) Will I be disqualified for life insurance, medical insurance if I change job? etc... tks.
Logged
4/24/07: Last tested Neg
1/22/08: First tested Poz
1/30/08: CD4 393; 28%; VL: 44k
3/18/08: CD4 218; 26%; VL: 222K
4/24/08: CD4 402; 26%; VL: lab forgot
7/22/08: CD4 405; 25%; VL: 6,780
10/15/08: CD4 340, 26%; VL: N/A
2/4/09: CD4 394, 26%; VL: N/A
Jun 09: CD4 300, 25%; VL: 4000
Oct 09: CD4 324, 23%, VL: 10K
11/22/09: started Atripla
11/20/11: CD4 405; VL: UD

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2008, 04:45:19 pm »
As far as I know the only "stamp my records" thing is that you're thrown in a different pile at the Centers for Disease control for the purposes of statistics, and those numbers assist the powers that be in coming up with appropriate ADAP/Ryan White funding... or something to that effect.

I don't even think they use it at all for the purposes of SS approving you for disability.  They changed that some time ago and now look at instances of opportunistic infections.
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"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline md

  • Member
  • Posts: 196
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2008, 05:12:47 pm »
If you are currently employed and covered under a group health plan then you should have no problem if you change jobs and enroll in the new health plan at the earliest opportunit. If you have a break in coverage of more than 63 days then the new plan can refuse to cover you for pre-existing conditions for a period of up to 12 months (depending on how long the break in coverage was). See this article about HIPAA for more information.

You should also continue to be eligible to enroll in an employer provided group life assurance plan up to whatever limit they set for enrollment without evidence of your health. Over that limit, realistically, you are screwed but no more so with an AIDS diagnosis than you are today by virtue of being HIV+.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2008, 05:14:24 pm by md »
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Offline aliveinla

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2008, 05:15:14 pm »
Thank you so much guys for the explanation! I was quite relieved.
Logged
4/24/07: Last tested Neg
1/22/08: First tested Poz
1/30/08: CD4 393; 28%; VL: 44k
3/18/08: CD4 218; 26%; VL: 222K
4/24/08: CD4 402; 26%; VL: lab forgot
7/22/08: CD4 405; 25%; VL: 6,780
10/15/08: CD4 340, 26%; VL: N/A
2/4/09: CD4 394, 26%; VL: N/A
Jun 09: CD4 300, 25%; VL: 4000
Oct 09: CD4 324, 23%, VL: 10K
11/22/09: started Atripla
11/20/11: CD4 405; VL: UD

Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2008, 09:27:15 pm »
If you are ever in need of a disabled parking placard in CA here is the weblink

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr07.htm

note that it requires a physician's/etc.  signature.

I hope that you won't need it

Sharkie
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Offline Lis

  • Member
  • Posts: 604
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2008, 10:06:17 pm »
There arent alot of PERKS with it, but hey...... you get to start taking meds...  :D
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poz 1986....

Offline Roie

  • Member
  • Posts: 261
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2008, 08:00:26 am »
If your CD4 no's are dropping why are you not on meds already.
Its not a good idea to wait for so long.
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Cruise on down the High Way

"When people who are not ready jump in, things can go horribly wrong. For most of us, there is always time to take a deep breath, consider one's options and make a careful, sound decision based on clinical fact, not emotion."
MtD

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2008, 08:24:27 am »
Hi,

Just some advice. If you are working, and you have medical coverage, I would suggest you try to hang onto that job.  Has your doctor brought up the subject to you about the possibility of starting on meds?

Here's some info for you from the lessons. If you have any questions, go ahead and ask.

 I don't have a handicapped parking sticker for my car, nor do I need one. There are people, out there in a lot worse shape than me that deserve that. I've never considered myself disabled, even after I had my aids diagnosis. Maybe thats what keeps me going. Let us know how your next tests results go.


http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/WhenToStart_4755.shtml


Take care-----Ray
 
« Last Edit: March 24, 2008, 08:26:14 am by J.R.E. »
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Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 UPDATED: As of April, 2nd 2024,Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @593 /  CD4 % @ 18 %

Lymphocytes,total-3305 (within range)

cd4/cd8 ratio -0.31

cd8 %-57

72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline aliveinla

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2008, 08:22:35 pm »
My % is 26 and I need to take a trip to China next week can't see my ID doc. I asked the question to those nice doctors at thebody.com, they said very possibly this steep drop is due to my weekend partying at Vegas (I had a fever headache afterwards), I should get another lab. That's why I am not taking any meds yet. I will see what next lab turns out.
Logged
4/24/07: Last tested Neg
1/22/08: First tested Poz
1/30/08: CD4 393; 28%; VL: 44k
3/18/08: CD4 218; 26%; VL: 222K
4/24/08: CD4 402; 26%; VL: lab forgot
7/22/08: CD4 405; 25%; VL: 6,780
10/15/08: CD4 340, 26%; VL: N/A
2/4/09: CD4 394, 26%; VL: N/A
Jun 09: CD4 300, 25%; VL: 4000
Oct 09: CD4 324, 23%, VL: 10K
11/22/09: started Atripla
11/20/11: CD4 405; VL: UD

Offline pacerintl

  • Member
  • Posts: 83
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #9 on: March 25, 2008, 05:18:21 am »
Have you discussed with your Dr that you will be going to China? 
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Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2008, 09:39:27 am »
You should familiarize yourself with China's HIV travel issues.  They are in the process of lifting their restrictions, but the following article came out in November and I don't know what happened after that.

http://www.poz.com/articles/china_hiv_travel_1_13431.shtml
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"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline aliveinla

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2008, 10:09:55 am »
Quote from: pacerintl on March 25, 2008, 05:18:21 am
Have you discussed with your Dr that you will be going to China? 

Yeah, 2 months ago when i had my 1st lab. He wasn't concerned at all. My 2nd lab wasn't done at my regular lab. I did it to be qualifed for a study. See another post on this forum I did with the title "bad numbers". - i don't know how to post a link yet.

I am a chinese citizen and I am sure China doesn't request checking HIV at the border. I am also a permanent resident in America. Actually not taking and meds is easier for me to go through these two borders for the time being.
Logged
4/24/07: Last tested Neg
1/22/08: First tested Poz
1/30/08: CD4 393; 28%; VL: 44k
3/18/08: CD4 218; 26%; VL: 222K
4/24/08: CD4 402; 26%; VL: lab forgot
7/22/08: CD4 405; 25%; VL: 6,780
10/15/08: CD4 340, 26%; VL: N/A
2/4/09: CD4 394, 26%; VL: N/A
Jun 09: CD4 300, 25%; VL: 4000
Oct 09: CD4 324, 23%, VL: 10K
11/22/09: started Atripla
11/20/11: CD4 405; VL: UD

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #12 on: March 25, 2008, 11:35:41 am »
Why don't you go to an ASO in LA and discuss this issue?  Seems to me that if you're a Chinese citizen that even with meds there will be no issue, and same for the US as you had "permanent resident" status before diagnosis.  You're going to have to settle the matter at some point going forward.
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"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline aliveinla

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #13 on: March 25, 2008, 08:07:37 pm »
Quote from: philly267 on March 25, 2008, 11:35:41 am
Why don't you go to an ASO in LA and discuss this issue?  Seems to me that if you're a Chinese citizen that even with meds there will be no issue, and same for the US as you had "permanent resident" status before diagnosis.  You're going to have to settle the matter at some point going forward.

Yes good advice. I will do that when I am back.
Logged
4/24/07: Last tested Neg
1/22/08: First tested Poz
1/30/08: CD4 393; 28%; VL: 44k
3/18/08: CD4 218; 26%; VL: 222K
4/24/08: CD4 402; 26%; VL: lab forgot
7/22/08: CD4 405; 25%; VL: 6,780
10/15/08: CD4 340, 26%; VL: N/A
2/4/09: CD4 394, 26%; VL: N/A
Jun 09: CD4 300, 25%; VL: 4000
Oct 09: CD4 324, 23%, VL: 10K
11/22/09: started Atripla
11/20/11: CD4 405; VL: UD

Offline Oceanbeach

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,564
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #14 on: March 26, 2008, 05:59:58 pm »
I had asked for a disabled parking placard shortly after my AIDS diagnosis in 1996.  Doctor said I did not completely qualify because there was other criteria, which I do not remember what it was. 

I do know a woman who has AIDS and back problems, she has disabled parking.  Another friend has AIDS and COPD, he has disabled parking.  Ms. Seabreeze has COPD, is Bi-polar, has Carpel Tunnel, is hearing impaired and had disabled parking but lost her drivers license ober 3 DUI's in 31 days.  She will be charged with a felony if caught behing the wheel of a car drunk or sober.  Parking is not one of her issues at this time.  ;D Have the best day
Michael
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Offline komnaes

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,906
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #15 on: March 26, 2008, 10:31:09 pm »
Hey Alive, I hope you're doing ok.. I am still asking friends about doctors in Shanghai just in case (there's something I should know too). Do you still need the information? When are you traveling?
Logged
Aug 07 Diagnosed
Oct 07 CD4=446(19%) Feb 08 CD4=421(19%)
Jun 08 CD4=325(22%) Jul 08 CD4=301(18%)
Sep 08 CD4=257/VL=75,000 Oct 08 CD4=347(16%)
Dec 08 CD4=270(16%)
Jan 09 CD4=246(13%)/VL=10,000
Feb 09 CD4=233(15%)/VL=13,000
Started meds Sustiva/Epzicom
May 09 CD4=333(24%)/VL=650
Aug 09 CD4=346(24%)/VL=UD
Nov 09 CD4=437(26%)/VL=UD
Feb 10 CD4=471(31%)/VL=UD
June 10 CD4=517 (28%)/VL=UD
Sept 10 CD4=687 (31%)/VL=UD
Jan 11 CD4=557 (30%)/VL=UD
April 11 CD4=569 (32%)/VL=UD
Switched to Epizcom, Reyataz and Norvir
(Interrupted for 2 months with only Epizcom & Reyataz)
July 11 CD=520 (28%)/VL=UD
Oct 11 CD=771 (31%)/VL=UD(<30)
April 12 CD=609 (28%)/VL=UD(<20)
Aug 12 CD=657 (29%)/VL=UD(<20)
Dec 12 CD=532 (31%)/VL=UD(<20)
May 13 CD=567 (31%)/VL=UD(<20)
Jan 14 CD=521 (21%)/VL=UD(<50)

Offline aliveinla

  • Member
  • Posts: 247
Re: What are the consequences of an AIDS diagnose?
« Reply #16 on: March 27, 2008, 10:28:39 am »
Quote from: komnaes on March 26, 2008, 10:31:09 pm
Hey Alive, I hope you're doing ok.. I am still asking friends about doctors in Shanghai just in case (there's something I should know too). Do you still need the information? When are you traveling?

Thank you Shaun, please give me the doctor info just in case. I am feeling much better now than last week. I think I am fully recovered from the fever I got in Vegas. But I think if i take blood test today, my CD4 will be even lower because I haven't eaten anything for 36 hours -- getting myself ready for colonoscopy. Sorry I missed you in LA.
Logged
4/24/07: Last tested Neg
1/22/08: First tested Poz
1/30/08: CD4 393; 28%; VL: 44k
3/18/08: CD4 218; 26%; VL: 222K
4/24/08: CD4 402; 26%; VL: lab forgot
7/22/08: CD4 405; 25%; VL: 6,780
10/15/08: CD4 340, 26%; VL: N/A
2/4/09: CD4 394, 26%; VL: N/A
Jun 09: CD4 300, 25%; VL: 4000
Oct 09: CD4 324, 23%, VL: 10K
11/22/09: started Atripla
11/20/11: CD4 405; VL: UD
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