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Author Topic: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.  (Read 5878 times)

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Offline Leo114

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  • Posts: 24
New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« on: November 09, 2012, 04:53:28 pm »
I've been trying to wrap my head around the diagnosis.  I've been scared to start meds because of the side effects, especially facial wasting. But I'm starting to come to terms with everything slowly.  Still single though, how is dating for everyone else here?  Just looking for someone to chat with.

-Leo

Offline mitch777

  • Member
  • Posts: 4,087
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2012, 05:31:12 pm »
hi leo,

welcome!

i can't address the facial wasting concern as i have not experiened it after 30 hiv+ years.
i'm sure there are many people in these forums who are more capable of speaking to that than i am.

also can't address the dating issue as i have been happily "married" for 18 years, but, i will say that i am more in love now than ever and my partner was negative when we met (and still is). ;)

support is here on all fronts!
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline wolfter

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  • Posts: 5,470
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2012, 06:03:31 pm »
First, welcome to the forums.  I've not heard of too many people suffering from wasting these days and I suspect if you read the dates on the research you've been studying, you'll probably find it to be MANY years old. 

I think I'd deal with the stress that your diagnosis is causing you before worrying about finding someone to date.

Best of luck

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline jkinatl2

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  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2012, 06:18:35 pm »
I've been trying to wrap my head around the diagnosis.  I've been scared to start meds because of the side effects, especially facial wasting. But I'm starting to come to terms with everything slowly.  Still single though, how is dating for everyone else here?  Just looking for someone to chat with.

-Leo

First, welcome to the forums!

The meds generally given as treatment in most developed countries today really don't pose any lipo issues for anyone except the tiniest outliers. PLEASE take time to read this AMAZING site's Treatment Directory. Most side effects are short term, and diminish or disappear after a few weeks of treatment - and there are many options from which to choose.

I've been on a huge chunk of all available meds, obviously, since 1993. And thus far have avoided all lipo issues thanks to genetics, doing research, and having a stubborn streak a mile wide when it comes to taking meds I do not fully trust. Crowd-sourcing here helps a lot as well.

If you can tell us a bit more about yourself, where you are from, what your numbers are, and all that, we can be of mores specific help.

As far as dating, I have been positive since 1993, and for one reason or another, have spent roughly five of those years single, cumulative. Interestingly, all my solid relationships (anything lasting a couple of years or more) have been with negative guys. None of them seroconverted on my watch, and no relationship ended because of my status.

In short, HIV for the newly diagnosed in 2012 bears little resemblance to the AIDS we've captured so well on film and television. Take some time, read this site, get to know the folks here. You will find that your life stands an excellent chance of recovering from this bump in the road. In 2012, the other shoe might well never have to drop, insofar as HIV progression, disfiguring side effects, or crippling stigma is concerned.

Which is not to downplay the very real changes that HIV imparts, like any chronic diagnosis with attaches stigma can. But it's a very different situation now. Please be kind to yourself, and try not to eat this elephant in one sitting. Most importantly, you aren't alone.



*modified because I have clumsy monkey paw fingers.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline tednlou2

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  • Posts: 5,730
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2012, 11:25:48 pm »
Leo,

Welcome to the forums.  I think this is a record.  We've had 3 new people join in the last two days.  While I wish no one had to use this site, I'm glad you've found this place. 

I look forward to hearing more from you.  All the best!

Ted

Offline Jmarksto

  • Member
  • Posts: 667
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2012, 12:19:28 am »
Leo;  Sorry you need to be here, but welcome. 

I understand your fears, as I had them too.  As you read and learn about the current meds I think you will find that the side effects you are concerned about won't be an issue.  The irony is that the meds are what keeps us healthy and the virus is more likely to cause wasting - yet we fear the meds. 

I will say that since starting meds myself, I feel much better - I am not as tired, I feel "safer" with my partner, I don't have night sweats as frequently, etc. 

Again, welcome and I wish you well,
JM
03/15/12 Negative
06/15/12 Positive
07/11/12 CD4 790          VL 4,000
08/06/12 CD4 816/38%   VL 49,300
08/20/12 Started Complera
11/06/12 CD4   819/41% VL 38
02/11/13 CD4   935/41% VL UD
06/06/13 CD4   816/41% VL UD
10/28/13 CD4 1131/45% VL 25
02/25/14 CD4   792/37% VL UD
07/09/14 CD4 1004/39% VL UD
11/03/14 CD4   711/34% VL UD
03/13/15 CD4   833/36% VL UD
04/??/15 Truvada & Tivicay
06/01/15 CD4 1100/50% VL UD
10/16/15 CD4   826/43% VL UD
??/??/2017 Descov & Tivicay
2017 VL UD, CD4 stable around 850
2018 VL UD, CD4 stable around 850

Offline emeraldize

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  • Posts: 3,397
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2012, 02:16:11 am »
Welcome!

Offline Leo114

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  • Posts: 24
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2012, 10:59:04 am »
I would like to thank all of you for the replies.  A little about myself:  I am 26 from Texas, tall GL guy for the most part (Lol), I work out and I'm active in sports. I'm in the military at the moment, but I wanted to get out to get my masters.  However, the medical benefits have changed my mind about that.  I try to eat healthy when I get the chance.  No pork, mainly chicken and salmon.  I tested neg in Jan. 2011 and then I retested at the end of December.11 and got a positive result in Jan 2012.   My VL was 33,000 and my CD4 was 269.  Then I took another lab and my CD4 was around 400.  That lab was taken a week after the first one from two different doctors.  Sooo, for a while I was confused as to which number was the right number.  In addition, I just needed time to recover from the initial shock of the diagnoses and realize that life goes on.  Now, it's time for me to focus on beating this thing. 

I appreciate the welcomes.  I hope that all is well for all of you. 

Offline pozniceguy

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  • Posts: 1,232
  • Niceguy Dallas
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2012, 11:44:23 am »
welcome  Leo  i live in TX  as well  there are a few of us  scattered around the  state... sent you a PM  ....

Nick
remember the good times...honor the past but don't live there
Le stelle la notte sono grandie luminose, nel cuore profondo del Texas

Offline tednlou2

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  • Posts: 5,730
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #9 on: November 10, 2012, 11:05:34 pm »
Leo,

What does a poz status mean for someone in the military?  I use to know, but have forgotten.  Is it once you're in, a poz status doesn't kick you out?  If you're poz enlisting, would you not be allowed to enlist?  Or, a poz status doesn't matter either way? 

Anyway, Happy Veterans Day.  Thanks for your service.   

Offline Leo114

  • Member
  • Posts: 24
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2012, 10:38:47 am »
Tednlou2,

Yes, once you're in you can't get kicked out because of your status.  A poz status means that you can not deploy overseas.  Depending on your health, you can be medically dismissed from the military.   It is considered a disability.  You can not enlist or commission with a poz status.  Those who have it in the military, got it while in the military.

Offline Leo114

  • Member
  • Posts: 24
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2012, 10:39:48 am »
Pozniceguy,

Thank you for the PM.  I tried to respond but I couldn't.  I still need to figure out how to work this site. Lol.

Offline emeraldize

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  • Posts: 3,397
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2012, 11:27:24 am »
Hi Leo
Now that you've made three posts, you should be able to access/reply to Nick's PM.
Em

Offline Leo114

  • Member
  • Posts: 24
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #13 on: November 11, 2012, 11:45:53 am »
Thanks Em. I was wondering what I needed to do to send PMs.

Offline Mrmojorisin

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  • Posts: 222
    • My Blog
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #14 on: November 12, 2012, 07:03:44 am »
Leo, if you have been deployed to either Iraq or Afganistan then you are considered a combat veteran and cannot be turned down for VA medical benefits. The VA here in houston is fantastic and is were I go. Meds are not free, but cost only 8 bucks per thirty day script.  Welcome to the forums
Started Meds On 5/1/2012 Norvair, Truvada, Prezista, and Bactrim

4/17/2012--CD4 83/ VL 353,000  7.0%
5/15/2012--CD4 218/ VL 4,970    14.1%
6/27/2012--CD4 146/ VL 420      6.1%
10/11/2012-CD4-223/ VL-62       9.5%
2/14/2013--CD4-215/ VL-119      13.6%
7/3/2013---CD4-256/ VL-UD       18.0%
10/18/2013 CD4-223/ VL-UD       22.2%
01/23/2014-CD4-381/VL-UD       25.3%--Dropped the Bactrim
05/01/2014 CD4-370/VL-UD       23.5%
01/08/2015 CD4-455/VL-UD       28.7%
06/18/2015 CD4-422/VL-UD       31.9%
01/07/2016 CD4-275/VL-UD       31.3%
02/10/2016 Switch meds to Tivicay and Truvada
04/25/2016 CD4-426/VL-UD        34.1%
07/14/2016 CD4-414/VL-UD        38.0%

"arrrrhhhhh ahhrrhhhhh aaaarrhhh"- Chewbacca

Offline skeebo1969

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  • Posts: 5,931
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #15 on: November 12, 2012, 08:59:39 am »


  Welcome to the forums Leo. 
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Leo114

  • Member
  • Posts: 24
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #16 on: November 12, 2012, 08:20:43 pm »
Thanks Mojo. Yeah, I deployed in 2010.  I want to go back to school for my master's and try to get me a six figure job one of these days. I like the military but i'm not passionate about it like I was when I joined.  I have other interests and goals now in the business sector. I appreciate all of you talking with me. Going to the docs to talk about meds next week. Wish me luck! 

Thanks for the welcome skeebo.

Offline newt

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  • the one and original newt
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #17 on: November 12, 2012, 09:03:42 pm »
Hello

Modern meds do not cause facial wasting, they stop the virus in its tracks and let you get on with life.

The Veterans Administration health care for HIV is some of the best in the world.

Good luck

- matt


edit for spelling
« Last Edit: November 13, 2012, 05:22:14 am by newt »
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Robert

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Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #18 on: November 12, 2012, 09:11:49 pm »

  welcome leo.

  By the way. does "GL" stand for 'good looking' or 'gay latino'?  I've always wondered.
..........

Offline Leo114

  • Member
  • Posts: 24
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #19 on: November 13, 2012, 01:30:12 am »
Thanks Matt.

Robert i meant good looking when I posted it. Lol.

Offline Hellraiser

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  • Semi-misanthropic
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #20 on: November 13, 2012, 08:27:10 am »
  welcome leo.

  By the way. does "GL" stand for 'good looking' or 'gay latino'?  I've always wondered.

Good Looking

Offline WillyWump

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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: New to the Forum HIV pos for a year now.
« Reply #21 on: November 13, 2012, 05:55:16 pm »
Welcome Fellow Texan Leo!

It's good to have you (this place could use a few more good Texans  ;)), although Im sorry there is a need for you to be here.

-Will (San Antone)
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

 


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