just tested pos..... lost

[crazylove]

Hi all.
I just been test positive a week ago by a anonymous western blot test. The report said it's postive  n serum is mildly haemolysed. What does that mean?
The worst thing to happen is that i'm living in Singapore n we don't much support or financial subsidy for medical treatment here. It's sad that we r a developed country but the government don't have empathy for HIv patients here.
I fear that if i go to the government hospital here, they might inform my employer n i would be sacked. am thinking of going to thailand or neighbouring countries for treatment. any guys have info on this?

[komnaes]

Hey CL,

Sorry that you have to join us.

Unfortunately it does seem that Singapore is not very sympathetic when it comes to HIV or any STD. I have no information on whether your employer/family might be informed, but you should talk to the local NGO Action for AIDS for some primarily advises:

"21 Norris Rd, 6254-0212, FAX 6256-5903, email. Formed in 1988, as a non-government organisation, to meet the threat of AIDS in Singapore. Funded solely through private and corporate donations, AfA's aims are prevention through education, support for people affected by HIV/AIDS, and advocacy for HIV-related issues. Phone counselling is available during the day and also the evenings of Tu, Th and Fri. AFA's Gay Outreach program has been revived and supports on-going events to get the word out to the community. Call the number above for event updates."

Calls are anonymous and from what I have heard they are very helpful and professional.

Many of your fellow citizens are going to Bangkok for treatment, but it's not for everyone (financial burden, etc) so you should weight all your options. Some of our fellow forum members here are being treated in Bangkok so they can give you advises too on where to go and what you can expect if you choose to do so.

But for now, just focus on yourself. You have any friends you can talk to for supports? How are you dealing with the news? Not much we can do over the cyberspace, but here is a good place for other general information on treatments, etc and supports.

I am in Hongkong and may be able to dig up more information.

Wish you the best, Shaun

[crazylove]

hi shaun. thks for the reply.

I did call the AFA but the girl who answered my call didn't seem to be sympathethic nor professional. i think this forum is more informative n helpful. glad i found this website.

Right now, i have not disclose to anyone yet n  i don't think i  wanna let my friends or family know. Even in US, there r social sigma against HIV, not to say we r in asia. People here esp in Singapore just lack the knowledge of wat HIV is all about. Before i was diagnosed, i was just like one of them. but i have been reading a lot about this virus n it really help a lot.

Think i am pretty strong. I have not had a major breakdown yet. still go to work, gym , behave as if nothing happened in front of my families n friends. but my life will definitely changed. no morre parties, alcohol, unprotected sex etc...... I used to be choosy about my partner n hopeful about love but now i don't dare to dream about it anymore. it's sad but life goes on. i have to be strong so that i will not let my family down.

I'm not sure but think treatment in thailand is cheaper than in Singapore because they have some generic meds there. There's no subsidy for treatment here at all. may i know how much u paying for meds in HK?

[komnaes]

Hey CL

I am afraid it's not just a case of stop partying etc. If you want to stay strong physically you'd need to start monitoring your health closely with a doctor.

I am sorry you didn't find AFA very useful. I can check to see if there are other NGO, but they do come recommended.

You options (like the rest of us) are limited by your location and the health care system. I don't have any good thing to say about how Singapore Govt. is treating its own citizens when it comes to HIV, but as of Dec 2008 I think they're at least looking at drafting a list of drugs to subsidize.

If it's within your own means to go to Bangkok without having to deal with any of the disclosure issues that might have your decision making process. But if it's not you still should not let your health goes unsupervised.

Just reading about HIV is not enough my friend..

Shaun