HIV/IMMIGRATION/TRAVELLING...

[tc400]

HEY EVERYBODY...

Unfortunately, I tested positive for HIV six months ago. I took it quite well, went on with my life, started exercising, eating healthier... and I have actually never felt better and healthier in my life!

Here is my problem. I am European, here on a student VISA, and intend to remain in the country until I complete my PhD (probably until 2009). I am a bit freaked out because of the HIV ban in the US. I know my medical records are highly confidential, but still, I am on meds and I will probably need to travel with my meds. (Luckily, I am on Atripla, so the amount of meds I need to travel with is kept at a minimum).

I just wanted to know what others in my case have experienced? What do you do when you travel? Do you rebottle your medecine? This is what I did two months ago (before the liquid ban) and of course, nobody noticed it... Is this more hype than anything?

Thanks a lot!

[blondbeauty]

I am a flight attendant and have always entered the USA with my handluggage full of pills (before being HIV+). They have to see them through the scanners but they have never asked me anything about them.
Now I am on Sustiva and Truvada and I rebottle them at home (multivitamin bottle).
No problems so far. The only bad thing is Sustiva has the name printed on it. Otherwise it would look like any multivitamin.

[hudstar]

HEY EVERYBODY...

Unfortunately, I tested positive for HIV six months ago. I took it quite well, went on with my life, started exercising, eating healthier... and I have actually never felt better and healthier in my life!

Here is my problem. I am European, here on a student VISA, and intend to remain in the country until I complete my PhD (probably until 2009). I am a bit freaked out because of the HIV ban in the US. I know my medical records are highly confidential, but still, I am on meds and I will probably need to travel with my meds. (Luckily, I am on Atripla, so the amount of meds I need to travel with is kept at a minimum).

I just wanted to know what others in my case have experienced? What do you do when you travel? Do you rebottle your medecine? This is what I did two months ago (before the liquid ban) and of course, nobody noticed it... Is this more hype than anything?

Thanks a lot!

A very valid concern. Once you took drug holidays and left your pills at home. That has since proven to be not a good idea i.e building up resistance to drugs. I have been to the USA three times. Once on a drug free holiday. The second time in transit thru to Canada (where I did have my pills) and once again to Hawaii after 9/11. The difference is with the two latter dates. On my transit trip I risked my luggage being search. I took enough pills on as hand luggage to see me over transit, the rest I sent thru with my main luggage. Searches were random and if singled out, it would have been a very thorough search. My last trip, post 9/11, searches became a very real issue. I took the risk. What I found is that they search EVERYONE "a little bit" rather than searching at random and doing a thorough check. It's been suggested you rebottle them. Possibly - depending on the amounts you carry. Recent buddies of mine went to the World AIDS conference and some flew transit via USA.... they had same experience with searches. Since then, like most international tourists, I decided to travel to other places as I am not risking having my passport stamped "HIV Positive - refused Entry" by a country I have no ties with. Besides, once stamped/registered it is linked to your passport for all the world to see. Depends how much you want to see the USA.  Hope this helps
P.S I would be more concerned about another country having my fingerprints/details on record. Who knows what they can do with that information.

[Eldon]

Hi Tc400!

It is unfortunate that you have tested positive for HIV. However, it is a good thing that you have an awareness now so that you can take action with your health. As far as your topic in question, there was a thread on this a while back: You can go here: http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=6355.0 and check it out. There also some links in there for you to read up on.

Besides that...

In my own way, I wish to extend to you a WARM WELCOME here at the AM forums. Here you will find the encouragement, communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.

The Handshake Of Reassurance

We have a great group of Real People who will listen as well as answer you. We are here to Encourage, Learn, and Help one another as we all walk on our journey in this life.

With the consideration of implementing a Positive Mental Attitude, it will also assist you on your journey in this life as well as having a Positive Impact on your immune system and your overall health.

In fact, through your Positive Mental Attitude, it will help you push forward through ALL of the obstacles on your path that you are now walking on.

Talking and sharing our experiences with other people helps us see that we are not the only ones with problems. Feel free to come and vent with whatever is on your mind from time-to-time.

Often the act of writing and the ability to “SEE” your feelings leads to therapeutic insights and solutions..

In the interim, you may want to start taking a multi-vitamin, and some Omega 3, because it is all up to YOU where YOU want to be.

Exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, as this will do you good to help keep that unnecessary stress away.

"Don't Give Up, Don't Give In... Cause it is ALL within you to WIN!"

[Cliff]

Hopefully someone in a similiar position will reply, but I DO NOT believe you are impacted by the ban.  You are a legal resident so you are free to come and go as you please.  I think the ban will impact you if you decide to CHANGE your immigration status (like applying for perm. residency).  Rebottling your meds is probably not a bad idea.