Getting on meds

[Blueduy]

I have a question you guys, I was infected with hiv On October 23 2012 ...so about three months now. 
I'm aware that there are benefits of starting meds early.  But the problem is that I'm
A
College student and I have no money or insurance.  I have been gettin certain symptoms and it puzzles me and scares me


I know that people with hiv are more prone to problems like gingivitis, rashes, certain skin conditions etc due to the fact that our immune system can't really fight diseases as well as it used to before we got infected. 

I guess my question is: is it too early to start getting health complications and diseases ? I thought I'd have some time before I had to start taking medications

Also, how long does it usually take for our bodies to get used to our med regimens?

Thanks everyone.

[buginme2]

I guess my question is: is it too early to start getting health complications and diseases ? I thought I'd have some time before I had to start taking medications

Also, how long does it usually take for our bodies to get used to our med regimens?

1.  Everyone is different.  Some people may need to start meds right away while others can go years without needing medication.   The only way to know if you absolutely need medication is to see a doctor and determine what your viral load and cd4 count is.  Be advised treatment is now recommended for most people regardles of cd4 count in the US.  You should discuss the benefits versus need with your doctor.

2.  Usually only takes a few days to a couple weeks to get used to meds.  Just fyi I started taking Atripla during grad school in the midst of doing my thesis. s.

[Blueduy]

Hi! Thanks for your response.  I have never seen a doctor about my hiv.  I don't know how to get started. I live in California and right after graduation will be moving to San Fran    I was hoping I'd have time to find a job and get insurance.  But idk. 
Also, I am not
From the United States.  I only
Have a work permit and I was hoping that this wouldn't affect my migratory status.  Do you know about that? The info on the Internet is very bogus and confusing. 

Thanks again

[Jeff G]

Hi Blueduy , I was reading your posting history and I see you were dating an HIV positive guy last September and was concerned about being exposed to hiv .

I see now you say that you are now HIV positive since October and haven't seen a doctor about it . Have you been tested and diagnosed as HIV positive by a doctor and was it confirmed with a western blot test ? .

[Blueduy]

Hi there,

Me and that guy actually broke up. We never had any other encounter aside from
Oral sex.  In fact, we broke up towards the end of September. He felt I wasn't what he needed as I was afraid of catching hiv.  So I was really depressed and decided to hook up with a friend I had know for about two years.  The cond ended up snapping and we realized this and changed it.  But I was bleeding a lot. And no, I haven't actually gotten tested but there's no way I wasn't infected after that incident.
  But , you know how sometimes you just know? Well there's no way I wasn't infected after that incident.  The guy keeps saying he's not
Positive but... I know the truth. 

Mpeiority right now is to get on meds as soon as I can.  But I
Kinda lost.  I don't know where to begin. 

[Jeff G]

Blueduy ,  Its foolish of you to assume you are HIV positive and since you haven't tested positive yet you are not allowed to post in the Living with forum . If you think you were exposed to HIV , get tested and in the mean time start your own thread in the Am I infected forum , if you have posted in the Am I Infected forum before , post in the same thread and do not start another .

Im locking this thread .