[Hiv Support Group] Living A Life Being Hiv+ & Living With Someone Who Is Hiv+ (Compiled)

[Guest Uncle]

there are many other people who are in the same situation and I personally know of a few friends who have been living with HIV and still carrying on with life with a great attitude. It's not easy, especially at the beginning but gradually, u'll realize that it's not the end of the world. with the medical advancements today, you can stay healthy for many many years and HIV is not a death sentence in this sense.

I believe that AFA can provide u with the necessary assistance and support and they could likely connect u with other patients who will share with you how best to cope with the condition in various aspects, including the financial, emotional, family and physical aspects.

Please also talk with the nice people at Oogachaga which is a counselling and community-help service organization run by gay/lesbian volunteers who can also give you the right advice and support to tide u through this difficult period.

Lastly, don't forget that you have many of us here on Blowingwind who are part of your online family who will pray for your well-being and offer help and advice....

*HUGS*

[Guest Faith]

HIV may sounds scary but like all others said its not the end of the world. Its only the end when u lose the attitude of fighting. Have faith. U r young and nowadays medical research are getting more and more advance. Many reports has been made that researcher may be on to something in the research for HIV cure. The cure will be found. Be strong , be patient and have faith.

Letting your parents to be aware anot is your choice. Though its responsible to since they are staying with you but its purely your decision.

Have good faith.

[ColSpo]

hey pal! Stay strong.. Know that there are alot of people here supporting u! Yup.. Do go for the hotlines too.. I'm sure they will have some of the best advices for u! Take care..

On the side note, i think we should stop talking about jeremy's comment.. Yup.. it's better for us to just focus on the thread by showing care n concern... What done was done.. I believe jeremy had learn something out of his comment ba!

So anw back to topic, HIV+ is not doom days.. All the best pal!

[Speedos]

Please don't give up. Cherish your life and live it to the fullest. I will chant for your happiness. Jiayou!

[Guest guest]

(Afraid) u knew him from sauna or is yr bf?u trusted him so u let him screw u raw?does he still freq the sauna and continue spreading others?u yrself have only him ( one sex buddy ) or u have many others and love being screw raw by others too?

[imchaser]

Yes...Remain STRONG and POSITIVE.

No pun intended.

[Guest Afraid]

Hi everyone, thank again for your advises!

I appreciated all the show of concern, it is really heart warming to receive so much blessing and knowing you guys have my back.

To answer the questions some asked, the guy who did me raw he told me he was negative, on his gay dating website profile, his safer sex listed as " need discussion ". But he is attractive, angmoh, big cock. I had sex with him more than 4 times, every time was raw, even on the first time, because he knows how to work his way into that perfectly. Silly me..

He also told me he needs to get checked by his company here frequently, so I believe him that he is negative.

I met him online, not sauna. I believe he had sex with everyone raw. because he is so into raw sex that all the pxxns he watched is bareback. I am 99% sure that he can't survive without raw.

I really need someone to tell me what to do now..

1) I will declare to the army I am HIV + and I don't need to go to NS anymore right?

2) Will the army tell my parents after I tell them I am HIV + ?

3) Where do i go next? AFA?

I am sorry for repeating the questions again but everyone is just showing concern here which I really appreciate it but I need to know the above questions desperately..

Thanks so much again everybody!! I won't give up and i won't let you guys down, I will fight this battle

[imchaser]

Another thing u can do, get that guy arrested for not revealing his status before having sex with u?

[Guest Afraid]

If I am right, someone mentioned me to go to AFA, which they will direct me to CDC, TTSH.

and if I were to go to CDC, TTSH, will they inform my parents?

My main priority is just to keep this from my parents as far as possible. They are already stressed over our shelter and bills and everything, I don't want them to be knocked over by another trauma, especially my mother

Thank!

[koolkai]

Another thing u can do, get that guy arrested for not revealing his status before having sex with u?

So you think "Afraid" should report this guy to the relevant authority for not revealing his status?

[imchaser]

So you think "Afraid" should report this guy to the relevant authority for not revealing his status?

No. He is 19 he had enough of problems and stress to deal with right now.

But if he did, that would probably teach that caucasian guy some lessons and save some innocent guys being cheated... but these can come later. Or at least inform that caucasian guy abt this probably he isnt aware of it.

[notsocoolguy]

no matter what happen.. to end your life will not be in the option. you will be alright.. we are all behind you brother

[ColSpo]

hey pal! If u can, i think u should go to AFA.. Yup.. if u are willing, u should reveal him out on the dating website to prevent more ppl from becoming the victim.. Yup.. i understand ur concern that will they tell your parents.. I think they wont.. So please approach one of the lgbt communities' counsellor for help n advice! Yup.. All the best!

[HendryTan]

Today is Wednesday, AFA has an Anonymous testing session http://www.afa.org.sg/anonymous.php from 1830 to 2030.

You may want to go there and see the counsellor.

They can advise you the options available to you.

I think it is important you speak to someone face to face (Anonymous)

At the AFA counter, ask whether you can just speak to the counsellor without doing the test if you are sure you are already infected.

Take care !

[Guest Afraid]

Hi people..

What is the difference between AFA and DSC? I did some test back then in DSC but never know AFA exist and is close to DSC building.

Should I drop by AFA or DSC?

Are there anonymous counselling sessions available at AFA? Do you think the counselors can answer all my questions?

Can anyone tell me who can I talk to to clear all doubts without them informing my parents and the government first?

Thank!

And I would like to warn everyone out there to not be like me, please don't let a moment of pleasure or rush to decide on something so stupid and dangerous.. Now I have to worry about telling my parents, my friends, cannot get into NS, have to pay for medication, have to eat pills everyday, can't get a boyfriend i m sure

please please im saying this for all to hear, do the right thing i only wish I could turn back the time right now which I know is impossible.

[senah]

I'm sure AFA will be able to clear all if not at least most of your doubts...

[ColSpo]

yea go to AFA.. Yup.. they can help u!

[Guest Guest]

but at least now u can continue to get fuked raw by this ah moh LOL...ok thats joking but looks the bright side lor...lol

[Guest Guest]

AFA is a non-profit organization which helps HIV/AIDS patients which is not part of the Government whereas DSC is under Ministry of Health which is a government department. Your first step should be to go seek help from the AFA helpers and get all your questions answered by them. They would be most experienced with your problems and can connect you to the right support groups and help resources.

Other than that, you may call the counselling hotline with Oogachaga, which is another non-profit organization which provides counselling services for the gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgendered community, including those who may have problems relating to HIV/AIDS. Again, its not under the Government.

The Oogachaga hotline service link is here: http://www.oogachaga...ervices_hotline

The AFA website link is here: http://www.afa.org.sg/anonymous.php

Both AFA and Oogachaga have many volunteers who are from the gay community and they would be better able to help you.

Take care and don't give up

[Raywongx]

Stay strong, thread starter. Don't worry about the cost of the drugs. As some of the other guys have mentioned, there are cheaper options and organizations like Tzu Chi can even cover it if you show cause why you can't afford them. Push comes to show, I can help you until you're able to work and afford it yourself. Hang in there. You can make it through all this.

[koolkai]

Stay strong, thread starter. Don't worry about the cost of the drugs. As some of the other guys have mentioned, there are cheaper options and organizations like Tzu Chi can even cover it if you show cause why you can't afford them. Push comes to show, I can help you until you're able to work and afford it yourself. Hang in there. You can make it through all this.

What is this "Tzu Chi"? I never heard of?

[Ethan_Oleh]

Be strong and positive. Look forward and not backwards. Please don't worry about the medications, I have clients who are doctors and am sure they will help you. Takecare.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Ethan_Oleh

[Guest Your Uncle]

Hi guys..

I just found out I was HIV poz yesterday..

I got a sudden rash few weeks back, it was nothing like before, and I went to google it and there is something called HIV rash.

The rash is slowly dissipating, but still itchy at times. Been to two doctors for injections and anti itch med but still came back, hence I went to get the test done.

I really dont know how to tell my parents about this. First, they doesn't know Im gay! Its so hard to tell them that I'm gay and now I have to tell them I am gay and I have HIV?!

I told no one yet, I'm so afraid of being outcast if I tell my friends.

I have so many questions.. can anyone help me out?

1) Is it a must for the government to know I have HIV?

2) In response to 1, if yes, can the government not tell my family?

3) I can't serve NS anymore right?

4) How much are the price for the HIV drugs?

5) What should I do now? Who do I talk to to get started on the medicine?

I am so confused and lost, I don't know who to talk to. I don't even dare to tell my parents, they are having financial problems already and I don't wanna burden them anymore..

My mom is going to break down if I tell her this.. My sis and bro will be so shocked.. no one knows im gay.. its already so hard to tell them Im gay and now I have to tell them I have HIV..

Some one please help me? I m on the verge of committing suicide just to end this

Dear Afraid

Let me answer your questions directly:

1. If you have an official blood test (at any Government Hospitals) and the result is "positive", it will be reported to the CDC under the purview of Ministry of Health. But that is just a record, that you have been positively tested. The CDC would then request you to go through an antiviral therapy treatment under their care. And believe me, they give the best available care.

2. The CDC (or the Government) will not bring this matter to your family unless you are married, in which case your wife will be asked to report together with you to the CDC and be tested. The CDC will not inform your employer(s).

3. The ministry of health is now treating all HIV cases as chronic illness, which means you need long (life) term treatment. In this context, the armed forces may still conscript you into the army but perhaps to a lesser stress related job, as in which manner you would not be in accidental mishaps whereby you may spill blood.

4. As a Singaporean, you are strongly advised to go the the CDC for your treatment. The initial medication may be expensive, ranging from around $800+ for one medicine, and there are about three medication to be taken simultanuously. However, do not despair as the CDC will have a Social Worker to help you out. Be frank with the Social Worker and he will help you out. You will never be without medication, they will assist you in this matter.

5. You have just jumped the first hurdle: by accepting that you are HIV positive, this is the first step towards medication and caring for yourself. The paramount importance is that you stay calm. You do not need to run to your family and expose your medical situation to them. You can cleverly conceal it from them by saying that you are under some viral and Bacterial attack from consumption of unhealthy food.

My advise to you: Do not be frighten. For if you give in to fright, your battle is already lost !

Try also to do some earnest praying, it helps.

Good luck to you, and I wish you get out of this dark period of your life as soon as possible.

[Jak09]

jia you.. and don't be afraid..

we will help you =DD

[Gavin Koh]

Oh guys , I don't think Jeremy meant what he said. Yeah it's super crude to laugh at someone's misery... Oh well . Blame your hands for typing that out ..

Anyway , take care man .. I'm sorry to hear that you're a HIV positive guy . Anyway stay happy ! Family support is important '

[Axel20]

tsktsk. play too much... have sex too much.... play somemore lah

That is insensitive Jeremy. It's an unfortunate thing and all you did was sprout mockery. You should apologize for talking trash.

-Afraid-: Don't give up yet, there is still hope although you might not see it now but things always get better. You need to find a friend for support , before you decide to tell your parents about it. You need to call the HIV hotline, they can answer your questions. I have friends who are HIV+ and they have been living fulfilling lives. Don't die because of this, you're only 19 and there is so much more to experience in life.

[Heaven84]

Know something ?

Your CB face matches your CB mouth to a T.

Totally agree. Instead of giving him encouragement..you are adding fuel to fire..someone almost wanting to commit suicide..You CB guy is worse off than the guy..shame on yourself..go die la

[Guest Prayer for you]

If I were beside you right now, I would give you a big big hug... Be strong, brother.. Our prayers are with you.

By the way, if you don't mind me asking, when did the first symptoms began to appear?

[TheVisitors]

You reminded me of a nightmare I witnessed when I was only 22.

That year, I received a call from a closed friend of mine, but he said he wanted to die because someone he liked so much, gave him HIV then dumped him.

At first I thought he was merely kidding me, althought earlier a few months ago, he did mentioned his sorrow of being dumped by someone

Then I felt something was very wrong, and I rushed over to his place, but too late, only to witness my good friend, plunged himself 11 storeys out from his window.

He was only 23.

Now back to the present.

Should your results be positive, and you can't afford the HIV medication, quite a few local HIV positive guys I know, often frequent to Thailand, where the drugs can be purchased at a fraction of what's here, without prescription

[jurlean87]

Hi Afraid,

I'm so glad you've made the brave choice to stay alive. As your friends here have been saying, it's not the end of the world, and there are many people here and elsewhere who will be there for you.

I think most of your concerns have been well addressed by others already, so allow me to just offer to go down with you to AFA if you need someone there with you. I know we don't know each other, but I'm familiar with the place and have close friends who are HIV-positive as well. They're leading full and active lives, and all of them went through this initial stage of fear before they moved on with their lives. So if you like, drop me a message and I'll be more than happy to go down with you.

Dan.

[Guest DunLookBack]

Hi Afraid,

Since you have rashes spreading around your body, then I will propose that you should go for a blood test asap.

If it is HIV+, then you should start treatment immediately. I have symptoms like you, at that time I tot it was just allergies so I spent a lot of money on skin treatments specialists but into no avail. The rashes spread throughout my body and I often feel giddiness and vomiting especially under hot sunlight. My immune system is failing me. I was admitted to SGH not long after when I fainted in my office. I requested to do a full blood test, then I was told that I am HIV+. The skin treatment medications will only help after you start HIV treatments for a period only when your immune system gets better, dun be like me so silly wasted so much money for all the consultations and medications. I am not good in words & my english, so if you needed someone to talk to, please drop me an email @ reallee2007@yahoo.com.sg.

Move one step at a time, I trusted you can be able to make it through like myself.

加油！加油！Be Blessed!

HUgssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GachiMuchi]

Do sent me an e-mail with your hp number to (email removed) Do put 19 HIV help. I will try by best to help you. Me not a member here so cannot Pm. Don't worry my help for you will be decreet. Thanks. God bless.

I did a check with your email and found out that you women name Josephine in your Facebook. So are you a man or a women or what are you?

So as to protect this innocent guy, i am removing your post, especially for anonymous guest whose intentions are unclear.

[cutesmiles]

Please share his profile and phone number.

thanks

[thaiboyz]

I can understand how you are feeling now and hope all the advices given by the members here would help you in some ways.

You hv to be brave and accept the reality. Please talk to the counsellors and follow doctors' instructions accordingly. Dun think too much and you are on Gd hands, you won't be alone. HIV would not necessary will develop Aids, with the help of medications and modern technologies, you can live like a normal person and participate in any sports you want. Be a good student and upgrade your skills, you will contribute just as much as anyone of us to the society. If you are not ready to tell yr family and friends, jus give yourself some time to think over it, it's not a must must situation to reveal yr situation to anyone. As for medication charges, there are volunteers whom you can engage to buy medications from oversea which charge almost half the cost. Seek financial assistance thru MOH via yr doctors.

Things shld go on as normal and you have to be more careful while having intimacy with others by putting on protection, inorder to protect yourself as well as others. Healthy life styles and exercise regularly, be cheerful and positive, it's really not the end of the world. Afterall, there are many illness around such as cancer, diabeties, heart attack etc etc or tragic accidents, so why bother to worry so much. Live each day fruitfully and hv routine medical monitoring, you are still as fit as what you are for many years ahead )

[Guest Guest]

Hi Afraid,

Since you have rashes spreading around your body, then I will propose that you should go for a blood test asap.

If it is HIV+, then you should start treatment immediately. I have symptoms like you, at that time I tot it was just allergies so I spent a lot of money on skin treatments specialists but into no avail. The rashes spread throughout my body and I often feel giddiness and vomiting especially under hot sunlight. My immune system is failing me. I was admitted to SGH not long after when I fainted in my office. I requested to do a full blood test, then I was told that I am HIV+. The skin treatment medications will only help after you start HIV treatments for a period only when your immune system gets better, dun be like me so silly wasted so much money for all the consultations and medications. I am not good in words & my english, so if you needed someone to talk to, please drop me an email @ reallee2007@yahoo.com.sg.

Move one step at a time, I trusted you can be able to make it through like myself.

加油！加油！Be Blessed!

HUgssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hi...how does the rashes look like?

[Guest Ironrod]

Dear Afraid

Let me answer your questions directly:

1. If you have an official blood test (at any Government Hospitals) and the result is "positive", it will be reported to the CDC under the purview of Ministry of Health. But that is just a record, that you have been positively tested. The CDC would then request you to go through an antiviral therapy treatment under their care. And believe me, they give the best available care.

2. The CDC (or the Government) will not bring this matter to your family unless you are married, in which case your wife will be asked to report together with you to the CDC and be tested. The CDC will not inform your employer(s).

3. The ministry of health is now treating all HIV cases as chronic illness, which means you need long (life) term treatment. In this context, the armed forces may still conscript you into the army but perhaps to a lesser stress related job, as in which manner you would not be in accidental mishaps whereby you may spill blood.

4. As a Singaporean, you are strongly advised to go the the CDC for your treatment. The initial medication may be expensive, ranging from around $800+ for one medicine, and there are about three medication to be taken simultanuously. However, do not despair as the CDC will have a Social Worker to help you out. Be frank with the Social Worker and he will help you out. You will never be without medication, they will assist you in this matter.

5. You have just jumped the first hurdle: by accepting that you are HIV positive, this is the first step towards medication and caring for yourself. The paramount importance is that you stay calm. You do not need to run to your family and expose your medical situation to them. You can cleverly conceal it from them by saying that you are under some viral and Bacterial attack from consumption of unhealthy food.

My advise to you: Do not be frighten. For if you give in to fright, your battle is already lost !

Try also to do some earnest praying, it helps.

Good luck to you, and I wish you get out of this dark period of your life as soon as possible.

B4 the answers for TS questions get drown away - I going to re-quote the above which I find most useful.

As I mention b4 I known a guy whom was the same age and had the same problem b4 so I understand TS's problem.

Only thing is that TS reaffirm my "no angmoh" policy becos that boy same got from fxxking angmoh too. (sorry me being pissed)

TS , if you still confused or have doubt pls seek a AFA councilor for help becos face to face speech is important too.

Just remember its not the of the world, the boy is now 24 and living a normal life.

Knowing having the diease allow you to plan your life better and treasure what matter to you most.

Take this as a different path of life and not the end ok?

[Guest Guest]

To TS: there is sufficient information given by your caring and concerned comrades so please get your treatment started. Nif the cost is an issue, plse reply to my post and I will help get u started. Don 't delay!

To the other contributors, what is Tzu Chi? Is it a charitable organization? Is it well run and does it take care only of HIV patients? Do they accept donations? And how can I makeone? Ay member her who works or know people at TzuChi please let me know. I would like to make a donation

[Guest imiar]

i will pray for you

[Guest Guest]

http://www.tzuchi.or...=601&Itemid=501

[Guest DunLookBack]

hi...how does the rashes look like?

Hi,

The initial state of rashes look like common heat rashes but the itchiness is very persistent so one will likely to scratch and maybe due to the deficiency of the immune system skin tends to wear out easily then virus will start to spread and breakout of pimples like patches will formed, the more you scratch gradually more area will be affected and more scars will accumulate throughout and these scars are hard to diminish even if your health get better. So far the most effective way to subside to itchiness is to use non-poisonous hydrogen peroxide where commonly sold at some chinese drug's stores.

To TS - Just want you to know, you are very lucky to have so many beloved kind-hearted bw'ers here to give you advise and willing to help you even financially. For myself, I have to borrow so much money from my friends to manage the situation and emotionally at the initial state all by myself. So please, I beg and urge you to start off without delay to seek proper treatments and assistance, do not take chances anymore, go ahead get started!

I would like to thank all caring bw'ers in this thread, I feel so touched here, I never know that you people are very nice and with a heart of gold. God bless all and protect all well in whatever ways!!!

Hugsssssss..................

[Guest Worried]

Hi TS, hope your are doing well.

Don't give up

Guys I would just like to ask, if recently have developed some rash on my thigh and it's just there. Went to my GP and he gave me medicine and said it was nothing. Do I have to look out for anything?

Called AFA and the person on the line said that as long as I had safe sex the chances of me getting HIV is very small and if it is just rest it should be fine.

Do you guys think that I am worrying too much? I mean only had an encounter only once, and I don't really know much.

Thanks

[GachiMuchi]

Yes, you worry too much.

[Guest Worried]

Thanks Gachi. Just needed a peace of mind.

And for TS again, stay strong! Don't let anything get you down!

[superflawless]

Everyone, please keep getting tested and having safe sex. Don't be an ostrich and just hide from the problem. You aren't doing anyone any favours. Be proactive and take care of your health.

Anyone who wants to fxxk raw is an immediate red alert that he's trouble. And above all, stay connected to us here. Any questions, no matter how silly you think it is, just ask. We must all stick together and stand by each other. Goodness knows, the rest of the world can be very unsympathetic.

I do hope the culprit can be traced and apprehended.

[lct]

Yes, you worry too much.

I second GM. However, perhaps due to abrasions from you-know-what? Just joking. Usually for guys like me who are a little plump rash can develop on the insides of the thighs after extensive abrasions from exercise, clothes etc.

[Guest Sweetlava]

Hi Afraid

I just happended to see this thread today and would like to share my personal experience with you. However. I do not know how to reach you....

[orangair]

Hi Afraid,

So sorry to hear. I feel for you. We are all in the same boat, having sex with different people here and there. Even with full protection, there is no 100% guarantee we are immune from getting HIV. Often, I feel very scared too.

You should definitely talk to that Angmoh guy, what I am really afraid right now is he does not know his status and continues to have raw sex with some other innocent young boys like you.

Please be strong. Don't end your life. If you need financial support, let us know, I believe everyone in this forum can donate a little bit to help you get through this initial part.

Again, as long as you are alive, there is always hope. If you are dead, everything is gone.

[Guest hello]

TS - Afriad. Could you give us some details regarding the Ang Moh. Let us know where he stays and how tall is he etc. I do meet Ang Moh for ONS. But never had it raw. You information may help some of us here including myself.

Lastly, i really hope all is well for you. IM sure its not end of the way. Be Strong =]

[gz69]

Hi Afraid,

One day I hope you will post as No Longer Afraid. And here is an alternative therapy that has helped others and you need to research for yourself: Urine Therapy.

I am a firm believer and has plenty of research material. Google Urine Therapy and HIV, AIDS and see what it shows up. Or you can pm me and I will extract from research on how UT has helped HIV and AIDs sufferers.

Be Brave, Be Not Afraid.

[Guest dont_be_afriad]

TS - Afriad. Could you give us some details regarding the Ang Moh. Let us know where he stays and how tall is he etc. I do meet Ang Moh for ONS. But never had it raw. You information may help some of us here including myself.

Lastly, i really hope all is well for you. IM sure its not end of the way. Be Strong =]

i reckon the website TS is talking about is gayromeo. I do a search with the following criteria

- caucasian

- safe sex "needs discussion"

- dick size >= large

there isnt really a lot. But these people are now in my blacklist.