I’m flying out from a non-EU country to Germany via Wizz Air soon and need to bring a 1-2 month supply of my personal prescription medication (solid tablets/pills) in my carry-on.

For privacy reasons, I transferred the pills into a completely plain/unmarked white box without labels.

A few quick questions for anyone who has done this:

Does security usually care about solid pills in carry-on bags if they are in an unmarked box, or do they just run them through the X-ray without opening the bag?

Is there any chance this will cause trouble at German border control or customs when walking through the green "Nothing to Declare" exit?

I'm traveling with family and prefer to keep my medical details private, so I just want to make sure I won't get pulled aside for extra questions over an unmarked box.
Thanks for any insights or personal experiences!

Where can I find affordable mental health support online?
I live in a country where getting diagnosed with HIV prevents you from getting many basic easy-to-get jobs such as working in restaurants or cafes for example.
I am so mentally tired and I am in need for getting access to mental health support while I can still be able to afford living and rent.
I will really appreciate any resources.

Realistically, what does your food diet look like? What’s some of the food/drinks you felt you had to cut down after being diagnosed?

Years back I tested positive but ignored it for 6 months. Went to get treated, tested again. Viral load was around 400 and so was my cd4.

Dr told me it's very unusual to have such a low viral load with no previous treatment, and my cd4 moves about from 250 to 450 over the years. I'm never poorly other than usual coughs and colds etc.

I asked if I was semi immune or something but all I was told is that it's unusual. Anyone with any medical qualification able to enlighten me? ​​​​​​​

Anyone classified as an elite/super suppressor? (Ts.AZ) tell me more 🙋🏻‍♀️ meds vs no meds, dating scene-where to find papis (that are pos)

I wrote a post here about my experience with this goddamn HIV situation and honestly, I did not expect to receive so many warm and supportive responses. Because of you guys the treatment is going very very easy! I found a lot of lovely people after my post even in my city LA. Love this community! Thank you. It really means a lot.

However... I also received a lot of messages from people asking what symptoms I had because they are experiencing symptoms themselves and want to compare them with mine. Please do not do that. This post is specifically not an invitation to compare symptoms or try to diagnose yourself based on someone else's experience.

There are no doctors here, and even if there are, I do not care if you are a doctor, a professor, or some divine level medical genius who can diagnose people by looking at their aura. You cannot tell someone whether they have HIV based on symptoms. If you are concerned about HIV, talk to a qualified healthcare professional and get tested. That is the only way to know your status.

I understand the fear behind this very well. I was very, like really very terrified myself. I bought a rapid test and then basically sat there with it for a week because I was too scared to actually use it. Finding out that you have HIV can feel like the worst thing in the world. But not knowing can be even worse, especially when you are relying on symptoms, guessing, or assuming everything is fine.

Please also remember that HIV symptoms are not some kind of fingerprint. Fatigue can be caused by a thousand things. A rash can be caused by a thousand things. Itching can literally mean your skin decided to be annoying that day. Someone can have completely different symptoms, and someone else can have no symptoms at all while feeling perfectly healthy. You could have a headache, a rash, zero symptoms, or be walking around with a huge smile and a fucking bow on your head. None of that can tell you whether you have HIV. A test can.

And there is one more thing I really want people to understand. Do not blindly trust someone just because they tell you they are on PrEP. Never make decisions about your own sexual health based solely on somebody else's word. People lie. People really fucking lie. And that's the reason I got HIV. Because of my own stupidity, trust and relying on luck.

HIV is not some magical exception where everyone suddenly becomes honest and medically knowledgeable. You would be surprised how many people can confidently say "I'm on PrEP, don't worry" while having absolutely no idea how PrEP is obtained, how it works, or sometimes even what the fuck PrEP actually is. So the mindset of "it's fine, he's on PrEP, nothing can happen" is not a good way to protect yourself. Protect yourself based on what you know, not on what someone promises you.

I am not saying any of this to scare or judge anyone. Quite the opposite. I understand the fear because I have been there myself. I know how difficult it can be to make yourself get tested when you are terrified of what the result might say.

So please do not try to diagnose yourself from symptoms, and do not let fear keep you from getting tested. Learn about HIV, PrEP, and treatment from reliable medical sources, and take responsibility for your own health. And remember, your results are negative? Great. Keep yourself safe. Your results are positive? Listen to your doctor and remember that this is absolutely not the end of the world. It is the 21st century. HIV is treatable, and with proper treatment, it does not mean that your life suddenly stops. And actually, quite opposite. After HIV I became more wise, kinda changed my points of view in a good way and live every day like it's last. And what about HIV? What's that? Me and my pills dunno her 💅

Take your medication, take care of yourself, and keep living your life.

If we all take this seriously, whether we are trying to prevent HIV or already living with it, then testing, treatment, knowledge, and prevention can genuinely bring us one step closer to fucking beating this thing. ❤️

Hey, 22 M. I was unexpectedly tested positive last june this year. I was shocked to know about the result since I cant figure out who gave me the disease, but I’m certain it was one of my flings. I dont use dating apps since afraid to acquire the disease but ironically, I got it from someone I thought I can trust on.

I’m just worried now if I can still find love?

I totally understand people if they dont want to continue what was started but I’m just afraid no one will want me because of what I have. I know I’m not bad as a person, I just got this by trusting someone.

Its just sad to think about this kind of stuff

M25. Delhi, India. Tested positive today. Speaking my heart out.

As straight as one can be. Got myself tested for HIV. Test conducted was HIV P24 Antigen, HIV 1 & 2 antibodies reflex. Tested positive. Already trying to figure out my future lifestyle and goals in this situation.

I am a very upright and a very stubborn man in the sense that I do not seek help and proceed forward alone for any task. I do not change at others' will. I do not bow before others. This virus has humbled me completely and made me accept many of my mistakes suddenly, but it remains to be seen whether this virus has the ability to make me bow before it or to others. I won't cry "why me?". It was supposed to be me, out of everyone, and it got me.

How did I get it? Only one reasonable and probable reason is in sight for now: Got extremely drunk. Clouded judgement. Had paid sex outside without protection, approximately 3.5 months ago. 4 days after exposure I got severe fever, chills, etc that lasted a week or so. I started having hair loss and heavy sweating during dinner sometimes. I don't know which of them are related to HIV directly.

Will start my treatment after I sort out all my affairs, and only then will I visit the hospital with peace of mind. Will start my treatment approximately 20 days later with all sincerity. Taking risk of delaying treatment in case my reason turns out to be false, and I have had this virus much before 3 months.

For now, feeling guilty, did not cry a single tear though. I know I have to fight for the rest of my life with all the might I have got. Any other emotions will come maybe during sleepless nights or after having good conversation with the doctor who will explain it in better details as to how my life will change for now.

Question 1: Is there any reliable way or test to know approximate duration of the exposure?

Question 2: Apart from ART, what should I do i.e. shall I focus on healing my immune system through lifestyle changes or will the ART be sufficient?

I was diagnosed last may. I have been dealing with this condition very well mentally. But with time I have realized that my condition has been limiting my options lately. I live in Bangladesh. The medicines are free in here. Which is a plus. But I always wanted to leave this country because of the political unrest. I want to do my PhD abroad. I have been doing some research and realized that it is very challenging in the west. The medicines are expensive, sometimes the insurance don't cover it if someone is unemployed for a while. In some countries private insurances don't cover HIV treatments. So, I don't think I can take the risk to leave my country anymore. I am stuck here. Lot's of high paying jobs checks for HIV in this country. I wanted to join the civil service, but I can't anymore because of this. This condition is limiting my options in every possible way. I have been very strong since I was diagnosed, because I knew it's not end of everything and I can live my life like others. But, clearly I can't anymore. I can't even date, marry or work like others. It's just frustrating.

My doc is asking if I want to switch from Biktarvy to cabenuva. Dies anyone else have experience with this switch?

Hi everyone, I’m new here.

In early July, I found out I was HIV positive through routine testing. It had been almost two years since my previous HIV test, so I don’t know exactly when or how I acquired it. I had very few sexual partners during that period and we consistently used condoms. My main suspicion is oral sex, although I know transmission that way is considered statistically very unlikely.

I had my blood drawn and started treatment on the same day I was diagnosed. I’m currently taking dolutegravir + lamivudine + tenofovir (DTG/3TC/TDF).

My pre-treatment results were:
Viral load: 25,000 copies/mL
CD4: 315 cells/µL (32.33%)
CD8: 395 cells/µL (40.58%)
CD4/CD8 ratio: 0.80
Total CD45+ lymphocytes: 973 cells/µL

After a little over a month on treatment, I had another blood test. The results were:
Viral load: Not detected
CD4: 981 cells/µL (33.67%)
CD8: 1,239 cells/µL (42.56%)
CD4/CD8 ratio: 0.79
Total CD45+ lymphocytes: 2,912 cells/µL

So my CD4 went from 315 to 981, an increase of more than three times the initial count, in just over a month.

I knew that becoming undetectable relatively quickly was very possible with modern ART, but I was really surprised by how much my absolute CD4 count increased. I haven’t come across many similar experiences while reading other people’s stories or searching online.

What I find particularly interesting is that my CD4 percentage barely changed from 32.33% to 33.67%, while my total lymphocyte count increased dramatically. So I’m wondering whether my initial absolute CD4 count may have been temporarily lower than usual because of other factors.

At the time of my first blood test, I had stayed awake all night and was also recovering from the flu, so I’ve wondered whether that could have affected my lymphocyte/CD4 count.

I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression since the diagnosis. The first few weeks were emotionally very difficult, and I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about what HIV might mean for my health in the long term. Seeing that I was already undetectable and that my CD4 count had increased gave me a bit of relief and hope after a pretty overwhelming period.

I’m still waiting for my next appointment with my infectious disease doctor next month to go through these results properly, but in the meantime I’d love to hear from others.

Has anyone here experienced such a large increase in absolute CD4 count shortly after starting ART, especially while the CD4 percentage stayed almost the same?

Hi I have a family member who has been taking ARV for at least 10 years.
They however are not wanting to be on this earth anymore and have chosen to stop taking the meds!
From what google says, this isn’t a way out bc it’s not like it’s instant.

Never thought I would be sharing my story, as I always felt fine, but here I am (might be a bit of a rant as well, so please do not hate comment me)

I was diagnosed with HIV 11 months back, and my world was shaken apart, wasn’t even able to get up from my bed for a few days but then I told my family about it and they were very supportive which made me strong. I still don’t know why do they keep supporting me and believing me when they could just disown me and not talk to me, as I have been such a disappointment to them.

Anyway, I started taking ART in a month of my diagnosis and was undetectable in the next 6 months. After starting ART, reading and researching about it, talking to people about it boosted my confidence and I forgot that I have this disease even. I started being happy in my life again after 2-3 months of ART. I have never missed a dose of my medication and touchwood, it still remains that way.

Now, adding more about myself, I am a closeted gay guy living in India, with educated but conservative parents. I am ready to be open to my family and friends but I don’t want to live alone forever and see them in stress about it for the lifetime. If I am able to find a partner, I am ready to be open about it always.

Recently, I met a guy with whom I am good friends with but want to date him also, but deep in my mind, I know, that once I disclose to him about my status, he would just break our friendship as well.

I felt my life as complete when he wasn’t there, but now when I am with him, I feel so happy that I forget the world even exists other than him but I also know in my mind, this happiness won’t last long, due to my status. I just cannot afford to lose him as I would be completely shattered. And I don’t want to start dating him without telling him the reality, I haven’t told him yet, but once, I start dating him, the first thing I want to tell him is about my status, which can end our friendship.

Can anyone please share their dating experience regarding this or any advice or any research suggesting that a permanent cure is almost here, which can make me feel good about myself please.

I (30m) have been on successful treatment and therapy for almost 9 years. My first long term partner knowingly transmitted to me then broke it off with me. I’ve been on a consistent 6 month appt and testing but my meds have been an issue for quite a while and securing them on time has been iffy, especially when another provider is covering for my provider when she is on a vacation or something. BUT today, after bringing it up and talking about it and being regular with my appointments and labs my provider gave me a fill with 6 refills on it! I’m so excited to have gotten to this stage. It’s been a long road, through medical studies and securing medicine and other things. It’s really nice to get to this stage. Hoping for a once a year appt and blood draw soon, like some of the others I’ve met that have been positive for years.

بعمل دراسة هدفها التعامل مع إحساس الوحدة، لو في حد مهتم يتواصل معايا

I'm really hoping so. Like how many people are even working towards this goal

Any more hiv social groups on here? Or what apps do you recommend to socialize amongst more poz people

I want to be understanding because he’s mentioned the U=U stuff and that he’s undetectable etc, but I just feel like this is a huge betrayal. We were planning on moving to a new country and that’s the only reason he told me because of the health care situation. If we weren’t moving, I’m not sure he would have told me. We were talking about marriage etc, but now I feel like our relationship has been built on a lie.

The sad part is this is the second time something like this has happened to me. The first time, my partner told after a year since he felt like things were getting serious. This time, we were already planning a wedding and talking about engagement, but he only told me when risks were created with getting his medications if we changed countries.

I remember the first time we had sex, I remember asking him and he said he was negative, and since he’s told me that undetectable is negative, but I just feel so distraught and betrayed. I know people always say that you need to see the STD tests of your partners to be really sure, but I always thought that was an exaggeration.

We broke up because of this last night.

Am I overreacting?

Hi everyone,

I check this subreddit quite often, and I see a lot of people struggling with living with HIV. I completely understand that.

The stigma, the self-doubt, the fear of dating or telling people — it can be really shitty.

But at the same time, I sometimes wish more people could see how much has changed compared to the 80s and 90s. With modern treatment, HIV doesn’t have to mean the end of your life. For many of us, it can simply become something we manage with a daily pill. And if you’re undetectable, U=U.

I don’t want to sound arrogant or like I’m saying “just get over it”. Everyone processes a diagnosis differently. But I’m a straight guy, 32 years old, and I’ve been living with HIV for almost two years now.

And I still date, I’m seeing someone, I travel, and do pretty much all the things I did before my diagnosis.

HIV is a part of my life now, but it doesn’t define my life.
It just makes me sad seeing people feel like their life is over because of their diagnosis.

So if you’re struggling with it, especially if you’ve recently been diagnosed or have it for a longer time, feel free to messag me I’m obviously not a doctor, but I can share my own experience and hopefully give you some perspective.

We still have a life.

So please, live it!

Hello,

M/28, I just wanted to find out if there is anyone that tested here that has ever tested positive for HIV after having completed PEP. If so how soon did you find out and what kind of test did you do?

So, like many of us, I was incredibly ill leading up to my diagnosis. I spent 3 weeks with horrendous symptoms. That was just over a month ago. I started treatment 3-ish weeks ago and I started getting my energy back last week and felt a little cocky, long story short, I've probably overdone it with the exercise (gym, running, cycling from place to place rather than taking the bus) and I went for my checkup today, cycles to the hospital and then cycled home 3 hours later and I don't think I've ever felt this exhausted in my life 🙃 I've been trying to get up and get going again, I need to make dinner etc. prior to getting sick (and even a little before that when I felt like I had the flu constantly) I was pretty fit and recovered from exhaustion fairly quickly, usually getting better throughout the day.

Anyway, just wanted to check who else has found themselves in a similar situation and any advice on slowly phasing back into being active and having good energy levels. I'd like to think I know my body etc, but I felt perfectly fine last night after my run and thought I'd be a little tired today, but not THIS exhausted.

Does anyone have any experience of drinking Chlorophyll while on Biktarvy?

Hello

I’m a 20 year old straight man who was born with HIV. Ive been undectable my whole life as I was diagnosed at birth.

Despite being thankful of the fact I have great doctors and medicine I’ve struggled a lot mentally as the burden of this virus is the stigma and lonesome it comes with.

Currently in college at a big state school and man oh man do I feel like I’m missing out on the “college experience“. The virus fucks up confidence so bad that whenever I see a girl I like and I can tell she likes me I’m looking for an escape route. I’m good looking and can hold a conversatio, just the fact that as soon as I realize she’s intereste, I get scared that she will reject and tell everyone on campus I have HIV. Part of me wants to just own it but damn I’m terrified. going to the gym consistently and having a high libido is tough. If anyone has gone through what I’ve gone through I’d appreciate your comments.

Im not even sure if I really wanna engage in modern hookup culture or if that’s just my brain telling me everyone else is doing it and I’m the lame odd one out.

Does anyone else experience extreme dry flaky face/skin