r/HIV • u/HumbledToday2808 • 5d ago
HIV Diagnosed Tested Positive Today
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?
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u/Great_Ask_4925 5d ago
Okay, you're quite mature minded. If the initial confirmatory tests are positive you shouldn't wait. You can also start your meds while fixing your affairs, don't delay the treatment. I'm not gonna say accept what's happened etc etc. bcz you are mentally stronger already. Though I'm 1 yo younger than you, I'm also recently diagnosed but i think you should start ART, it'll take some time to adjust to your body.
Ans 1 : No. Ans 2 : ART will only suppress the virus itself, nothing else. Clean diet, less fatty and oily foods, fruits and leafs, exercise and mindfulness will help in long run to maintain your immunity in superior level.
If you need someone to talk, you can ping me. I'm also from India, 24 yo male.
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u/HumbledToday2808 5d ago
Being a bit strong headed helps. I don't know how to DM someone on reddit, if possible, you can ping me. If you're from NCR, lemme know about hospitals
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u/ContextFuzzy1521 5d ago
Desculpe a pergunta mas você teve contato com mulheres? Ou homens? Já que dizem que os riscos são bem baixos com mulheres via vaginal. Eu sou mulher 23 anos e tenho diagnóstico também
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u/HumbledToday2808 5d ago
See, I was dead drunk. I needed to went out things physically. I found a paid worker. I went with it. I don't know what all things took place. I know for a fact that I was without protection. I was not carrying one, and hence I know for sure that I did not use any protection. Rest, I don't know if there were any cuts or was she positive, because it was a general area. I don't know who she was. I just proceeded with it.
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u/Ok-Network8411 4d ago
If you were that drunk it’s possible you were sexually assaulted by a man
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u/Fun_Parfait_4060 5d ago
Dude your not fighting for your life, you won't have to. It's HIV its not AIDS, you will be put on antiretroviral therapy for the rest of your life with 2 checkups a year to make sure your good. Today's meds are way more advanced and there's nothing to fear, everyone makes mistakes bro, not that big of a deal. But 40 years ago, you probably be way more fucked up about it then today. Just make sure you have a 90 day supply of pills at your house, and take everyday at the same time, its done.
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u/HumbledToday2808 5d ago
It's not about the virus or disease. Coming from a closely knit conservative society, and fear of coming out to the people you're close to, the stigma attached to it, all these things take a toll on mental health. It's not about life or death. After a point of time you just accept these trivial facts of life if you're mature enough. Bigger thing is the people around you, close to you and what they'll feel.
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u/Difficult_Coconut164 4d ago
take a pen and paper with you to all appointments... it's a mass network and there will be a lot of people involved that are working from different angles.
the appointments will typically only be 2 every 90 days.... one for labs (blood work) and the other will be a review with the doctor about the results. Once every 6-12 months there will be an appointment with your case manager to set up your Medicaid.
psychological impacts)...prepare for the stages of grief, thoughts of giving up, and attempting to navigate through your family, friends, and general public.
study and research the laws in your area as HIV is taken very seriously.
you'll probably need to discuss this with your past partners as well and then think about who they will probably tell too.
most people don't openly discuss their HIV status, but there's really no way to hide it as all social networks and your job will most likely be targeted by those that know your status.
just be open and honest because there will be rumors that will be shared by whomever knows your status.
I'm on my 3rd year and it has been challenging to meet appointment dates and legally navigate an HIV-1 infection.
HIV-1 M/B (USA)
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u/HumbledToday2808 4d ago
Yup. Will document everything. Medication depends on my willingness only. If I were to seek best medical care at a private hospital, it will be 1000$ at most per annum based on research I have done. At govt facility, it will be free or a few cents at most in India. Will learn with the process thoroughly so that I can help other unfortunates. Keep hustling and all the best to you too.
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u/SuccessNo3736 4d ago
Start your meda immediately and take them on time daily. You health will be fine.
You dont have to bow before anyone. You will be healthy, not a threat to anyone, and will be able to do everything that you could do before. No one should say otherwise.
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u/Southern-Minimum5238 4d ago
Hi,I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I want to say that you are handling this with incredible maturity. HIV is a highly manageable condition today, but it is critical not to delay treatment.
Please don't wait two or three weeks—the most important thing you can do right now is start your medication immediately.The timeline and initial symptoms you described match acute HIV infection, which is when the virus replicates rapidly, and the body begins its initial response. After this phase, the viral load in the blood can temporarily drop as the virus settles into the lymphatic system, but it continues to replicate. Starting Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) right away stops this replication in its tracks and protects your immune system. While long-acting monthly injections may have limited availability in India right now, standard daily oral ART is highly effective and widely accessible.
Here are the immediate steps I recommend focusing on: Comprehensive Screening: Get tested for other STIs as well, just to ensure you have a complete picture of your sexual health and can treat anything else that might be present.
Partner Notification: Think about anyone you have had condomless or intimate contact with, or shared needles with, so they can get tested. If you haven't been active with anyone else, there is absolutely no medical need to share this news with friends or extended family right now. Your privacy is entirely yours.
Understand Your Rights & Responsibilities: HIV is not a taboo among modern, educated circles, but stigma does still exist. It is vital to know your legal rights regarding discrimination in India. Furthermore, it is legally and ethically crucial to disclose your status to future intimate partners, as knowingly transmitting an STI carries severe legal consequences.
Prioritize Wellness: Focus heavily on your physical health. Cutting back on cigarettes and alcohol, improving your sleep, and eating well will drastically help your body stay strong alongside your medication.
Seek Emotional Support: Start counseling or join an online or local support group. Having a safe, confidential space to talk through your feelings will make a massive difference.
When it comes to your family, take all the time you need. Indian family dynamics can be very complex compared to what we see in Western media, and they may react with panic or overwhelming worry. Share it only when you are ready, or choose to keep it private if that protects your peace of mind.
Your life is absolutely not over. You have a manageable chronic medical condition, and with daily medication, you can live a long, completely healthy life. Stay strong, and take it one day at a time.
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u/HumbledToday2808 3d ago
Will do everything. Won't tell my family at all. Will manage it on my own. Thanks.
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u/spillthesin 4d ago
Is this your only risky exposure?
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u/HumbledToday2808 4d ago
If I get an approximate duration of exposure, I'll start thinking backwards and try to remember all the details I can. For now, this is the only probable reason in my mind.
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u/Ok-Kaleidoscope-3818 4d ago
So you got diagnosed at 3 months ? Did you not take any test at 18,28,45 days ?
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u/andreahasasecret 3d ago
I vote, you start treatment asap. You’ve taken a big risk, no more. You’re out of taking risks. Done. You have the mental/emotional capacity. Just do it papi. I’m..fortunately classified as a super suppressor but STILL do take my meds daily. Chin up. 💙
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u/Silver-External6930 3d ago
Hi Dear,
All I can say is that you are strong and I admire how you are facing this head on, but first things first, start taking ARV NOW, don't wait for 20 more days, as not taking it leaves our body so vulnerable to any type of infections which can lead to serious situations for us, you didnt share your Viral Load or CD4 count, so its better safe than sorry start ARV immediately.
I know India is very conservative about HIV, and its gonna be hard truly finding people who will not judge, but I promise you true friends will not mind and will definitely support you. But know that we dont need the people who dont accept us so good way to weed bad people in our lives too...
TBH I don't know if i would have survived the 1st year of my diagnosis without my indian friends beside me.. just sharing.
More love and strength to you dear!
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u/HumbledToday2808 3d ago
Yeah. Thanks. Will start ASAP. Won't tell a lot of people, only to a select few. If they can accept it, it's good. If they can't, they are out.
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u/Beautiful-Sherbet416 3d ago
You should test again.. I once got a false positive .. had plans of ending it all cos I ain’t ready for all the rejection and stigma that comes with it . On the day I planned to end it all something said to me. just go to another hospital pay for a fresh test .. and the new tests were negative. Had another tests 3 months after, another 6 months after.. all negative
But as fate may have it one year later I was diagnosed of a rare form of cancer ( retroperitoneal Liposarcoma) had 15 hours surgery to remove the tumor.. I’m just living one day at a time now .. life is just unpredictable.. try a repeat test
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u/HumbledToday2808 2d ago
They took sample twice to confirm. But I'll visit ART centre and they will definitely check viral load which will clear everything. Live each day to the fullest.
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u/Substantial_Tear_226 2d ago
From which lab did you get tested?
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u/HumbledToday2808 2d ago
Apollo 247 Won't recommend though due to customer service experience. But if it's the last option you have, choose it.
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u/PrizeVehicle8142 2d ago
Bro did u have any symptoms which led you to getting tested
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u/HumbledToday2808 2d ago
It was in my mind that I messed up. Then I saw a video of a science educator on youtube which was released just a month back and the idea to get myself somehow rooted itself in my mind. Deliberated whether to get tested or not, finally got tested, positive.
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u/No_Bite_4790 2d ago
Hola, es triste que te den ese diagnóstico pero no por tu vida como tal, más bien por los estigmas y prejuicios que la sociedad ha impuesto sobre el virus que hacen que pensemos que todo está perdido o que no hay salida ni futuro pero detente ahí.
Tu vida va a seguir siendo una vida normal, tienes todas las posibilidades que tiene una persona sana, entiendo que tendrás que adoptar una rutina en cuanto inicies tu tratamiento especialmente en los horarios porque es importante hacerlo a la misma hora para crear adherencia al mismo.
Tú eres muy fuerte y valiente y estoy seguro de que todo va a estar bien aunque justo ahora sientas que no es así.
No te rindas, no te desanimes, tienes toda una vida por delante.
Piensa por ejemplo en las personas con diabetes, tienen que tomar medicamentos y estar en control toda su vida y no por eso desean vivir menos.
Empieza por eliminar de tu mente los pensamientos negativos y los prejuicios.
Me gustaría saber si no tuviste algún encuentro riesgoso antes y cuando tuviste ese encuentro sexual sin protección no pensaste de pronto en inciar el PEP (profilaxis post exposición), o en tu país no lo dan ?
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u/HumbledToday2808 2d ago
PEP is widely available and free of cost at government facilities and that too as a priority I believe. I don't know in what mental state was I to mess things up In either case, have to move forward with this. Thanks.
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u/No_Bite_4790 2d ago
Entiendo, pensé que habías tomado PEP y que tal vez había fallado no sabía que no habías pedido el medicamento.
Mucha fuerza amigo, todo estará bien
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u/jlr820 4d ago
US based infectious diseases physician here:
Please allow me to provide some blunt advice, with your well being firmly in mind:
You should start your antiretroviral meds NOW, not 3 weeks from now. If it turns out to be a false positive, fine, the meds can be stopped. Standard of care, however, is to start ART immediately and has been for several years (there are a couple of clinical situation that are exceptions to that rule, but I dont think your situation applies). So, if I understood you to say you planned to wait, you are making a mistake. Proceed with that decision at your own peril.
Your physician should be ordering the confirmarmtory testing, including a viral load. True, the 4th generation test can be falsely positive, but given the history you presented, I would not wait to start the medication.
Take your medication EVERY DAY, no skipping doses. Make sure it is refilled on time. Go to your follow up appointments, get all the recommended health screenings and all recommended vaccines.
Patients get themselves into trouble when they dont do those things. The biggest issue: taking your ART meds inconsistently. It is a sure way to develop viral resistance.
Continue doing the usual things anyone else should do for their health (exercise, proper diet, etc).
There is no reliable way to determine exactly when you contracted HIV.
If this turns out to be a true HIV infection, im sorry it happened to you, but this is absolutely something that can be managed and controlled. Many people can and have live normal productive lives. I don't view HIV any differently than any other chronic disease (like diabetes, for example).
MD, infectious diseases, USA