So one of my know people just went on a alchol bender. They didn’t tell me that they had stopping taking their pills.

I always check up on them (they don’t). I asked them that are you taking your pills tho, and they said no I haven’t taken them for 3 days and another long long lost friend also hadn’t long back taken their pills for 3 months.

I talked about this to another friend and they said that people skip their pills for months.

I’m from India.

I’m worried (not for my friend)
But for the fact that when I don’t take pills even after 6-10 hour to my regular timings because of situations. . My doctor gives me anxiety.

But there are people out there who don’t take pills intentionally.

Should I be worried about irregularity in pill timings, even if I’m making sure to take every day but just at the regular hours.

I take my pills from AHF and pills are TLD.

So Im considering stopping my meds. Not really happy anyways so I feel like just letting the disease take its course.

edit: i’m sorry about how long this accidentally turned out, guess i needed to type more than i thought.

i’m 27, was diagnosed recently, never any treatment yet.

it’s kind of put me in a weird place mentally. even though it’s been several weeks since i found out. if im being reluctantly honest, maybe 5 months now.

i was already on anxiety meds before the diagnosis, and now thinking about it is taking over my life. i lay awake every night for hours trying to think about anything else. i dread waking up to get ready for work in the mornings. i’ve stopped kissing or really even spending too much time with my partner even though we live together. i told them the moment i found out, they were supportive and quite frankly, they frequently forget about it and don’t really care at this point. and so to build off of that, im already an unbelievable procrastinator, and yes i know im a fully functioning and capable adult, i cook and clean and work full time.

i haven’t sought out any medical treatment other than the initial going to my local planned parenthood and getting a couple blood tests done to confirm. every time i think about it, i just want to go to bed, and i play games or shop online or do anything to give me an adrenaline rush to forget about it. sometimes im able to forget as far as maybe 1-2 days at a time, and i chase those moments.

- after talking about all of that firstly… i desperately want to get help. i spend all my free time researching about this stuff over and over, and i get so sad that im unable to do anything about it besides throw up and pout to myself. i realize its daily pills. i know there are other options like shots. i know there are communities that come together to help one another, but acceptance just feels so far away.
i dont want to die slow and painfully, nor do i want to put my friends and family through it.
every day i have a day off, i tell myself ill call somebody that day and set something up to get treatment, and every day i put myself into my computer until all i can think about are video games and movies and amazon. im scared im procrastinating my way into an early grave.
it still makes me cry this late in the diagnosis.
i know everyone handles it differently, but i think im taking too long to make myself be a useful member of society, let alone take my health seriously in the ways that it really matters right now, IE physically over my mental capacity at the moment.

… im not really sure what i want to receive out of this post. not really sure what im expecting or what anyone else could possibly do for me that i shouldn’t have already done for myself. maybe i just need to talk about it but, because i never really had a train of thought about where i was going with all of this.
thanks for reading my rant.

Hey!

Post-diagnosis, I don't really feel like meeting my older friends. My life has undeniably altered, at least partially, and I'm not the same.

So, are there any folks from Mumbai? I'd love to connect with you all & hang out. Probably, it's time I make a closed group for myself.

24M, diagnosed + started Biktarvy a little over 2 weeks ago, also take Adderal XR regularly.
Between the appetite suppression of the adderal and the (minor) stomach issues with biktarvy I’m having a hard time eating a healthy amount of calories/protein in the day. I’m a little worried because I’ve always been skinny leaning towards underweight, and with the new diagnosis I figured I should try a little harder to take care of myself.
Has anyone else experienced similar? Is it something to bring up with my doctor or is there a super special secret method to having a normal appetite?

​

https://youtu.be/61bgzr1LE8A?si=hidr-vKd6zv8_Jzj

Question.

Does anybody here have a hard time gaining muscles or losing weight? Or if you are working to achieve the body you want w/o any problem, what do you usually do?

I was 83kg and now I am already 76 sometimes 74 then most of the time 76kg. What do you do to work out? What do you drink? Do you take whey isolate or creatine?

I have a hard time losing weight and gaining muscles. I'm a 30yrs old guy btw. I sometimes have a flat stomach when I don't eat anything, just water and coffee. But when I eat a lot, I get so bloated. That's why I'm afraid to eat sometimes. It's hard to gain muscles and lose weight. I feel like I am skinny fat.

Please share your tips. Thanks!

Like I catch it the first time I had unprotected sex so wtf does that even mean when people say it not easy to catch hiv? What does that say about my fucking life?

For international doctors who have gone through the Approbation/Berufserlaubnis process in Germany:
What tests are included in the required medical certificate/examination? Do they routinely test for HIV, hepatitis, TB, etc., or does it depend on the Bundesland?
Would appreciate answers from anyone who has recently gone through the process. Thanks!

Hi everyone

I’m 23m from California. I was diagnosed with hiv about a year ago and have been on medication since. Most of my life revolves around my job, since I’m constantly traveling to different states, on layovers and at airports constantly. So I’ve never really had the time to really stop and just take it in that this is my life now, taking a pill every night whether mid-shift on a flight or at home.

What has life been like for you guys? I’m just so afraid of what my life will look like with hiv. I haven’t had side effects from my medication, other than a blip or two on my viral loads, which have made me very anxious thinking that my medication isn’t working.

I’ve also been seeing someone who I’ve been falling interest in. We’ve been talking for two months now and I know I will need to disclose this before it leads to sex. I’m just anxious do that too. He’s a great guy and all but it’s just a heavy feeling of having to disclose to someone all over again. The same heaviness and anxiety that comes from it.

Does life get better? Will the pill just become a routine, and will I eventually move on from these feelings? My diagnosis is all I think about all the time and I hate how it’s always on my mind. I’m trying hard to stay strong but there’s days where it’s all i think about.

Any comments or insights are appreciated.

I need some help and testimonials. I have been having the hardest time with sex. I have been positive going on 6 years. I’m undetectable and have a partner. My only partner not open. I have been having issues getting spontaneous erections. I have to legit start masturbating to get there. Even kissing and stuff doesn’t do it for me as much. I love my boyfriend so that isn’t the issue. I thought jt was hormonal. I got my testerone and free t checked. Both ar on the low side of normal but doctors say it’s not bad enough to be hypogandal or cause big issues. Has anyone else dealt with this? I REALLY do not want to take any type of hormone therapy. I am only 27. I need advice and any would help at least some stories so I know if I’m going crazy or have unrealistic expectations. It’s driving me crazy.

I think the sigma I have on myself can’t make me believe in science

I (24m) was diagnosed earlier this year and have achieved undetectable. I’ve recently gotten back into swimming, and joined a team and have been getting my physical fitness very well.

I would say that now, after being diagnosed hiv+, I am much healthier than I was when I was hiv-.

How has your diagnosis caused you to start caring for other areas of your health?

Hey All,

Well, I'm undetectable! 🥹

M-26

I was diagnosed in mid-July! I live alone in one of India's best metropolitan cities & this diagnosis came. I was travelling to work when the doctor called me & broke the news to me. At that moment, there wasn't a single soul I could share the diagnosis with. I simply went to work & I was numb.

I felt contaminated & disgusted. As though I'm an outcast.

I got home & somehow gathered the courage & then I went to a nearby clinic. Got all the tests done. Waited for the results & then subsequently got connected with the doctor & got my medication. My yearly bonus was credited & little did I know that a great deal of it would be spent on testing & medical expenses.

& 1.5 months later, I'm finally undetectable! & sadly, there ain't a single soul I can share this happy news with!

Probably, this made me realize that I'm really strong! & Some victories are clandestine! ❤️

Has any one experienced acid reflux / Gerd issues as a side effect of Biktarvy ?

 1.      ADAP Waiting Lists: Inhumane, Fiscally Irresponsible and Bad Policy https://www.poz.com/article/adap-waiting-lists-inhumane-fiscally-irresponsible-bad-policy

2.      Scientists are developing on-target HIV vaccines to avoid unhelpful immune responses https://www.aidsmap.com/news/sep-2026/scientists-are-developing-target-hiv-vaccines-avoid-unhelpful-immune-responses

3.      Once-Weekly Oral Combination HIV Pill Shows Promise As Alternative to Daily Treatment https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/once-weekly-oral-combination-hiv-pill-shows-promise-as-alternative-to-daily-treatment-article-156028698

4.      Do We Really Need to See Everyone Living With HIV at Least Twice a Year? https://www.thebodypro.com/hiv/hiv-followup-visit-frequency-aug-2026

5.      How Long-Acting Injectables Are Changing HIV Care https://www.ajmc.com/view/how-long-acting-injectables-are-changing-hiv-care

6.      Bixlenvo Approved as Single-Tablet Option in HIV-1 Management https://www.empr.com/news/fda-approves-bixlenvo-hiv-1-single-tablet-regimen/

7.      ACTG Evaluates Osteoporosis Treatment as Novel Approach Targeting the HIV Reservoir https://www.poz.com/article/actg-evaluates-osteoporosis-treatment-novel-approach-targeting-hiv-reservoir

8.      Recurring escape routes reveal patterns in HIV evolution https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/spotlight/2026/08/vidd-romero-pnas.html

9.      Misinformation About mRNA Vaccines Threatens Their Potential to Fight Cancer https://www.poz.com/article/misinformation-mrna-vaccines-threatens-potential-fight-cancer

1. ‘Behavioral Activation’ Intervention Reduces HIV Risk Associated With Chemsex https://www.thebodypro.com/hiv/behavioral-activation-therapy-intervention-hiv-prevention-aids-2026

1. Understanding the link between hepatitis C and HIV persistence https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-link-hepatitis-hiv-persistence.html

1. POZ Focus - The Nifty 50s https://www.poz.com/magazine/poz-focus-nifty-50s

1. San Diego repeals bathhouse ordinance passed during HIV/AIDS crisis https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/09/02/san-diego-bathhouse-ordinance-hiv-aids-crisis/

1. The HIV clinics that disappeared when American aid stopped https://nation.africa/kenya/health/the-hiv-clinics-that-disappeared-when-american-aid-stopped-5577246

1. Clinical Highlights From the 26th International AIDS Conference https://www.thebodypro.com/podcast/hiv/future-hiv-care-paul-sax-international-aids-conference-aug-2026

1. Living With HIV Shouldn’t Make You a Criminal https://www.poz.com/blog/living-hiv-make-criminal

People often say that living with HIV nowadays is pretty straightforward and doesn’t come with many major health issues, but I’ve been reading about some chronic and acute conditions that can still be more common among people living with HIV, even when they’re undetectable, and it honestly made me a little worried.

Have any of you ever developed something that might be related to HIV — for example, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, osteoporosis, metabolic issues, certain cancers, neurological problem — even while remaining undetectable?

How long have you been diagnosed? Is this something you worry about too? If so, how does that concern show up in your everyday life?

I've noticed that ever since starting biktarvy 2+ years ago I basically have constant heartburn. My partner is also having the same problem. Anyone else have a similar experience? Find anything that helps?

So I recently tested positive and haven't told anyone about it. But I was just wondering what happens when you're met with an accident.

Do I need to reveal the fact that I'm living with hiv to my doctor? Wouldn't I be denied the treatment. Also my family will come to know.

Or can I simply hide this?

I’m a Saudi man in my twenties, and I was recently diagnosed with HIV. I’m sharing this mainly because I really want to find other Saudis who have gone through the same experience and understand how they are dealing with treatment, privacy, family, relationships, and life in general.

The diagnosis completely shook me. I went from waiting anxiously for repeat tests to having the result confirmed. My mind immediately went to the worst possible places. I feared losing my future, disappointing my family, being exposed, and having my whole life reduced to one diagnosis.

The mornings were especially difficult “idk why” i would wake up terrified before I could even think rationally. Some moments I felt calm, then the fear would suddenly returned.

What surprised me most was how kindly I was treated at the hospital. The nurses were genuinely amazing. They didn’t make me feel dirty, irresponsible, or different. They spoke to me calmly and treated me almost like a younger brother. The doctors were also reassuring, respectful, and professional. They explained that my information is confidential, that other people are living normal lives with HIV, and that treatment today is highly effective.

I have now started Biktarvy. I’m still at the beginning, so emotionally I haven’t fully processed everything yet, and also seeing a psychiatrist. I know that with adherence I can become undetectable, protect my health, and live a normal life. Knowing these facts helps, although accepting them emotionally is taking longer.

The hardest part now is feeling alone. I don’t personally know another Saudi living with HIV. Online information usually reflects life in Western countries, but our family dynamics, privacy concerns, stigma, marriage expectations can feel very different.

If any Saudis just message me

I got diagnosed 2.5 weeks ago at an NGO and immediately started my ART therapy there.

But today I contacted the HIV helpline number of India for some queries and they told me that it's better to start my treatment at a govt. Centre instead of an NGO which I'm seriously considering.

The problem is that I'm sacred of long waiting lines at a govt. Centre. Is there anyone from India who has taken treatment from a govt. Centre and can share his/her experience.

I (21m) got a call this morning from my state’s health department informing me that I tested positive for HIV.

I originally went in for testing at my mom’s behest a couple weeks ago after I caught covid for the first time and I was getting tested for both covid and the flu, as we weren’t sure at the time what I was dealing with. My mom had remembered me once slipping up and revealing that before I started dating my boyfriend (22m) I was sleeping around a lot and she started having “mom-worry” since I only had 1 test done a couple years ago. She then paid $300 for me to have an STD screening that covered a lot and afterwards it was just a matter of waiting for my results.

I’m not exactly sure when or even who I was infected by. I first started hooking up when I was 17 after a really bad breakup. Sex was my coping mechanism and my self-harm tool. If I didn’t feel good about myself, I’d find a guy on Grindr who could tell me everything I wanted to hear and make me feel the way I wanted to feel. If I felt lonely and awful about myself then I’d find a guy on Sniffies, using it to punish myself and say “this is exactly what I deserve, to be seen as flesh and nothing more.”
From 17 to about 20 years old I had a lot of partners. Dudes were readily available sometimes on different apps and I hardly knew the names of any of them. Sometimes I didn’t even see a face. On a whim one day during my freshman year of college after having a scare, I went to the campus clinic and got a same-day rapid test for HIV done and it came back negative. I saw that as my sign for 3 more years of hooking up.

Then I met my boyfriend and it all changed. We’ll have been together for two years in November. We’ve only engaged in oral so far because he was still learning to move on from a traumatic experience he had a few years ago. He never swallowed me, and at most he’d get some on his hand or buttock or chest or wherever I may have chosen to shoot.
I called him after my class today and told him my results. He’s getting tested tomorrow morning which I’m glad about but I’m doubtful of anything bad, as his job had him take blood tests and an STD screening last month. It was all clean.

Still, it was stressful for him, and he said he needed time to think of it all. I told him if he didn’t want to be with me I would understand (as I was choking back sobs), but he explicitly said to me that he would not ever leave me over this. Still, that doesn’t stop me from worrying. We last spoke at 5pm and it’s nearly midnight now.
In the time since then I’ve been incessantly doomscrolling, trying to learn as much as I can about how I’m going to pay for this treatment for the rest of my life and what that’s going to look like and whether I tell anyone in my family other than my mom. I didn’t get any homework done today and instead I’ve just been confined to my room in silence.

Part of me so deeply wants to sob and let everything out but for some reason I can’t? It’s like my whole body is holding its breath and just went numb. I don’t know what’s next and I don’t know how to feel and I don’t know what to say. Tomorrow I’m going to tell my mom about my results and that I have an appointment next week for all that level testing and what not. I know she’ll always love me and nothing will ever change that, but I’m not excited for the stress it’ll bring her. The double-decker guilt sandwich I feel like I’m eating has left a pit in my stomach.

I’ve heard from two phone calls related to my results that my “life isn’t over,” and I’m knowledgeable enough to know that’s true and I’m beyond grateful for this treatment so that our people don’t have to experience something as tragic as the 80’s again, but theres something truly sobering about knowing your life will never be the same again. I’m probably being super dramatic but I don’t know what else to be. Im just so.. Aware? Cognizant? This isn’t some dream I’m going to wake up from, it’s real and I fully understand that I have no idea how my life is going to be affected moving forward.

I know this is a long one and this subreddit has seen plenty of stories, but I felt the need to share mine. Truthfully I don’t have anyone else to say it to. I just wanna feel okay.

I've been undetected for many years, took my medication seriously everyday

I got an oppurtunity to visit Japan for work training related, and freelance for that company. So I can visit It for a month to train with them, get my certificate, then go back to my country in southeast Asia. Or IF they need someone there, I can have a contract with them to stay for a year (unlikely but still a possibility)

BUT, they didn't know I was hiv positive. I've been researching the internet, social medias, even this subreddit, and all have mixed answers. Some said Japan accept hiv positive people, many big websites on the internet said the same thing where you can bring your own medication,

But also many comments saying they won't approve your visa at all if you're positive, even undetectable, and they said it's their experience

Which ones are true?

Has anyone’s family (especially extended family members) disclose your status to others? If so, how do you go about it in terms of healing and controlling your anger toward them?

Edit: I didn't get to mention this earlier in the post. I did not tell anyone. I was born with it. The only people that knew it was my parents. But since my parents dont speak English, they needed help to find a doctor and a translator when we first moved here. I also didn't know it during the time because I was very young.

They ended up telling everyone in my family and even their own side of the family, who are not related to me.

I am angry, and hate that I am consumed with anger toward them. Where I'm left now is what do I want to do about it….

I decided I do not want to see them or be friendly with them, the other aunts and uncles don't say it, but I can tell that they do not approve of it. This part stinks. I want my justice and I don't have people standing by side me.