I did it. I started PrEP

[TruthBTold]

If his treatment is being properly managed, he will have LFTs and serum creatinine/GFR every three months. Nobody has addressed the issued of monitoring for bone mineral loss. There is a number of tests that could be used to monitor bone health. As I understand it, urinary N-telopeptide is one of the most common. I don't understand why that couldn't be done at regular intervals. At Kaiser (my healthcare provider) it probably relates to cost.

 

My doctor suggested that I take something along the lines of Caltrate. Don't know if that is what you mean.

[corndog]

Several people have made posts about the importance of regular lab tests, and the concern about other STIs. Important points; I agree.

 

In my particular case, I view this as another benefit of getting myself on PrEP. In the past, I've never had a primary care physician, and although I've had occasional HIV tests at public outreach events, I've never before had regular screening for STIs. As part of this process, I now have a PCP, and will get lab tests on a regular basis. My doctor is an HIV specialist, and so I assume he's totally accustomed to discussing men's sexual habits; I feel quite comfortable discussing my sexuality with him. A lot of peace-of-mind comes from knowing that if I do contract an STD, it will be identified relatively quickly, and I'll be able to get it treated without a lot of fuss.

[+ quoththeraven]

It's like the climate crisis. What is the down side to working towards a cleaner, safer planet? Unless you are an "end of times" freak who wants the world to end so you can hang out with Jesus. There's something up with our climate. Who or what is causing it is beside the point. Being reactive is always going to be more costly in human suffering than being proactive.

 

The problem with climate change is that a bunch of us need to be proactive in the same direction at the same time to make a difference. That's extremely hard to accomplish even when you don't have climate change denialists lobbing criticisms.

 

If it takes Trump's election and leadership by, say, China instead of the US to save the planet OR MAYBE WAKE US UP OUT OF SHEER COMPETITIVENESS, so be it. It's more important that things change than that we remain #1. In fact, you can argue that given his position on NATO and other multilateral agreements, Trump campaigned on decreasing US world leadership through isolationism.

 

I hope his fans are happy with the results.

[+ ArVaGuy]

The problem with climate change is that a bunch of us need to be proactive in the same direction at the same time to make a difference. That's extremely hard to accomplish even when you don't have climate change denialists lobbing criticisms.

 

If it takes Trump's election and leadership by, say, China instead of the US to save the planet OR MAYBE WAKE US UP OUT OF SHEER COMPETITIVENESS, so be it. It's more important that things change than that we remain #1. In fact, you can argue that given his position on NATO and other multilateral agreements, Trump campaigned on decreasing US world leadership through isolationism.

 

I hope his fans are happy with the results.

 

I thought this thread was about PrEP. Perhaps based on this post it should be moved to the Politics Forum to prevent any confusion.

[+ quoththeraven]

I thought this thread was about PrEP. Perhaps based on this post it should be moved to the Politics Forum to prevent any confusion.

 

Whoops. My bad.

[+ glennnn]

I thought this thread was about PrEP. Perhaps based on this post it should be moved to the Politics Forum to prevent any confusion.

 

 

You are right. Sorry! I've been avoiding politics, but it just slipped out. I apologize.

[Jim Corrigan]

At this point,we cannot avoid politics.

[kewtex]

At this point,we cannot avoid politics.

 

Yes, we can. This is no logical reason a member's thread about starting PReP should devolve into posts on politics of the day. We need only to stay focused on the topic at hand, and to practice a modicum of restraint.

[corndog]

Long Term Side Effects? Liver and Kidneys?

 

These concerns were certainly part of my skepticism. The data is suggesting that long term side effects are fairly rare. People have been taking Truvada for several years as PrEP, and many years before that to treat HIV.

 

I think that, like all questions of risk, each individual needs to decide for themselves what level of risk they're willing to accept. There have been many discussions here about safe sex that have arrived at this same conclusion. For most people, unprotected oral sex carries an acceptable risk, but for some it does not. Likewise, I'm sure that the risk of side effects from taking Truvada will be unacceptable to some, but not for everyone. For me, the reduction in HIV risk is worth the risk of drug side effects.

 

Of course, we could all just give up on sex entirely. Perish the thought.

[Rudynate]

These concerns were certainly part of my skepticism. The data is suggesting that long term side effects are fairly rare. People have been taking Truvada for several years as PrEP, and many years before that to treat HIV.

 

I think that, like all questions of risk, each individual needs to decide for themselves what level of risk they're willing to accept. There have been many discussions here about safe sex that have arrived at this same conclusion. For most people, unprotected oral sex carries an acceptable risk, but for some it does not. Likewise, I'm sure that the risk of side effects from taking Truvada will be unacceptable to some, but not for everyone. For me, the reduction in HIV risk is worth the risk of drug side effects.

 

Of course, we could all just give up on sex entirely. Perish the thought.

 

It also appears that any effect on the kidneys is not permanent. They return to their normal functional status if the drug is withdrawn.

[Juan Vancouver]

Corndog, I would love to congratulate you for taking such a beautifully mature step! I know many guys from your generation for whom it has been a real challenge to take the emotional component of fear and grief away from sex, and adapt to the current status quo and make intelligent choices. So proud of you, as if you were my own son!

 

Also would love to congratulate the forum. A member posting that possibly at some point will himself to try bareback sex, even six months ago would have sparkled the most rancorous attacks. I am so happy to see we are all moving along with the times.

 

Such a happy thread!

[Juan Vancouver]

And by the way, I also bit the bullet myself and started PREP. I came to the conclusion that it was irresponsible not to. As you said, the absolute sense of freedom that overcame me was a big surprise, and realized that for such a long time, in the back of my head there was the fear the condom would break.

 

Amazing times we are loving in!

[Rudynate]

And by the way, I also bit the bullet myself and started PREP. I came to the conclusion that it was irresponsible not to. As you said, the absolute sense of freedom that overcame me was a big surprise, and realized that for such a long time, in the back of my head there was the fear the condom would break.

 

Amazing times we are loving in!

 

Congratulations to you, too, Juan.

[+ glennnn]

Yes, we can. This is no logical reason a member's thread about starting PReP should devolve into posts on politics of the day. We need only to stay focused on the topic at hand, and to practice a modicum of restraint.

 

Actually the devolution was "logical". One thought does lead to another logically. Brains were engaged. It wasn't necessary, but conversations do take unexpected paths. I think QTR and I both understood your displeasure with our turn towards politics. We lost sight of the main topic, as many others did, in a long thread. We both immediately acknowledged and apologized for our offense. Chastising us again was unnecessary. Being overly judgmental can also use a modicum of restraint

[+ Truereview]

Actually the devolution was "logical". One thought does lead to another logically. Brains were engaged. It wasn't necessary, but conversations do take unexpected paths. I think QTR and I both understood your displeasure with our turn towards politics. We lost sight of the main topic, as many others did, in a long thread. We both immediately acknowledged and apologized for our offense. Chastising us again was unnecessary. Being overly judgmental can also use a modicum of restraint

Glenn, Kewtex was directing his comment to Jim Corrigan; I honestly didn't think he was chastising anyone.

Go back and read the thread sequence, babe. I think it was Arva who asked you guys to chill.

I did admire that you and QTR quickly apologized and went back on topic. You guys are such good eggs!

 

Btw, I'm one of those posters who often derails from main topic, so I empathize with you. It's just that many of our lounge posts often get derailed to politics, when we simply just wanna connect, celebrate or just shoot the breeze without an agenda.

 

Anyway, paraphrasing my favorite bear, can you guys rub some dirt on it, and make it a sexy mud bath?

 

Back to PrEP!

[+ glennnn]

Thanks, True! I will reread and rethink. Maybe, I'm just feeling touchy today. @kewtex, if I was out of line, or over reacted, I apologize. I know you were just trying to keep the thread on track. I guess I misinterpreted your post. Sorry!

[Rudynate]

Based on my admittedly limited experience on hook up sites, it appears that "don't worry, I'm on PrEP" is the new "don't worry, I'm negative." I thought PrEP was to be used in conjunction with condoms, not in place of. I know we're all adults that can make our own decisions, but I still wouldn't let a stranger bareback me despite his un-confirmable (by me) claims to be be on PrEP. Maybe I need to research the issue more.

 

 

I think guys provide that information for potential partners do with it whatever they want. For some, the information may affect their behavior. For others, it won't. Of course, if you're having bareback sex, you being on PrEP yourself is the safest alternative - it places you in control of the risk scenario.

[+ glennnn]

Based on my admittedly limited experience on hook up sites, it appears that "don't worry, I'm on PrEP" is the new "don't worry, I'm negative." I thought PrEP was to be used in conjunction with condoms, not in place of. I know we're all adults that can make our own decisions, but I still wouldn't let a stranger bareback me despite his un-confirmable (by me) claims to be be on PrEP. Maybe I need to research the issue more.

 

I've wondered about this, too. How can one just take someone's word for such a critically important issue?

[corndog]

it appears that "don't worry, I'm on PrEP" is the new "don't worry, I'm negative."

I agree completely with this. Blindly trusting either of these statements is abdicating one's duty to take responsibility for their own wellbeing.

 

I've always felt that it is completely pointless to ask someone their HIV status, or for someone to spontaneously volunteer that they're "negative." There is simply no veracity to these claims.

 

And, can I vent about people who use the word "clean" to imply that they don't have any STIs? I know plenty of people who are HIV positive, take at least one shower a day, and are very "clean."

[Juan Vancouver]

I still wouldn't let a stranger bareback me despite his un-confirmable (by me) claims to be be on PrEP. Maybe I need to research the issue more.

 

You shouldn't let anyone bareback you or do anything that affects your health based on whatever claims they make about their own health.

 

Don't, worry, I'm on PREP, Don't worry I am negative, Don't worry, my husband knows, Don't worry, these investments are really going to make you rich, are empty words.

 

PREP is not for the other to take so that you feel safe. It doesn't work that way. The only way PREP will make you safe is if YOU take it correctly.

 

Yes, if you think PREP will protect you because your partner is taking it, maybe it wouldn't hurt reading more about it.

 

People lie. People fail to take their pills correctly, people will say anything to get laid.

 

You take control of your own health. It's your body, your choices.

[LivingnLA]

PrEP doesn't make you safe. It makes you safer than not taking PrEP for contracting HIV. Don't fall for the lie of "safe sex" because any and all sex involves some measure of risk. Please remember, there is already at least one HIV strain in the wild that is resistant to PrEP.

 

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2016/03/03/david_knox_speaks_on_prep_resistant_hiv_further_research_and_community_fears.html

 

The fact remains, that sex is a continuum of risk from "Anything Goes" to "Safest." Each of us much educate ourselves about it and make our own informed decisions. If someone is engaging in sexual activity with another person, "Safest" would include current vaccinations, PrEP, and condoms for all activities if either party has sex with other people too. Monogamy is a valid risk-limiter in this equation too, it's just not realistic to expect perfection, since humans are rarely completely monogamous.

 

For me personally, I have all my vaccinations (Hepatitis A&B, HPV (Gardasil-9), Meningitis) and I get regularly comprehensively tested twice a year. I use condoms when I fuck or am fucked by anyone except my wife. I do not use condoms for oral sex--which is risky--but it's a risk I'm willing to take for myself.

 

While I've only hired a few times in the past year, I've engaged in extra-marital activity for about a decade, mostly M4W, and have remained free of STDs and STIs. I feel relatively comfortable with my regime.

[kewtex]

Thanks, True! I will reread and rethink. Maybe, I'm just feeling touchy today. @kewtex, if I was out of line, or over reacted, I apologize. I know you were just trying to keep the thread on track. I guess I misinterpreted your post. Sorry!

 

No harm, no foul. Your apology accepted, and appreciated. Keeping track of who is communicating to whom in these forums can be a challenge.

[TruthBTold]

And by the way, I also bit the bullet myself and started PREP. I came to the conclusion that it was irresponsible not to. As you said, the absolute sense of freedom that overcame me was a big surprise, and realized that for such a long time, in the back of my head there was the fear the condom would break. . .

 

Congratulations. I started it a while ago. One of the things that helped me along was that I knew that in order to receive the co-payments from the pharmaceutical company was that I would have to be tested every three months. That would have to include kidney tests. My doctor asked if the tests for the regular sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) could be drawn and they were paid for. I think you will feel better because it adds a layer of comfort.

[corndog]

And by the way, I also bit the bullet myself and started PREP.

Juan, I'd be interested to know if you had any challenges getting PrEP in Canada. I've gotten the impression that it has only been available there for less than a year, and that getting the government healthcare system to pay for it has been a little challenging. In most ways, Canada seems to be so much more progressive than the U.S., but I'm not sure this is one of them. On the other hand, I get the impression that Canadians are much more educated about safe sex practices, and much more committed to condoms. What are your thoughts?

[+ quoththeraven]

Likewise, I'm sure that the risk of side effects from taking Truvada will be unacceptable to some, but not for everyone. For me, the reduction in HIV risk is worth the risk of drug side effects.

 

Not to speak of the fact that different people will experience different side effects, so it's not just a matter of different perspectives on the same side effects.