My Journey toward PrEP

So at 5:57 pm on July 15th, 2015 my life took a change. Whether for the better or worse is yet to be determined. I was greeted very kindly as I walked up to the Pharmacy at AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation). I received a little brown bag with something inside of it that possibly will change my whole concept of safer sex. PrEP. Pre exposure Prophylaxis for those who don't know what PrEP is. It's a drug called Truvada that you take once a day to lower your chance of catching HIV. It was approved in 2012 after the iPrex trial concluded. For those who have heard of Truvada, you may know it as a drug that is used to treat HIV as well, but with a combination of two other drugs.

 So why is this little bag going to change my life. Well for starters; where will I place this bottle of medicine? Everyone knows people are nosey now a days and they'll pretend to go to the bathroom in efforts to go through your cabinets to see what medicine you taking. Sounds immature but it happens all the time because people are too afraid to just ask simple questions. Like are you HIV + or -? When did you last get an HIV test and STI test? It's not that hard, but instead people rather be sneaky. So now I have to cleverly place this bottle in my house and remember to take it every day. Or would it just be easier to let people know up front I take PrEP so they don't have to explore? Hmmm questions.

Next, I'm thinking I'm scared of the side effects. If anyone knows me, they know I'm deadly afraid of vomiting. If I do I rush to the hospital because I rarely ever do it. Then to think this medicine could cause nausea, I'm like bruhh really?!? Possible headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, and skin rash. Don't you just love hearing about the side effects. Now my mind is racing, is it worth taking this blue pill. Well tomorrow morning I'm going to find out.

So you may be asking yourself, why is he taking PrEP? Doesn't he work for an agency that teaches Prevention? Isn't PrEP for highly active sexual individuals or Thots? To answer all of your questions; yes I work for an agency who teaches prevention in ALL forms. No, you don't need to be a thot to take this drug, and no it doesn't mean I want to be promiscuous. I'm taking it because I'm not going to lie I don't always wear condoms, and yes sometimes I do enjoy raw sex. Literally, human beings have had sex without condoms for thousands of years and only in the past forty or so years have condoms come into the picture. So excuse me if sometimes I want to be more intimate with my partner or partners. But I will say this I believe in creating a prevention plan that suits your needs. Abstinence isn't for everyone, and PrEP may not be for everyone, and condoms may just be what gets you by. But you must make that decision. Whether it means you pull out right before you bust when you fucking raw, or you cut down your sexual partners from 10 a month to two consistent partners a month. You must decide what is realistic and works for you and STOP allowing others to shame you for your actions. I believe as long as you protect yourself in some manner, do what you do and enjoy it. But think before you do it. Some people may get mad that I don't use condoms all the time because of the work I do, but get over it I'm human. But at least I created a plan for myself. Although I may be starting this drug, it doesn't mean I'm about to go sleep with everyone, it just means I want to make sure to protect myself every time I do anything.

What got me to the point of wanting to take PrEP? Because in the past I've either dated or been committed to someone who was HIV positive. I was tired of caring for that person but having to separate myself from them for fear that I may catch HIV. I had one person dump me because I was negative and he was positive and he felt so scared that he may give me it and he didn't want to live with the guilt. There should never be an excuse why I can't date anyone no matter what their status is because a person is a person, and we are all dealing with things.

I planned on getting on PrEP back in March but I chickened out. I had the HIV test done at GMAD via AHF, and it came back negative. Then I seen the doctor immediately after. But I never called to set up an appointment. But this time was different. It was July 1st and I was determined to do this. I got my HIV test as well as my STI test done. Everything came back negative, and I checked in with the doctor who gave me his card once again. I called it the next morning and made an appointment for that following Monday. I arrived at AHF bright and early in the morning to their warm staff, and they made sure I was comfy. Then I saw my doctor who explained the drug and what it's used for and what tests needed to be done to be prescribed a dose of PrEP. They drew out four viles of blood to test for HIV, Syphillis, Hep A,B,C, liver and kidney levels. I was told to check back the following Monday, so I came back to the office and found out everything came back alright. So now it's time for the prescription. People have asked isn't it expensive. Well because I'm in the know, I know what to say. If you have insurance, most insurances will pay for it. However there is a copay as usual. But even that can be waived by asking for the drug assistance program provided by Gilead, the creator of Truvada. So I walked away with a medicine that can costs upwards of $2000 a month for $0 dollars. You can't beat that at all. Please know your info before you spend any money. If you don't have insurance find places that offer PrEP and have different studies going on like Harlem United. That way you can again get the meds for free. Work smart, not hard.

So now two weeks later I have this bag in my hand and story begins....... What will the future hold with me and PrEP? Find out over the next month as I chronicle my journey taking this little blue pill.....

See ya tomorrow