In 3 weeks, I'm off to the US for another business trip. My previous trip lasted for 3 weeks, this time, I'll be in the states for about 6-8 weeks.
At least I won't be in the scorching heat here in Pinas. I just hope I don't get sick during my stay in the US. I'll visit RITM before I leave to get my ARVs and get some prophylaxis and prescription on common meds just in case I catch a flu or infection. Some antibiotics, antibacterial and prophylaxis.
I'll miss by hubby. He'll be celebrating his birthday next month and I won't be here. I'm glad that at this point in our relationship, he now understands the nature of my work. That's a big plus in our relationship.
Before I fly to the US, I'll probably go to the beach with hubby. We were supposed to go to Gaylera last Holy Week but opted to stay home and ate halo-halo.
April 10, 2012 at 9:19 AM
hi, i am wondering if you are taking arv's. were you asked about it in the airport and what did you do? im a little hesitant to go abroad and take the hassle of being questioned about what drug is it and what is it for. your advice will be of much help
April 10, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Yes I'm taking ARVs. When you travel abroad, make sure that you get a prescription from your doctor. In my prescription, I asked for them to put "Immuno compromised" instead of HIV. At least when the immigration officer asks about the meds, you can show them the prescription.
Also, the reason why you need a prescription is when all of a sudden, you need to buy ARVs abroad (luggage got lost with your meds, or your trip has been extended). At least when you go to the clinic, you can show the doctor that you are taking meds so he can prescribe you another prescription that is valid in that country.
You also have to make sure that the country that you are travelling to allows PLWHIV. You might get deported.
In my US trip last year, I put my ARVs in my check-in luggage. When I arrived the US, they didn't searched my bag. I also made sure to bring a fresh un-opened bottle of meds. Some say to transfer the meds to another container.
Just make sure that you have the proper papers. When asked by the immigration officer, you can ask him or her for a private room so you can discuss your case rather than in public. And make sure about the travel restrictions. :)
April 11, 2012 at 9:57 AM
thanks for the info. actually this is the first time that i replied in a blog and actually had a response. feels like im
talking to someone I know. unfortunately the chances of being asked is what restricts me to go out of the country for vacation. in the fear that some officials may ask me when im with my friends. nobody knew nor have an idea that i have this condition and have no plans of letting them know.
hope you can blog as much as i am happy to know how people like us continues to live to the fullest. I always read blogs by pinoy poz before I sleep. its a ritual :p
April 11, 2012 at 2:52 PM
When I went to the US, I was with my boss and other officemates. So just imagine how scared I was when I was in the US port of entry. Scary. But I told myself, I just have to risk it.
I have a friend who went to South Korea, with his meds in his luggage.
I have a friend in Singapore who comes home to the Philippines to get his refill. Note that Singapore restricts people with HIV.
Just gather enough courage and this to shall pass :)
April 12, 2012 at 4:27 AM
u just dont have an idea of how u made me feel much better! first is that im not the only one who have this dilemma. even you did! second is there really are poz who can travel, made me a little happy tht I can still go somewhere else in my lifetime! hope to be friends with u soon! good day!
April 13, 2012 at 9:24 AM
Good thing i read this, Im thinking of bringing my significant others to sg to kl to bkk to cambodia's angkor wat, then to ho chi minh or saigon, then go home. Im afraid though if sg authority would find out im carrying arv since like you stated they restrict or wont allow us to be there although ive been there so many times when i was still normal...Lol...last year i was there when i started noticing drastic lost weight. I thought about putting my arv in centrum bottle, but still i'd be paranoid taking such risk
April 15, 2012 at 10:56 PM
Isipin mo lang nung first trip mo sa SG. Did they checked your check-in luggage? Di dba?
Actually, EFV looks like Centrum. Nakakatakot lang baka mamaya, ipa-test sayo, ipalunok sayo mga 4 na centrum. Kidding aside, don't worry much.
My next trip to the US, I'm still a little afraid. Pero sabi nga ng Globe, go lang ng go!
April 17, 2012 at 6:54 AM
i started taking arv in december. i sense that i was + back in march because of relentless fever for about a week. i rarely get sick if i do it would only last for two days because of mentality that i'd never get sick. anyway, it dissipated and came back in september. that was when i decided i rechecked for such before going to my insurance. i read that my insurance may let me go if they find out such status.
May 17, 2012 at 4:30 AM
Nice! Where in the US?