TotallyOz Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 Some of you may remember that I had a friend who showed up at my door with a bad case of Acne. I took him to the hospital and got him treatment. He then did not follow up on things the way he should have and I washed my hands of him. He reappeared. This time, he called me to tell me he had Tuberculosis. I was stunned, as I didn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hedda Posted April 10, 2006 Share Posted April 10, 2006 Although no one can challenge your honest desire to "do more" for the guys with HIV, I'd also like to tell you from experience that there's nothing more dangerous and depressing than succumbing to the "savior syndrome." You may recall that when you first wrote about this Thai guy, I warned you that that kind of serious outbreak of acne could mean that the kid's immune system was compromised by HIV. The Tuberculosis only confirms that his system has reached a point where opportunistic infections will kill him unless some minimal white blood cell count is restored and maintained. He may also be a danger to other HIV folks whose immune system is badly compromised, because, unlike HIV, TB can be highly contagious. Frankly, if I read your post correctly, and without knowing his exact viral load and CD4 count, this guy should probably be on anti-retroviral medicine right now, without delay, because he is ripe for a lot more medical complications that could be fatal without it. For sure, you need a second opinion on not starting viral cocktails now. As for that Yaba habit, Lord help him if it's not broken, because it will surely kill him when he gets high and fails to stick to the strict schedule necessary in taking the viral medicines. And don't believe him that he's quit; get him tested regularly for Yaba and make sure he's being honest with you. If he's dirty, you are wasting your heart, time and money. I admire your heart and charity, but make sure the object of your concern is worth the effort. Nothing you do for this guy, medically or financially, will be worth it, if he thinks he can use Yaba and stay alive in his condition. If that's the case, you may end up regretting ever getting involved. It's your call, but make sure you don't get drowned emotionally if he can't learn to swim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stef Posted April 10, 2006 Share Posted April 10, 2006 I thought the guys went back to his family, didn't he ? I would strongly suggest you to be very careful. I totally agree with Hedda. Now this achnee problems just reminds me of a boy I did "off" few times. One day he arrived at my place and I was shocked by the size of his achnee. From a day to an other, did not know it could triple time the size of it. Can it be a symptoms of any sort ? I have a pretty good sense of people, and I don't think this guy is into anything as he doesn't drink, neither smoke. but we never know... But the guy you are talking about, does smoke, does drink, does yaba, is HIV and......Jesus Christ, that's probably the worst case scenaria I have heard in a long time.. This is so sad... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fishing Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 It is around two years since I posted on Sawatdee Forum as Gone Fishing about a Thai friend of mine who I had known a long time (around 17 years now) who was HIV positive and whose girlfriend was pregnant. Hedda gave similar advice then to that above; at the time I did not disagree with him, but I felt an obligation to support my friend as much as I could financially, emotionally and with what little advice I could (such as encouraging safe sex to protect his girlfriend and baby). My advice has obviously been ignored as they have had another baby and it is clearly the financial help (to aged aunt, brother, etc, etc!) which is all that has been wanted. If I am honest with myself I have known this all along but I have just not wanted to admit it to myself. I would now not only endorse Hedda and Stef's advice but would go further. You are not only liable to be hurt financially and emotionally but, given his ya-baa habit and the danger if he is unstable when "under the influence", physically as well. If he is living in Bangkok I also cannot understand why he comes to Pattaya for treatment, particularly when it has cost you 40,000 baht so far just for tests and no medication. Even if it includes treatment for his TB this is way, way over the top. TB is not uncommon in Thailand and effective treatment for TB is available from government hospitals under the government (30 baht) health scheme. In Bangkok he can be both tested and treated for HIV at the Bangkok Christian Hospital which has a specialist wing just for this. Take it from one who has, regrettably, been there - think long and hard before you get out of your depth (to take Hedda's swimming analogy a step further!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TotallyOz Posted April 23, 2006 Author Share Posted April 23, 2006 Take it from one who has, regrettably, been there - think long and hard before you get out of your depth (to take Hedda's swimming analogy a step further!). Thanks for the advice. I have been told the same thing by many others. I have had him tested for Yabba since I started helping him. He had none in his system. He threw himself into the water. I am only extending a float. I guess at the end of the night, it all comes down to am I able to sleep. Truth is, if I didn't help him I would not sleep. If I at least try, I can. Being an old man with bags under my eyes from age and too little makeup, I do what I must do to sleep at night. In this case, he calls me often before I sleep just to say hi and just to tell me he is ok. Those are the nights I sleep the best. I know that the future may hold many sleepless nights. I am a realist. I am also an optomist. He is my friend. My path with him is chosen. It is up to him to stay the course. If he takes the wrong turn, I will most likely not be on the same road with him. But, as long as he stays the course, I am there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest noy9000 Posted May 8, 2006 Share Posted May 8, 2006 GayThailand, you're probably the nicest person in this forum, I hope you're close enough to hug and a free fellatio... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stef Posted May 9, 2006 Share Posted May 9, 2006 GayThailand, you're probably the nicest person in this forum, I hope you're close enough to hug and a free fellatio... He is the nicest I have met in YEARS Free Fella ? Hummmmm where can we meet Just kidding... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
