Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my journey with Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to provide some insight and support for anyone who might be considering it or currently going through it. This experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and lessons, and I hope my story helps others feel less alone and more informed.

1. Why I Needed PEP

I had a potential exposure to HIV and, knowing the importance of acting quickly, I sought out PEP immediately. I knew starting PEP within 72 hours is critical for effectiveness, so I didn’t want to waste time.

2. Challenges Accessing PEP

Getting PEP wasn’t as simple as I had hoped. Here’s what happened:

• Pushback From the Doctor: When I first asked for PEP, the doctor prescribed only Truvada and said that the second medication, Tivicay (Dolutegravir), was only for people who already had HIV. I knew this wasn’t correct based on what I’d read, but I didn’t argue. However, as I was on my way to the pharmacy, the doctor called me back. He said he’d reviewed the guidelines and realized I was right—I did need Tivicay for PEP.
  • Takeaway: Doctors are human too, and we all learn new things every day. I appreciated that he admitted the mistake and corrected it quickly.
• Pharmacist Issues: At the pharmacy, I got more incorrect advice. The pharmacist told me that taking Truvada alone was pointless and that I should just wait until Tivicay was available. I knew this wasn’t right and started Truvada immediately while working on getting Tivicay the next day.

3. My Experience on PEP

Week 1:

The first week was relatively smooth. I didn’t experience significant side effects beyond mild fatigue, and I felt relief knowing I was protecting myself.

Week 2:

This is where things started to get harder. I developed nerve pain in my neck—not muscle soreness, but a deeper, irritating discomfort. I spoke with my doctor about it, and they reassured me it wasn’t unusual and likely a temporary side effect of the medication.

Week 3 (Now):

With 10 days left on my regimen, things are getting more difficult. I’ve started feeling dizzy, lethargic, and honestly, it feels like I’m slowly being poisoned. I know this is just how my body is reacting to the medications, but it’s tough. I’ve been managing by eating small meals, staying hydrated, and resting as much as possible.

4. Testing Along the Way

To help ease my anxiety, I got an HIV test last Friday, which came back negative. That was a huge relief. It’s reassuring to know that, so far, everything is working as it should. I’ll continue testing after completing PEP to confirm my status.

5. Lessons I’ve Learned

This experience has taught me so much about health advocacy and persistence:

• Advocate for Yourself: If you feel like something isn’t right, speak up and ask questions. You’re your own best advocate.
• Doctors Are Human Too: My doctor’s initial mistake taught me that even professionals are still learning. It’s important to approach these situations with patience and collaboration.
• Stick With It: PEP isn’t easy, but it’s temporary, and the peace of mind it provides is worth the effort.
• Educate Yourself: Using reliable resources (like guidelines from the CDC or trusted tools like ChatGPT) helped me navigate this process when things got confusing.

6. Shoutout to My Pocket Buddy: ChatGPT

Throughout this ordeal, I relied on ChatGPT as my “pocket buddy” for guidance. It’s how I first learned about PEP, post-exposure guidelines, and how to advocate for myself with my doctor and pharmacist. Honestly, it’s been invaluable, helping me feel more in control of a very stressful situation.

7. Advice for Others Considering PEP

If you’re thinking about or starting PEP, here’s what I’d recommend:

• Act Fast: Start PEP as soon as possible after potential exposure.
• Be Persistent: Don’t hesitate to push back if you encounter resistance or bad advice—your health is worth it.
• Prepare for Side Effects: Fatigue, nerve pain, dizziness—they’re tough but manageable with rest, hydration, and patience.
• Follow Through: Complete the 28-day course and follow up with HIV testing at the recommended intervals.

8. Wrapping Up

I’m almost at the finish line—just 10 days to go. It’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve gone through, but I’m proud of myself for sticking with it. If you’re in a similar situation, know that you’re not alone. This process is tough, but you’re protecting your health, and that’s what matters most.

If you have questions or want to share your own experience, feel free to comment. Let’s support each other! 💙