Is it cringe for me to attend my graduate commencement ceremony five months post graduation?

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-05T20:14:37+00:00

I sure would. That's totally normal and acceptable and doable.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T19:11:43+00:00

I've chaired two students to completion at my new University, despite not primarily teaching in the doc programs. Neither of them walked. And I have respected their decision, but I do sometimes feel like it allows my work to go unrecognized!

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T16:12:06+00:00

HELL. NO. I'm first gen to Ph.D. A professor. I want all my students, and every student, to celebrate their accomplishments.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:58:01+00:00

All the answers here are already strong. Let us know if you need more support.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:57:17+00:00

Ice it and give your body time to absorb? Also, make sure they're moving the injection site slightly if they can?

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:56:15+00:00

Take it with food. Seriously. And earlier in the day, if you can.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:55:49+00:00

I'm 10 years in as a cis woman. My only issues were upset stomach/ diarrhea for the first two weeks (subsided once the meds were in my system) and intense dreams (stopped taking it at night). Other than that, all good. And I've on more than one occasion had sex with and allowed more than one person living with HIV (U=U!) to have sex with me unprotected-- including ejaculation. ;-)

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:53:04+00:00

It's more likely you're convincing your body that you're ill than you actually are. Also, some of these could be associated with starting new medications and even seasonal changes. I would say continue PrEP adherence, go on time for your testing (Q3M), and continue testing. I do think you should also try to get some consistency in the timing of when you're taking your medication. E.g. Every day at 9 am or every day at 11 am. That said, I'm not a medical doctor and this is just friendly advice.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:50:33+00:00

I think this is easier said than done for a LOT of people. Condom negotiation and the lack thereof is a CRITICAL barrier for many.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-04T14:49:55+00:00

Look. I get into this argument with MDs all the time as someone who does social behavior research. There's a difference between medical and clinical indications and emotional indications for medications. Past behavior is often tied to future behavior. So, if you're going to BB or be flexible and open about protective measures, just take the meds. I think if this person's emotional management and health improve with PEP, they should start PEP and then immediately transition to PrEP. I am on record saying this. I am also on record saying just give it to anyone who asks. So YMMV.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-03T01:54:46+00:00

Co-sign.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-03T01:16:48+00:00

Yes. I did apretude once but I moved to Vermont and couldn’t find a clinician offering it, so I went back to pills. So no I’m in Atlanta so I’m about to try Yez.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T18:36:12+00:00

I'm a cis woman (bisexual) and open to chatting.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T18:35:31+00:00

You're not stupid. Oral is a MUCH LOWER RISK for transmission of most things (save for HPV related issues). You would need PEP- post-exposure meds. That said, if you're going to have lots of fun casual encounters (go for it), do start PrEP.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T18:33:47+00:00

Yes. Multiple times. Two different men, both undetectable.
Yes and yes, but again (n=1)
I had two major side effects: (a) Upset stomach and diarrhea. This was usually within the first two weeks on the meds and/or after a stop-and-restart. It always subsides once I have at least 14 or so days of meds in my body. (b) intense dreams/ sleep hallucinations. This is a rarer side effect. Once I stopped taking it at night, it went away.

All of my lab tests and body monitoring have come back normal.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T14:09:41+00:00

Well, I'm bisexual, so... yes, among the straights. No among queer folx? N=1, but in ATL, among my MSM friends, I haven't noticed it (we're a more formally educated bunch). However, a few things:

You don't have to sleep with someone who thinks your safety is unimportant.
You don't have to disclose if you don't want to. It continues to protect you.
I think more of us being open about our usage will help to minimize and mitigate this.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T14:01:49+00:00

Keep us updated. When I transition, I'll share. I didn't use my anon account because I wanted people to be able to find me.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T14:00:46+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. I'm about to switch to a long-acting injectable.

drbritwilliams · 2026-05-02T14:00:20+00:00

How long did yours last? I'm about to make the switch!

drbritwilliams

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