5 weeks

[bufguy]

I tested positive on May 29, 2008 after a routine HIV test. I immediately found an HIV specialist and had all the blood work done. Hep free, TB free, STD free, good liver and kidney function, good lipos, Vl 47,500, CD4 511/29%. He wanted me to start atripla. Thought it was a little early, but being healthy, motivated and wanting to DO someting I agreed. And how hard could one pill per day be.
Well the first week was hell. I would take my pill at bed time, but the following day I would feel like I drank 20 cups of coffee. Anxious, jittery, clammy, achy, just ill feeling. Luckily 1 week later, the symptoms were gone.

5 weeks later: Vl 130, CD4 667/31%. Hopefully in another 6 weeks I'll be undetectable.

[David H.]

Hi!
I´m also in my fith week on atripla, my very 1st medication, and i´m doing fine--NOW--after 2 weeks of dizzyness and weakness, and i think u did the right thing by starting at  that point, before u might deteriorate.
So...good luck for all of us!

[Ann]

Hi Buf, welcome to the forums.

Wow, I can't believe your doc wanted you to start with numbers like that. He must be raking the kickbacks in. (joking... hopefully) Even with the new treatment guidelines, you started early. I've been poz for eleven years, still don't need meds. My numbers have been very similar to yours over the years as well. They're up and down, but your numbers represent something close to my average.

At least you're tolerating the meds well. Good luck to you!

Ann

[bufguy]

My Vl concerned him more than my CD4. Although I am worried about long term toxicity, I won't have to put up with the anxiety of waiting for my results to constantly deteriorate waiting to start treatment. I guess I'm impatient and I feel good about attacking the virus. I have an awful lot of trust and confidence in my doc.
By the way, the staff at Erie County Medical Center here in Buffalo is absolutely incredible. I have received the best care by patient, professional people.
I feel so confident that they are going to keep me healthy for a long time.

[Ann]

Buf,

When I was first diagnosed I felt the same way you do about wanting to be proactive. My doc said I didn't need the meds yet. Today, I'm grateful that he took that course of action. So far he's saved me years of having to take the meds and all the baggage that entails.

But as I said, good luck to you. Everyone's different.

Ann

[ArisGreekSquared]

The tough part of starting meds is over :-) You should be in the clear...Good luck!