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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: le_liseur on December 17, 2013, 12:47:12 pm

Title: On Complera and now undetectable!
Post by: le_liseur on December 17, 2013, 12:47:12 pm
Hi everybody!

Maybe this can be helpful to some people thinking about starting their meds and worrying about it, and looking for other's experiences with Complera.

I started to take Complera on July 1st (2013). My VL was around 16,000 copies and my CD4 count at around 850 (lowest I've been was around 700, highest around 1,100). My doctor advised me to start treatment when I feel ready and can durably afford it, for long-term reasons (inflammation) and, as a side reason, because I'm in a steady relationship with my boyfriend, tho we do use protection for anal sex.

I had no side-effects 'at all', for which I am very grateful. I simple take the pills when having breakfast, and while it's usually around 9AM, it can be anywhere between 6AM to even 1PM or 2PM depending on my schedule.

I had my first lab test in the Fall, and my VL was around 250 copies, which was already great news ! CD4 were the same.

I had another lab test recently, and learned that my VL is not undetectable, with the same amount of CD4. :) Really happy about it!

So for those unsure about starting treatment, I'd say go for it, even if you're still above 500 CD4. I may be wrong, but I think it will be easier if you start when things are doing fine than if you start when you have no other choice. Modern treatments are not poison, they'll simply help you keep a normal life, especially in the long, long run that life is. ;)

Cheers!
Title: Re: On Complera and now undetectable!
Post by: eric48 on December 17, 2013, 04:19:06 pm
COOOOL

Cheers Eric
Title: Re: On Complera and now undetectable!
Post by: le_liseur on December 22, 2013, 12:35:02 am
It is indeed! :)

I also switched to another doctor who is very kind and who takes all the time needed to answer my questions, do the right check-ups, etc. He also gets to see my boyfriend for his routine tests every 4 to 6 months.

Also got to tell my mom about my diagnosis in the past year, so it feels really good. In a weird way, I end up not having any negative feelings when I remember myself I'm HIV positive. I'll say I'm lucky to live in a time and a place where/when it's now possible to live a normal life even with HIV, without forgetting how deadly it was and could still be.
Title: Re: On Complera and now undetectable!
Post by: JungleJungle on December 29, 2013, 05:58:09 am
I also started Complera just 27 days ago...i feel good, can't complain about any side effects and i feel confident i will be soon undetectable too!
Title: Re: On Complera and now undetectable!
Post by: le_liseur on December 29, 2013, 12:57:03 pm
I also started Complera just 27 days ago...i feel good, can't complain about any side effects and i feel confident i will be soon undetectable too!

That's cool! :)

Do you know what your VL was when you started? It will go down and be undetectable soon, I'm sure. :)

To me, one weird benefit of taking Complera is the diet part. Since you have to take it with a real meal, and I thought it was more convenient to take it in the morning, it makes me eat much better for breakfast, instead of just a coffee and a muffin very fast before going to work... This also helps to feel good the rest of the day. :)