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Author Topic: A step towards returning to treatment  (Read 10470 times)

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Offline Cliff

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A step towards returning to treatment
« on: January 11, 2010, 01:25:55 pm »
After 6 years or so, I will start treatment again.  I took some labs in December and my doctor wrote me pre-Christmas saying that it was time for me to start treatment.  He booked me an appointment, which was today, to discuss my treatment options. 

My CD4 count has dropped to 200 and my % is circa 14, so he says no more delay.  I meet a Nurse Prac. later this week to discuss treatment options. 

Dr. Williams is indeed good; says risk taking is now over.  Time to get serious.  And so I am.


Offline RAB

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2010, 05:56:58 pm »
Hey Mister:

You've certainly had one heck of a run w/o the meds. 

You know my opinion (I've never been shy about sharing it with you  ::)), so I won't bother repeating myself.  (BUT let me just say I think your doctor's advice is probably a good idea to follow.  Sorry couldn't resist)

Whatever choices you make, I'll always be in your corner.  Let us know what you and the NP come up with.

RAB   ;D


Offline newt

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2010, 06:09:25 pm »
You get to see Dr. Williams!?!? How? It's almost worth getting seriously ill so he can demonstrate his technical prowess n very good bedisde manner  ;)

But seriously, good luck, I am sure it'll be fine, he's right, you don't wanna be taking risks with a CD4% like 14.

It took me 5 years of meds to get my CD4 to 535 from 181 (CD% 6), a strangely warming feeling, but 300+ was 12 months, hope you get there sooner.

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2010, 04:13:17 pm »
Yeah, I'm in love with Dr. Williams.  Very good in bed(side).

Offline newt

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2010, 04:57:05 pm »
Well I confess, I kinda like the softly spoken, concerned Dr Benn, my doc, he gave me my diagnosis, left, then came back, but, he better watch the hip-waist ratio or he won't fit in them Zara clothes (that generally look bettter on me) - matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline anniebc

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2010, 05:01:23 pm »
Hi Cliff

I'm glad to hear ou are going to listen to your Doc, and I agree, it's time to get serious and look after yourself..we need you to stay well.

Big hugs
Jan :-*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2010, 09:32:16 pm »
Hey Cliff,

It's tough , I know.  But, like Rab said, you had a pretty good stretch there. It's never easy to have to start, but you'll do fine, and agreed, it's time.


Take care/Good luck----Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline carousel

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2010, 04:47:32 am »
Hi Cliff

Sounds like it's time to start popping those pills.

I saw my doctor just before Christmas and my counts have started to go down considerably.  Have an appointment in a couple of weeks to see what to do.

Part of me wants to go on them.  Trying to function while feeling so tired most days, is getting on my nerves.  The other side of me is quite peeved at the whole thing and would rather try just that little bit longer to avoid it all.

Oh well.

Offline fearless

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2010, 04:17:29 pm »
Good luck Cliff.
6 years or so ya lucky bugger. start poppin' those pills matey. i hope you have many more complication free visits to this doctor williams chappy.
Be forgiving, be grateful, be optimistic

Offline Jody

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #9 on: January 17, 2010, 08:35:27 pm »
Good luck to a great guy in making an always difficult decision, seems like a great choice to get back on meds at the present time as you are able to do so.

Take care big guy.

Jody
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2010, 05:49:50 am »
Met the Nurse Prac yesteday evening.  We had a long, productive chat followed by the handing over of a one-month bottle of Atripla.  I start tonight.

 :-\

Offline Hellraiser

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  • Semi-misanthropic
Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2010, 12:37:42 pm »
Do yourself a favor and don't do anything remotely stressful today.  When you're winding down for bed read a book rather than watch a movie or television. Trust me on this one.

Offline aztecan

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  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2010, 03:10:40 pm »
Hey Cliff,

Well, honey, you already know where I stand regarding meds, so no need to beat a dead horse - unless you want me to!  ;)

How did the first night go? My first experience with Sustiva was trying to make it to the toilet to pee in the middle of the night. That was quite an event! :o

Hang in there youngun. I am pulling for you.

HUGS,

Mark

(to someone who gives good hugs as well.)
« Last Edit: January 29, 2010, 03:12:56 pm by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2010, 03:19:22 am »
Hey Mark.  I didn't start.  I completely forgot that this was a big weekend for me.  Drinks Thurs, Fri and Sat.  Last night ended up with my head in the toilet, so decided it probably wasn't a good evening to start Sustiva!

I just read a thread about Sustiva issues and now am a bit nervous about taking it.  They knew I did a PI way back when but thought this would be a better fit for me.  I feel a bit pressured bout the whole thing, as I can't have the meds effect my performance at work! 

oh well...nursing a sore head and venting!

Offline northernguy

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #14 on: January 31, 2010, 11:22:24 pm »
Hey Mark.  I didn't start.  I completely forgot that this was a big weekend for me.  Drinks Thurs, Fri and Sat.  Last night ended up with my head in the toilet, so decided it probably wasn't a good evening to start Sustiva!

I just read a thread about Sustiva issues and now am a bit nervous about taking it.  They knew I did a PI way back when but thought this would be a better fit for me.  I feel a bit pressured bout the whole thing, as I can't have the meds effect my performance at work!  

oh well...nursing a sore head and venting!

Head in a toilet? My, some of us do like it kinky!  ;D

Best of luck when you down the first one, let me know how it goes, I'll be starting Atripla soon.
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline newt

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  • the one and original newt
Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2010, 03:09:31 am »
Personally, since you like the odd mojito (or two, it seems), I wonder about the workability of an efavirenz based combo. The clear head thing is important, there was no way I could even think about having my brain mushed, even temporarily, hence no efavirenz for me. This is a very real and valid concern - matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2010, 04:17:50 pm »
Hmmm, yeah, not sure me and Atripla are gonna work out.  Dizzy first night (Sat) and morn.  Dizzy at work today, but did wash it down with ice cream.  Will give it a week, sans ice cream, and see how things go. 

Watching Tower block of commons.  Lady teaching conservative minister gang sign for the neighboring tower block...she's trying to get him knifed, I think.  Hope I don't dream about it, though.

Offline leese43

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2010, 05:05:53 pm »
 

Watching Tower block of commons.  Lady teaching conservative minister gang sign for the neighboring tower block...she's trying to get him knifed, I think.  Hope I don't dream about it, though.
[/quote]

LOL too funny, I just caught the end..not sure if that's a good thing or not!
Oct 04 - Neg
Aug 05 - infected
Oct 05 - cd4 780, vl 60k
Apr 08 - cd4 430, vl 243
Jul 08 - cd4 550, vl 896
Nov 08 - cd4 730, vl 1.8k
May 09 - cd4 590, vl 1.5k
Sep 09 - cd4 460 vl 34k
Dec 09 - cd4 470 vl 42k
April 10 - cd4 430 vl 88.5k
July 10 - cd4 330 vl 118k
Aug 10 - started reyataz/truvada/norvir
Aug 10 - cd4 380 vl 4k (12 days after starting meds :))
Sep 10 - cd4 520 vl 1.5k
Oct 10 - cd4 590 vl 44
Jan 11 -cd4 610 vl <40 cd4% 50
May 11 - cd4 780 vl UD

Offline leatherman

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2010, 05:12:35 pm »
Will give it a week, sans ice cream, and see how things go.
only a week? Don't wimp out. ;) you really ought to give it more time than that.

Quite often side effects can continue for several weeks as the meds build up to level in your system. With some meds, side effects may not even happen until a couple of weeks have gone by. You really should steel youself to deal with the med and the side effects for at least a month (unless the side effects are severe ie a rash that won't go away). Copping out of the med in a week may only generate drug resistance.
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline newt

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  • the one and original newt
Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2010, 05:14:57 pm »
Good luck, it might well be okay, Haagen Dazs perhaps not the best Atripla buddy. I am sure you will exercise your options forcefully if need be

Tower Block of Commons, yes this should be a pre-qualifying experience for being an MP

 - matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #20 on: February 15, 2010, 04:48:35 pm »
Going into my third week and all is fine now.  Dizziness gone, thankfully.  Not much in the way of weird dreams.  Into a pattern now.  Good.

Spent the weekend in Paris.  Notice I have more energy now.  Funny how you don't notice these things when you're in the middle of them (fatigue, that is).

Offline northernguy

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #21 on: February 16, 2010, 12:52:52 am »
Going into my third week and all is fine now.  Dizziness gone, thankfully.  Not much in the way of weird dreams.  Into a pattern now.  Good.

Spent the weekend in Paris.  Notice I have more energy now.  Funny how you don't notice these things when you're in the middle of them (fatigue, that is).

Glad to hear its going well.  I've got my appt with the pharmacist tomorrow.
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline emeraldize

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #22 on: February 16, 2010, 08:01:02 am »
Hey Cliff,

Glad to read things are going better!

Em

Offline David_CA

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #23 on: February 16, 2010, 08:13:26 am »
Hey Cliff,

It's good to hear things are settling in with you and Atripla.  I'm also glad you didn't give up on it after the first couple of nights.  It seems odd to me to have a choice of whether to start meds or not.  As sick in the hospital as I was, there really was no option.  At any rate, it's good that you made the choice before ending up like I was!

David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #24 on: February 22, 2010, 03:11:54 pm »
Got my first set of labs post meds.  Viral load way down and tcells are up...650!   ;D  But kidney tests were concerning.  Nurse wouldn't elaborate, but the doc will call me next week to discuss.   I assume something was elevated or high, but since they aren't taking me off or asking me to come in immediately it's probably not a huge concern. 

Overall all is fine!  yay

Offline Hellraiser

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #25 on: February 22, 2010, 04:35:22 pm »
Glad to hear it Cliff.  I get my results back in 2.5 weeks and I'm excited to see what they are.  Hopefully your kidney stuff turns out to be no biggie.

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #26 on: March 16, 2010, 03:37:15 pm »
I'm off Atripla (aka witches brew)!!!  Told nurse I couldn't stand it anymore (and truth had been skipping doses so I could function at work).  I'm on Truvada, Reyataz (boosted) now.

yay!!!

Offline David_CA

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #27 on: March 16, 2010, 03:52:12 pm »
I'm off Atripla (aka witches brew)!!!  Told nurse I couldn't stand it anymore (and truth had been skipping doses so I could function at work).  I'm on Truvada, Reyataz (boosted) now.

yay!!!

You wuss, it's just an f'in pill!  How about growing a pair, ok? 

You know I'm kidding.  I'm sorry it didn't work out, but it sounds like you've got it under control.  Definitely better to switch than to miss doses!
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline northernguy

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #28 on: March 16, 2010, 10:18:58 pm »
I'm off Atripla (aka witches brew)!!!  Told nurse I couldn't stand it anymore (and truth had been skipping doses so I could function at work).  I'm on Truvada, Reyataz (boosted) now.

yay!!!

What happened?  Everything seemed OK a couple of weeks ago?
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #29 on: March 17, 2010, 05:56:16 am »
Too many days I felt out-of-it and distracted at work. 

And the food restriction was too strict.  I often work late, so trying to get home at 8 or 9, quickly eat and then wait 2 hours before I can take it was too much, especially when I needed to be back up at 6 AM the next morn.  If I cut into the two hours, then the next morning I was fucked!

Offline David_CA

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #30 on: March 17, 2010, 08:31:49 am »
Too many days I felt out-of-it and distracted at work.  

And the food restriction was too strict.  I often work late, so trying to get home at 8 or 9, quickly eat and then wait 2 hours before I can take it was too much, especially when I needed to be back up at 6 AM the next morn.  If I cut into the two hours, then the next morning I was fucked!

I followed the '2 hour' food thing initially... probably for about two months.  If I ate peanuts or peanut butter within those 2 hours, I had a horrible hangover the next day.  After two months or so, it didn't matter what or when I ate.  Luckily, food doesn't bother hubby, either.  I suppose it's just a personal thing.

I now take it on a very empty stomach (in the morning), though I often eat right after taking it.  I can 'feel' that I've taken it for a couple of hours, but it's not bad.  During the work week, I exercise (gym) in the morning, have a big cup of coffee, and 10mg of Adderall (taken with Atripla).  Weekends, I don't exercise or have the cup of coffee and often take the Adderall later than the Atripla and often notice more of a drunk feeling.  I'm not sure why taking Atripla in the morning doesn't bother me more - is it the exercise, caffeine, or Adderall.  I'm inclined to think it's a bit of all three plus the fact that I have a really empty stomach.  Maybe they need to make AtriplaPM® - with Klonopin and AtriplaAM® - with Adderall!  I know that this doesn't apply to you, since you've changed meds.  I just post it in case it helps somebody else.  Atripla can be very much more affordable (one co-pay for most insurances) and is easy if one can handle it.
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #31 on: March 17, 2010, 09:59:47 am »
You take it in the AM!?!  David, you're a better man than me. 

Nurse, said it was hit or miss.  She started 40 people on it in the new year and a few have already come off....but means that many are perfectly happy with it.  Go figure.


Offline Hellraiser

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #32 on: March 17, 2010, 10:09:57 am »
I think some of it is just (and this is no offense) what people can deal with or are willing to deal with.  Every week I've taken atripla my reaction to it is weaker and weaker and weaker.  I no longer feel any side effects and I feel like I could also take it in the mornings no problem.  I initially ate no food, but slowly and surely I just ate whenever I wanted.  The only time I feel anything now is if I eat a large meal right before or after taking the pill and that doesn't happen before I'm about to go to bed very often.  There was one notable night I took it along with an antibiotic and some food and I felt like I was drunk off my ass, but that was just once about a month ago.

Offline David_CA

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #33 on: March 17, 2010, 10:30:58 am »
I don't think it's so much how much people can tolerate as it is if the drugs effect them.  I can't take hydrocodone; it makes me sick, but I can take oxycodone.  For whatever reason, I'm glad that most of those who take Atripla don't find it bothersome.  However, if you want to think that I can handle it 'cause I'm special, that's ok too!   ;)
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #34 on: March 17, 2010, 10:50:02 am »



  Damn nasty, slutty brown hairs get all the breaks. ;) :D  David should be turning grey shortly and then he'll be just like the rest of us, only with stories to tell.

   Cliff, As you may know I was on Atripla too, and I can totally relate to the following:

Too many days I felt out-of-it and distracted at work. 

   Outside of sleep issues this was the main side effect I was having problems with.  It got so bad that when I sat at my desk all alone it felt like the world was caving in around me.  As much as I hate to admit it my weed smoking exasperated these feelings.

    If I was you I would find solice in knowing that there are other options available while giving yourself a chance to adjust to the Atripla to see if some of this will eventually go away, of course I say this without knowing if you have any resistance issues.

    Just give it some more time.  Good luck to you.

   Thomas
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Cliff

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #35 on: March 17, 2010, 11:42:22 am »
No more time needed, Tom.  I started the PI regimen last night.  It felt nice having a perfectly clear head, today!

No offense taken, Hellr, but like David said Atrip impacts each of us differently.  No point in staying on something that doesn't fit, when there are plenty of other options available.  I work in finance, and need to stay on top of a lot of numbers at work.  I can't afford to run around the office with my head in the skies until 3 PM (when the wooziness began to cease).  I was also having to take sleeping tablets so it didn't disrupt my sleep at night.  The price was simply too high.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #36 on: March 17, 2010, 02:18:08 pm »
I always found a few shots of vodka helped with Sustiva.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline AlanBama

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #37 on: March 17, 2010, 03:41:15 pm »
Good luck with your meds, honey.   Reyataz is one of the few I have never taken....

Truvada made me feel very bloated, but hell they all do.   My belly is the size of Rhode Island.


hugs,

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline Okealyshire

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Re: A step towards returning to treatment
« Reply #38 on: March 18, 2010, 12:33:16 am »
I can't take hydrocodone; it makes me sick, but I can take oxycodone.

hydrocodone: C18H21NO3
oxycodone: C18H21NO4

Interesting how one extra oxygen atom makes such a difference. (I find the chemistry of all this very fascinating. Rewind the clock a couple decades and I would have chosen a different college major, I think.)

 


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