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Author Topic: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.  (Read 22160 times)

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Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
I tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected maybe 10 years. I was visiting the hospital due to trouble breathing and i thought maybe i had a lung infection.
I DID, but i also tested positive HIV.

Somebody can explain what happens now? Isn`t 10 years a long time, so i should now get sick and die soon?
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline Jeff G

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  • Member
  • Posts: 17,064
  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2013, 09:21:44 am »
I tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected maybe 10 years. I was visiting the hospital due to trouble breathing and i thought maybe i had a lung infection.
I DID, but i also tested positive HIV.

Somebody can explain what happens now? Isn`t 10 years a long time, so i should now get sick and die soon?

Hi Thai ... Welcome to the forums , I'm sorry you need us but happy you found us .

The shock of finding out your HIV status will subside and I promise it does get better in time . It may seem like 10 years is a long time but I have been HIV positive for 30 years and I'm doing very well because I'm adherent to my treatment .

I'm sure some other forum members will come along and share their stories with you .
HIV 101 - Basics
HIV 101
You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
You can read more about Testing here:
HIV Testing
You can read more about Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) here:
HIV TasP
You can read more about HIV prevention here:
HIV prevention
You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2013, 09:26:31 am »
Thanks for your reply, Jeff. The reason i ask is just because the info i find on the subject is saying that the stage 3 when you develop AIDS is about 10 year after the infection of HIV. After that the body start to be very little resistant to illness....? This is what i am wondering about now... Can i still get tmedication and live on? And for how many years?
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline Jeff G

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  • Member
  • Posts: 17,064
  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2013, 09:35:20 am »
Thanks for your reply, Jeff. The reason i ask is just because the info i find on the subject is saying that the stage 3 when you develop AIDS is about 10 year after the infection of HIV. After that the body start to be very little resistant to illness....? This is what i am wondering about now... Can i still get tmedication and live on? And for how many years?

The good news is that some people have literally been bedridden and near death , but after successful treatment they are well again and healthy .

There is absolutely no reason to think that you can live a normal life span if you get into treatment and take your meds as prescribed . I understand that healthcare in some parts of your country is pretty good for treating HIV , that's also in your favor . 

Did your doctors set up a followup appointment to discuss lab work and possible treatment if you need it ?     
HIV 101 - Basics
HIV 101
You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
You can read more about Testing here:
HIV Testing
You can read more about Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) here:
HIV TasP
You can read more about HIV prevention here:
HIV prevention
You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2013, 09:56:59 am »
Yes. He gave me 80 Co-Trimaxazole antibiotic pills for the lung infection and he said he will measure my resistance in the body. I am seeing him again on Wednesday next week. 5 days from now. Hope he can tell me more?

My worries is also if i can afford the treatment. No insurance for that here, and if i go to my home country, Norway, i have no place to stay, no work and nothing. I am working here as a travel agent. Haven't told my wife yet. Been with her for 9 years...

A lot of thoughts building up now, as you can see. Thank you for helping me.

31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline mitch777

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  • Posts: 4,087
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2013, 10:17:52 am »
Hi Thai and welcome!
Perhaps the doctors treating you now will be able to help point you in the right direction for further treatment.
Wish I was able to help more.
Your wife needs to be tested as well.

As for living with hiv down the road...
I am another one who has been hiv+ for over 30 years.
The medications available today are great.

Best to you and hope you let us know how you are getting along with further treatment.

m.
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #6 on: May 31, 2013, 10:22:53 am »
Hi Thai and welcome!
Perhaps the doctors treating you now will be able to help point you in the right direction for further treatment.
Wish I was able to help more.
Your wife needs to be tested as well.

As for living with hiv down the road...
I am another one who has been hiv+ for over 30 years.
The medications available today are great.

Best to you and hope you let us know how you are getting along with further treatment.

m.

Thanks, Mitch. I will keep you updated. I just noticed now that they where testing my CD4 count today, and they will let med know about this on wednesday.

Thanks for all help so far, guys. I hope i will be able to live 10-20 years more and have somehow a normal life.
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline Jeff G

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  • Member
  • Posts: 17,064
  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #7 on: May 31, 2013, 10:30:24 am »
Yes. He gave me 80 Co-Trimaxazole antibiotic pills for the lung infection and he said he will measure my resistance in the body. I am seeing him again on Wednesday next week. 5 days from now. Hope he can tell me more?

My worries is also if i can afford the treatment. No insurance for that here, and if i go to my home country, Norway, i have no place to stay, no work and nothing. I am working here as a travel agent. Haven't told my wife yet. Been with her for 9 years...

A lot of thoughts building up now, as you can see. Thank you for helping me.



I see , your doctor will discuss the lab work on your next visit and then you two can make a plan to wait or start treatment .

There are many other members here living in Thailand and I'm sure they can direct you to the best resources to get what you need . Just keep that doctors appointment , see what he thinks needs to be done and go from there . I guess I'm suggesting taking it one day at a time so that you don't get overwhelmed .   
HIV 101 - Basics
HIV 101
You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
You can read more about Testing here:
HIV Testing
You can read more about Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) here:
HIV TasP
You can read more about HIV prevention here:
HIV prevention
You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #8 on: May 31, 2013, 10:54:01 am »
Thanks, Jeff. I will. I will also try to get to work and try to let things stay normal. Not very motivated to work or do anything now, but i will try.

The worst thing will be telling my wife and get her to not tell anybody else. I will let her do the blood test first. Somehow i think she is negative, even after 9 years with me. But i am really scared about the outcome of what she will say...
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2013, 05:40:19 am »
Today i went to the hospital again to get my CD4 and it was 111!!! Now i am really scared as i also have pneumonia. The doctor said i have to get rid of the pneumonia before i even can start treatment for the AIDS.

I got 400mg tablets with Co-trimoxazole and i am supposed to take 16 tablets a DAY! I guess this will kill me before starting the meds for AIDS?

Any thoughts?
Am i going to die soon?
Is it still time to get rid og the pneumonia and start treatmenf for AIDS?
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #10 on: June 05, 2013, 08:47:04 am »
Today i went to the hospital again to get my CD4 and it was 111!!! Now i am really scared as i also have pneumonia. The doctor said i have to get rid of the pneumonia before i even can start treatment for the AIDS.

I got 400mg tablets with Co-trimoxazole and i am supposed to take 16 tablets a DAY! I guess this will kill me before starting the meds for AIDS?

Any thoughts?
Am i going to die soon?
Is it still time to get rid og the pneumonia and start treatmenf for AIDS?
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline tednlou2

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,730
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #11 on: June 06, 2013, 12:11:32 am »
Today i went to the hospital again to get my CD4 and it was 111!!! Now i am really scared as i also have pneumonia. The doctor said i have to get rid of the pneumonia before i even can start treatment for the AIDS.

I got 400mg tablets with Co-trimoxazole and i am supposed to take 16 tablets a DAY! I guess this will kill me before starting the meds for AIDS?

Any thoughts?
Am i going to die soon?
Is it still time to get rid og the pneumonia and start treatmenf for AIDS?

You were told you can't start treatment for HIV until you take care of pneumonia?!  You need the HIV meds to help your body fight the pneumonia.  I had bacterial pneumonia and was started on an HIV med in the hospital.  Just make sure your doc is knowledgable about HIV meds.  I was mistakenly put on an incomplete regimen.  They had me taking Sustiva only, which caused resistance. 


Offline jkinatl2

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  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #12 on: June 06, 2013, 01:03:44 am »
You were told you can't start treatment for HIV until you take care of pneumonia?!  You need the HIV meds to help your body fight the pneumonia.  I had bacterial pneumonia and was started on an HIV med in the hospital.  Just make sure your doc is knowledgable about HIV meds.  I was mistakenly put on an incomplete regimen.  They had me taking Sustiva only, which caused resistance. 



Ted, if the guy's cd4 are low enough, treating him for HIV will create IRIS, an inflammation when the immune system suddenly wakes up and tries to fight all infections. It can cause a fatal swelling of the lungs and needs strong steroids to mitigate. Treating his pneumonia is not a bad idea, since the less dangerous a situation his immune system "wakes up" to, the less chance of a grisly ending.

I don't mean to be unhelpful to you, Ted, but can you have participated in enough threads about IRIS to know this. PLEASE think before you post. You should KNOW all this. YOu have been here long enough to know this. I refuse to dismiss you as intellectually deprived. I am hoping that you are simply careless from time to time.

to the OP - your doctor is savvy to treat the worst infection for a bit before giving your weakened immune system a chance to start the greater battle. You might not have to spend two weeks in hospital, on mind-altering steroids and struggling to breathe.



« Last Edit: June 06, 2013, 01:06:17 am by jkinatl2 »
"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline tednlou2

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  • Posts: 5,730
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #13 on: June 06, 2013, 01:48:08 am »
Ted, if the guy's cd4 are low enough, treating him for HIV will create IRIS, an inflammation when the immune system suddenly wakes up and tries to fight all infections. It can cause a fatal swelling of the lungs and needs strong steroids to mitigate. Treating his pneumonia is not a bad idea, since the less dangerous a situation his immune system "wakes up" to, the less chance of a grisly ending.

I don't mean to be unhelpful to you, Ted, but can you have participated in enough threads about IRIS to know this. PLEASE think before you post. You should KNOW all this. YOu have been here long enough to know this. I refuse to dismiss you as intellectually deprived. I am hoping that you are simply careless from time to time.

to the OP - your doctor is savvy to treat the worst infection for a bit before giving your weakened immune system a chance to start the greater battle. You might not have to spend two weeks in hospital, on mind-altering steroids and struggling to breathe.

I appreciate any corrections.  I really do.  You could have easily made that correction (or another way of viewing things) without making it personal.  What you just did was totally unnecessary.  You could have provided your response, and it would have been a teachable moment.  I would have realized the issue, and I wouldn't have gone away with negative feelings towards you.  It would be different if I told someone to do something right now that would negatively impact their health, before someone could correct it.   If I told someone to quit taking a med tonight, then I could see your alarm and frustration.  I don't think a doc would change his treatment plan based on something I wrote. 

This makes the second time in just a few weeks that you've scolded and demeaned me, and then suggested I post things regularly that aren't correct, or are silly, etc.  I sent you a private message last time for clarification, instead of taking it up in the thread, but you didn't respond.  It may be different, if I had a habit of posting incorrect info.

All of the 1,000 times I have discussed having pneumonia and started on meds with an AIDS dx, no one ever brought up why the doc would even prescribe meds, when I could develop IRIS.  Not one mention.  No one ever said it was debatable, reckless, or whatever to have prescribed HIV meds in the first place.  If I could have died from being given HIV meds, why didn't anyone bring that up?   So, you can obviously see why I never gave IRIS with pneumonia consideration.

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #14 on: June 06, 2013, 02:36:43 am »
I appreciate any corrections.  I really do.  You could have easily made that correction (or another way of viewing things) without making it personal.  What you just did was totally unnecessary.  You could have provided your response, and it would have been a teachable moment.  I would have realized the issue, and I wouldn't have gone away with negative feelings towards you.  It would be different if I told someone to do something right now that would negatively impact their health, before someone could correct it.   If I told someone to quit taking a med tonight, then I could see your alarm and frustration.  I don't think a doc would change his treatment plan based on something I wrote. 

This makes the second time in just a few weeks that you've scolded and demeaned me, and then suggested I post things regularly that aren't correct, or are silly, etc.  I sent you a private message last time for clarification, instead of taking it up in the thread, but you didn't respond.  It may be different, if I had a habit of posting incorrect info.

All of the 1,000 times I have discussed having pneumonia and started on meds with an AIDS dx, no one ever brought up why the doc would even prescribe meds, when I could develop IRIS.  Not one mention.  No one ever said it was debatable, reckless, or whatever to have prescribed HIV meds in the first place.  If I could have died from being given HIV meds, why didn't anyone bring that up?   So, you can obviously see why I never gave IRIS with pneumonia consideration.

Ted, I mean no disrespect, but the fact that I have done the same thing about a very sensitive issue (you could easily have influenced the OP to pursue a dangerous course in therapy) speaks to the fact that you DO post with authority things about which you lack the necessary knowledge. I am sorry if I come across as abrupt, and sorry that you wish to see these things taken care of off the boards. I rarely check PMs outside the AM I forum, and I firmly believe that these are indeed "teachable moments." But the education has to be above board. I believe in transparency, even hen it is awkward. Certainly I have been on the awkward side a time or four myself.

I just didn't and don't want potentially dangerous advice to go unchallenged. I don't mind being wrong. I just shudder at the thought of being right, and trying to use precious hours salving feelings behind the scenes.

Please forgive. I have the forum, and even your own best interests at heart.

PS: I can't speak for your case, except to suggest that your medical care was far from exemplary. I do, however, need to correct you because I have on many occasions brought up IRIS in threads in which you participated. If you neglected to read those posts, I beseech you to do so now. This is stuff I have been talking about for five years.



"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline thailand563

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  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #15 on: June 06, 2013, 03:35:35 am »
Please dont fight about this guys. I have decided to give the pneumonia and tablets until the 15th this month and i take 3x tablets, 4 times a day now. After that i hope i can start the AIDS treatment and get my CD4 up.

The CD4 count was 111 yesterday, and i just want to know how fast it can decrease to under 100?
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline jkinatl2

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  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #16 on: June 06, 2013, 03:45:28 am »
Please dont fight about this guys. I have decided to give the pneumonia and tablets until the 15th this month and i take 3x tablets, 4 times a day now. After that i hope i can start the AIDS treatment and get my CD4 up.

The CD4 count was 111 yesterday, and i just want to know how fast it can decrease to under 100?

If it helps, I underwent pneumonia treatment when my CD4 cells were 12. Just 12.

100 is not great, obviously, but it is unlikely to fall below that in any appreciable way in the few weeks you will need to combat the current lung infection. It might take months for your cd4 count to deplete, and you will absolutely be on HIV meds before then. Stopping this infection is important! The next step is stopping the ongoing immune damage, which can be quickly done with the introduction of HIV meds.

When that happens, your CD4 count will rise. Perhaps slowly, but please be patient. It took mine five years to go from 12 to 240. You will hopefully go faster.

It is very important that you listen to your doctors now. Your CD4 is not so low that it is an emergency that trumps your lung infection. Were is a fourth of that, I would be concerned. Even then, though, they would treat your lung infection first, and commence HIV treatment when your body was prepared for the onslaught of a newly emerging immune system.

This is a time when I would suggest you trust the doctors. They seem to be handling thing well so far.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #17 on: June 06, 2013, 04:01:22 am »
If it helps, I underwent pneumonia treatment when my CD4 cells were 12. Just 12.

100 is not great, obviously, but it is unlikely to fall below that in any appreciable way in the few weeks you will need to combat the current lung infection. It might take months for your cd4 count to deplete, and you will absolutely be on HIV meds before then. Stopping this infection is important! The next step is stopping the ongoing immune damage, which can be quickly done with the introduction of HIV meds.

When that happens, your CD4 count will rise. Perhaps slowly, but please be patient. It took mine five years to go from 12 to 240. You will hopefully go faster.

It is very important that you listen to your doctors now. Your CD4 is not so low that it is an emergency that trumps your lung infection. Were is a fourth of that, I would be concerned. Even then, though, they would treat your lung infection first, and commence HIV treatment when your body was prepared for the onslaught of a newly emerging immune system.

This is a time when I would suggest you trust the doctors. They seem to be handling thing well so far.

Thank you so much for your answer. It really helped me a lot. I will listen to the doctor and the doctor that gave me the pneumonia meds said that i will change to another special doctor after the pneumonia is gone....

Again, Thank you so much!!
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline St Ives

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #18 on: June 07, 2013, 01:28:53 am »
When you are ready to see an hiv doctor, I can give you suggestions here in bkk on where to buy meds, capable docs, and generally coping with the virus here in the land of smiles. I've been through several ID specialists and at last found a keeper.
Lung infections seem to be par for the course here, especially with you cd4 count, plus the fact that the rainy season is nearly upon us.
Be well na ka
Nov 2011 cd4,12.vl750k - 138lbs      atripla
Feb 2013 cd4,78.(3%) vl<40  - 160lbs    atripla
May 2014 cd4, 127 (6%) vl<40 -157lbs     atripla

Offline DrewEm

  • Member
  • Posts: 74
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #19 on: June 07, 2013, 02:02:26 am »
Very possible. I won't go in to the mess of a relationship I was in but when I finally was hospitalized with an eye issue  -  CMV (Cyto Megalo Virus) the docs determined I was positive for at least a decade based upon my opportunistic infections and my low CD4 count. That was three years ago and today I am the picture of health!

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #20 on: June 17, 2013, 09:23:06 am »
When you are ready to see an hiv doctor, I can give you suggestions here in bkk on where to buy meds, capable docs, and generally coping with the virus here in the land of smiles. I've been through several ID specialists and at last found a keeper.
Lung infections seem to be par for the course here, especially with you cd4 count, plus the fact that the rainy season is nearly upon us.
Be well na ka

Hi and thanks. Im back... my PCP was gone after a week of medication, and only half doze. I was ill and got a big rash from the pills. The doctor took me off the pills to treat the rash. Now, one week later i was back feeling great and they told me that the PCP was gone, but i could get it back.

They decided to start me on HIV meds right away and i now got Zilarvir 300/500 to take one tablet every morning, and Gpo Vir Z 250mg to take one tablet in the evening. I hope it has few side effects.

I also told my wife today and she didnt take it wery well at first, but after some crying and thinking she said that she will stay with me if she is infected or not. That almost made my heart stop. What a loving wife i have. I am truly lucky. Now i just have to stay well until my CD4 is over 200 again, and the doctor sais that its going to take about 6 months. My Cd4 is now 111.

As for my medicine and doctor: I now seeing a doctor at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and it is very expensive. I live in Laem Chabang not far from Pattaya, so i need a good not too expensive doctor in Pattaya or Bangkok. I also read that i can get medications at the red cross in Bangkok. Is that possible? What do you recommend?
« Last Edit: June 17, 2013, 09:26:28 am by thailand563 »
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline xasxas

  • Member
  • Posts: 57
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #21 on: June 19, 2013, 10:54:05 pm »
Hi Thailand563:

I am also an expat that lives in Thailand.  I'll try to help you with what I've learned from my experience so far.

First, this is going to be a long term treatment so you need to find a set up that's financially sustainable for you.  You shouldn't be shy about explaining this to your doctor so that he/she understands you situation and tailors a treatment for you that you can afford.

From what I've read the Bangkok Hospital chain is some of the most expensive, so you may consider shopping around.  My infectious disease specialist is in Bumrungraad in Bangkok and charges about 1,500 baht per visit.

I assume you're paying for all this out of pocket as I don't think HIV is covered by most medical insurance here.  If that's the case, minimizing cost is probably important to you.

The best way to that is to go to a private clinic / doctor to get your drug prescription -- once you're in a stable condition they can give you prescriptions up to 6 months -- and you can go buy your drugs at the Anonymous Clinic in Bangkok.  I found that the drugs were half-price or less at the Anonymous Clinic. 

The Anonymous Clinic's address is:

Thai Red Cross · Anonymous Clinic
104 Ratchadamri Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.
Tel. 02-252-2568-9

It is located between the Sala Daeng and Radchadamri Road

Also, you'll probably need to get a lot of blood tests done like drug resistance, cd4 counts, viral loads, VDRL, etc.   The Anonymous Clinic in Bangkok also provides these at a low cost and I get mine done there also.

So the only thing that I go to a private doctor for is the prescription.

I see that you're in Pattaya, you may also be able to get good care and the necessary drugs on a budget from Dr. Philippe Suer who runs an NGO in Pattaya focused on HIV.  Some info about him from another website: "Dr Phillipe Seur is an excellent HIV resource for Pattaya Patients.  He does excellent work providing ARV treatments to Local Thais and a few Farangs through his NGO http://www.heartt2000.org/ his email address is philippe.seur@gmail.com."

I hope this helps.  Don't get demoralized, you'll be fine as long as you start treatment and take care of yourself.

If you need anything else, feel free to private message me.

Take care.

Offline thailand563

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #22 on: June 20, 2013, 02:17:48 am »
Hi Thailand563:

I am also an expat that lives in Thailand.  I'll try to help you with what I've learned from my experience so far.

First, this is going to be a long term treatment so you need to find a set up that's financially sustainable for you.  You shouldn't be shy about explaining this to your doctor so that he/she understands you situation and tailors a treatment for you that you can afford.

From what I've read the Bangkok Hospital chain is some of the most expensive, so you may consider shopping around.  My infectious disease specialist is in Bumrungraad in Bangkok and charges about 1,500 baht per visit.

I assume you're paying for all this out of pocket as I don't think HIV is covered by most medical insurance here.  If that's the case, minimizing cost is probably important to you.

The best way to that is to go to a private clinic / doctor to get your drug prescription -- once you're in a stable condition they can give you prescriptions up to 6 months -- and you can go buy your drugs at the Anonymous Clinic in Bangkok.  I found that the drugs were half-price or less at the Anonymous Clinic. 

The Anonymous Clinic's address is:

Thai Red Cross · Anonymous Clinic
104 Ratchadamri Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.
Tel. 02-252-2568-9

It is located between the Sala Daeng and Radchadamri Road

Also, you'll probably need to get a lot of blood tests done like drug resistance, cd4 counts, viral loads, VDRL, etc.   The Anonymous Clinic in Bangkok also provides these at a low cost and I get mine done there also.

So the only thing that I go to a private doctor for is the prescription.

I see that you're in Pattaya, you may also be able to get good care and the necessary drugs on a budget from Dr. Philippe Suer who runs an NGO in Pattaya focused on HIV.  Some info about him from another website: "Dr Phillipe Seur is an excellent HIV resource for Pattaya Patients.  He does excellent work providing ARV treatments to Local Thais and a few Farangs through his NGO http://www.heartt2000.org/ his email address is philippe.seur@gmail.com."

I hope this helps.  Don't get demoralized, you'll be fine as long as you start treatment and take care of yourself.

If you need anything else, feel free to private message me.

Take care.

Hi, and thank you so much for your post. I actually have an appointment with Dr.- Philippe Seur in 3 hours, and hope he can give me some answers. The best thing for me is of course later on, getting my meds from the clinic you mentioned in Bangkok. Its only a short drive, so i will do that after the first months. I also have to take a lot of more tests, so i hope maybe Mr. Seur can do that.

Right now i feel fine, but i am scared of other decieses, so i am taking good care of my self and try to get the right meds now to get the CD4 count up. I guess that is the only thing to do.

I will post more as soon as i know more. And once again, thank you so much for all help. I really appreciate it.
31.05.13 - Tested positive CD4 111 and Pneumonia
17.06.13 - Started treatment 3TC 150mg + D4T 30mg
19.07.13 - Changed treatment Efavirenz / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
28.09.13 - CD4 220 - CD%15 - VL 75
04.01.14 - CD4 175 - CD%16 - VL 27
05.04.14 - CD4 220 - CD%20 - VL N/D
05.07.14 - CD4 253 - CD%19 - VL Not tested
27.09.14 - CD4 286 - CD%22 - VL Not tested
04.01.15 - CD4 337 - CD%22 - VL 26
28.06.15 - CD4 360 - CD%23 - VL N/D
09.01.16 - CD4 395 - CD%25 - VL N/D
30.06.16 - CD4 177(wrong) - CD%26.3 - VL Not tested
17.07.16 - CD4 421 - CD%27 - VL 24
31.10.16 - CD4 523 - CD%30-  VL 32
16.01.17 - CD4 not tested - CD% not tested - VL 22
Changed treatment Isentress / Truvada (Ricovir EM)
05.03.17 - CD4 454 - CD% 28 - VL 36
Changed treatment Lamivir 300mg / Dolutegravir 50mg
29.04.17 - CD4 445 - CD% 25

Offline DrewEm

  • Member
  • Posts: 74
Re: Tested positive today, doctor say i have been infected 10 years.
« Reply #23 on: June 30, 2013, 04:12:09 am »
Not to "stir the mud" but I can agree with the OP's doc's recommendations. I originally went to the ER with an eye issue - turned out it was CMV. My retinas were detaching from the back of the eye nerves. Thanks to tap and injects in both eyes with gacyclivir (Valcyte) my vision was saved. I was asked if a blood HIV test could be done which I agreed to - I never did anything "risky".

The test results showed a CD4 of eight - pretty much I should be dead! The docs questioned the CD4 count but as numerous friends and family offered I never had the flu (and I pass through several of Philly's germ dens daily) or even a cold.

Considering how careful I am/was we traced my infection to my (who I thought was monogamous) ex.

My ex and I broke up in 2001 and I was celibate from then (not wanting the mess of anonymous sex which he was having behind my back) to ruin any relationship.

 


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