Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 29, 2024, 06:08:46 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37614
  • Latest: bondann
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772952
  • Total Topics: 66311
  • Online Today: 741
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 2
Guests: 487
Total: 489

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Doc says it time to start meds  (Read 7731 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Longislander

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Doc says it time to start meds
« on: February 21, 2008, 12:01:45 am »
todays results; (given to me by the PA over the phone)
CD4-  516
%  22
VL-  116,000

My VL has been climbing, and the % going down a bit, but the CD4 remaining the same confuses me.  I expected to see a decline in that also.

Doc also thinks I should take a cholesterol med-- total is 193, LDL is high normal, HDL is low normal, and tri's are somewhere mid 200's.

I've been trying to prepare myself before each draw that this time may be it, but I am surprisingly ( or not so) unprepared to start HIV meds.  We would start with Atripla, and go back in 2 weeks to see the affect on the lipids, then a month after that for the VL.  I just wish there were indicators to tell how one would react to the meds.  I was hoping for 10 years w/o meds like Queen, but now I'm hoping for an easy enough time with Atripla like David (NC) .

I don't want to take a cholesterol med as well (whichever pill is once a day).  I'm thinking, lets see what happens after the meds. I'm not sure this is sound thinking , though.

I was expecting this day would come, but am surprised by how upsetting it is.

On a brighter note, the PA asked me how my weekend trip went. Then asked me how I was ( after this discussion we had on the phone) I said I was o.k., and that I'm about to eat my lunch. She says " Caesar wrap?" . I said 'yup', she says ' See, I listen to you when you talk" ;D

( I wish she was the Doctor, and not the other one) lol
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline poz1970

  • Member
  • Posts: 482
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2008, 12:38:03 am »
heh, finding a doctor that listens is fantastic! :-)

Good luck with the meds!

J
"The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to  heterosexuals. That doesn`t mean that God doesn`t love heterosexuals. It`s just that they need more supervision." -- Lynn Lavne

Offline Queen Tokelove

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,031
  • Smokey the Smurf
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2008, 12:53:29 am »
Hey Sweetie---

Try not to feel discouraged that you didn't reach the 10 year mark but your cd4 was better than mine. When I started Atripla, my cd4 was 215. I didn't have bad side effects from the Atripla even though they are trying to factor in the Sustiva being the cause of my depression but that hasn't been proven yet. And I am satisfied with the results since being on Atripla and how quick they came about. I will be hoping the same for you. And it's nice to have a doctor that listens. :-*
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline keyite

  • Member
  • Posts: 514
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2008, 06:39:21 am »
I'm slightly surprised, that's a very good CD4 count and VL can go down as well as up. But I suppose the % dropping a bit might have been the deciding factor.

Anyway, I wish you best of luck with Atripla. Hopefully it will be as non-eventful for you as it seems to be for lots of other people with regards to side effects. Keep us posted!  :)

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2008, 10:38:50 am »
Hey Longislander,

Your numbers seem a bit high to be starting meds, although word coming down the grapevine is that 500 will be the new cut off point - just like it was 12 years ago.

That said, how do you feel about starting meds? I don't mean being gung-ho, ready to jump on the bandwagon. I don't think many people are that anxious to start meds.

I mean, if you and the doc decide it is time, are you ready to do the deed? The chance of adherence  lapses increases the greater the reticence of the person starting meds.

You do still have some wiggle room. I would certainly have a serious conversation with the doctor with any concerns, worries or doubts you have before embarking on the med trail.

That said, I would ask you to consider that starting meds isn't the end of the world. In fact, it is more akin to exploring a brave new world, one where you are taking the upper hand and kicking the virus in the butt.

Regarding the cholesterol issue, 193 isn't over the top either. Were it me, I would first talk to the doc about lifestyle changes you could make to lower the cholesterol numbers without the use of meds.

This is a constant battle for me.

By the way, what in the world is a caesar wrap?

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2008, 10:50:20 am »
Speaking of a "caesar wrap," I was given a video to watch years ago about HIV and nutrition by an old ID.  In the video it recommended that people with HIV not eat caesar sald or the like because of raw eggs.  I have heard poz people talking since about how they love caesar salad.  So I'm wondering if there was any truth to the video's ramblings.  Of course, when I saw it, it was the very early 90's (1991) when things were different.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2008, 11:16:20 am »
Speaking of a "caesar wrap," I was given a video to watch years ago about HIV and nutrition by an old ID.  In the video it recommended that people with HIV not eat caesar sald or the like because of raw eggs.  I have heard poz people talking since about how they love caesar salad.  So I'm wondering if there was any truth to the video's ramblings.  Of course, when I saw it, it was the very early 90's (1991) when things were different.

Most commercial caesar dressings are either pasteurized these days or no longer contain the offending raw egg. But, I still check to make sure.

Was that the same video that was produced, at least in part, by the Whitman-Walker Clinic and also warned against undercooked meats of any kind (sushi was a big no-no, as were oysters on the half shell), and some kinds of cheeses, specifically the soft ripened ones like brie, camembert and bleu?

I still have the video and still use it for folks whose CD4s are below 400. Better safe than sorry.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2008, 12:12:49 pm »
Was that the same video that was produced, at least in part, by the Whitman-Walker Clinic and also warned against undercooked meats of any kind (sushi was a big no-no, as were oysters on the half shell), and some kinds of cheeses, specifically the soft ripened ones like brie, camembert and bleu?
Mark


I can't remember who produced it, Mark.  I never did give up bleu cheese though.  It's one of my favorites. 

Never could stomach sushi or oysters on the half shell.  Then again, I don't care for lobster or shrimp.  Being raised Seventh-Day Adventist, all of those were a huge no-no growing up.  I think most of those are really acquired tastes.  They all just remind me of eating insects. :P
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline Iggy

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,434
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2008, 03:28:42 pm »
Hey Longislander,

Your numbers seem a bit high to be starting meds, although word coming down the grapevine is that 500 will be the new cut off point - just like it was 12 years ago.

That said, how do you feel about starting meds? I don't mean being gung-ho, ready to jump on the bandwagon. I don't think many people are that anxious to start meds.

I mean, if you and the doc decide it is time, are you ready to do the deed? The chance of adherence  lapses increases the greater the reticence of the person starting meds.

You do still have some wiggle room. I would certainly have a serious conversation with the doctor with any concerns, worries or doubts you have before embarking on the med trail.

That said, I would ask you to consider that starting meds isn't the end of the world. In fact, it is more akin to exploring a brave new world, one where you are taking the upper hand and kicking the virus in the butt.


I agree 100% with Mark's post


Offline NLEWLAD

  • Member
  • Posts: 230
  • Anything is possible, ANYTHING
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2008, 05:28:21 pm »
i want your doc, i wana start meds when am at cd4 450 but in uk they will only script at 200 having free treatment has its downsides as i am starting to realise
Simon - Location Manchester England
Negative test 10/11/07
Tested poz 28/12/07
Confirmed WB 07/01/08
Sero-converted Late December 07

Date        CD4            %              VL

7/01/08   1273 :)      N/A       100,232
24/01/08   755 :(      42%         4,010
13/2/08     922 :)      45%       78,234
09/04/08   652 :(      38%       36,604
05/05/08   936 :)      39%       38,952
07/07/08   844 :)      34%       24,000
12/11/08   753 :(      31%       45,600
no meds yet:)

Offline AlanBama

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,670
  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2008, 07:30:07 pm »
Best of luck with the beginning of your journey on HAART.   I hope it will be a long and successful one.

hugs,

Alan

PS - get a pill box, with a slot for 3 times a day and each day of the week.  Put your meds in it the same night each week (I do mine on Sunday)...you will know what you're about to run out of and when, and also it is a surefire way to know if you have taken your meds or not.   I couldn't have made it through all these years without my weekly pill containers.
"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 BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2008, 07:40:17 pm »
get a pill box, with a slot for 3 times a day and each day of the week.  Put your meds in it the same night each week (I do mine on Sunday)...you will know what you're about to run out of and when, and also it is a surefire way to know if you have taken your meds or not.   I couldn't have made it through all these years without my weekly pill containers.

Excellent advice.  I refill mine also on the same day every week.  If I had to mess with getting all the meds out of their bottles at certain times of times of the day, I'd literally screw myself.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #12 on: February 21, 2008, 07:54:46 pm »
I've never used a pill box in 15 years, at least not one of those weekly ones.  I do it by hand each and every multiple dose, ferreting around among a total of 11 pill bottles each time.  I've tried doing it the other way, but found I actually fuck up more.

Good luck LongIslander should you decide to jump into the med pool now.
« Last Edit: February 21, 2008, 08:11:30 pm by philly267 »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Longislander

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2008, 12:22:13 am »
Thanks for the replies everyone, it means alot, and it helps to know I'm not alone in this.

Mark/Iggy- I'm not concerned with adherence, once I start, that'll be it! And a caesar wrap is just a caesar salad with roasted chicken in a wrap sandwich -incredible at a place near me and I eat it 4-5 times a week for lunch!!

Michelle- I know your 10 years was def not the norm, but I was still hoping!! I don't think I have depression issues other than a little SAD wintertime stuff  ( I hate  the cold!), but I know that Sustiva can have an affect and it's something to watch for. I hope you get that part straightened out and I knwo we're all thrilled with the # success you've had ;D

Poz1970 thanks! And Betty, I sure hope there's no raw egss in my caesar dressing!

Keyite- My doc wanted me to start taking meds over a year ago with a 9500 VL, she's a big proponent of starting early. I've been putting her off for quite awhile now.  The unrealistic part of me wants to do another draw in 1 month, but I can see that y VL has been climbing for the past few draws, even though the CD4 has remained constant. It's only fear that makes me hesitate taking the meds. I was figuring on taking starting if the cd4's dropped to the 300's again. Guess the #'s don't want to play fair--lol

Alan-i do have a pill box. I keep my vitamins in it, it's great for vacations! Thanks for the well wishes, too.

NLewlad- You have some nice #'s going there, but I too wouldn't want to wait to drop to 200 to start meds. Hopefully you won't reach that mark for a very very long time.

Philly- I hope I never have to deal with 11 meds!! Your well wishes mean an awful lot, thanks for that~

Paul
« Last Edit: February 22, 2008, 12:23:45 am by Longislander »
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline allopathicholistic

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,258
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2008, 09:37:57 am »
Hi sweety - However you decide you're in my thoughts  :) I know it's alot to process so I'm giving you a cyberhug

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2008, 10:53:25 am »
Hey there,

It's good that you do have some time to mentally prepare for meds.  Personally, I often think things will be worse than they actually turn out.  Sometimes, I pretend that I'm already doing whatever it is that's causing me anxiety.  This makes it a bit easier to actually do it when it's time... sort of like easing into it.  It's silly, but it's a game that I play that makes unpleasant things easier for me.  Atripla is really very easy for both hubby and I, and I expect it will be for you, too.  Plan on starting meds now, and actually start them when you are ready.  Take care.

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 dixieman

  • Member
  • Posts: 889
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2008, 11:14:36 am »
Paul, I just want to say... the atripila is not a bad deal to be the start off on meds... I wish that was the option when I first started meds... I went thru crixivan, zerit/kaletra now on atripila... atripila is by far the best choice... there should be relatively no adverse side effects with this med ... one pill a day...considering at one time I took 20 plus as a guinea pig... Let us know how your doing... sincerely, john

Offline SoSadTooBad

  • Member
  • Posts: 267
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #17 on: February 22, 2008, 08:23:24 pm »
Don't fret LongIslander - you will do great on Atripla.  Like taking nothing at all.  Feel good about the fact that we have some great treatment options, so your life can go on just as before. 


Offline Life

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,389
  • Member 2005
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #18 on: February 22, 2008, 10:19:28 pm »
Paul, you have had a good run...  And as the others said, its time to start to thinking about it...  I went till 287 and I wish I had not...  Its a bit of a bitch to get em back..  Dont worry so much about the trigs right now... Thats big picture stuff..  You would be amazed what you can do with diet and excercise..   I am on that Kaletra / Truvada and am managing the trigs very well with alot of variations on a theme type diet...  The up and down the mountain stuff helps with the rest... 

You will do fine whenever you make the decision..

Hugs,

Eric

Offline Longislander

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #19 on: February 26, 2008, 12:05:05 am »
Alex, David, John, SoSad and Eric~

Thanks for the replies, med stories and well wishes!

I don't want to go any further downhill in #'s and I will be calling the doc to call in the script for Atripla tomorrow or wednesday ( my birthday >:( ). I had planned on starting this coming Friday, but because of the b'day I have a few celebratory dinners I don't want to cancel in case I don't react well to the meds.

The success stories of Atripla from the members here are the only thing making this decision easier. :D

Paul
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline Roie

  • Member
  • Posts: 261
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #20 on: February 26, 2008, 07:41:32 am »
Are you sure that you actually have to have Atripla?
Have you been tested for resistance for any of the medications?
My doc initially wanted me to take Stocrin and Truvada. but it turned out that I am resistant to Stocrin so I am on Kaletra instead,
The first 2.5 weeks were a bit hard on me, when I started it almost 1 month ago, nerves and a bit od nausea and hypo attacks wher eI would have to eat something immediately.

NOw I forgetduring the day that I am on the meds. Obviously I dont forget that I have to take them, just dont feel any different 99 % of the time.

I use a pill box and it helps me a lot.
Cruise on down the High Way

"When people who are not ready jump in, things can go horribly wrong. For most of us, there is always time to take a deep breath, consider one's options and make a careful, sound decision based on clinical fact, not emotion."
MtD

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2008, 07:59:26 am »


I've been trying to prepare myself before each draw that this time may be it, but I am surprisingly ( or not so) unprepared to start HIV meds. 


Hello Paul,

I understand how difficult this is for you, but I do believe you have a good head on your shoulders, and your going to get through this OK. 

Of all the years, I've lived with this virus, I started meds 17 years after I was infected. I should have started a few years sooner. I always thought that I was prepared to start, when the time arrived ,But because I was in so much denial at the time, I got myself into pretty serious trouble. I held off too long. This is what we try to avoid.

Your going to do OK !  As Eric stated, try not to be too worried about the cholesterol right now. You may just be able to get/keep this in control for a while. As far as side effects from the meds, you may do very well with them. Everyone handles the meds differently. I was fortunate enough to have handled my meds very well. A few problems here and there, But I'm here, that's what matters...


Hang in there-----Ray


 
« Last Edit: February 26, 2008, 08:01:05 am by J.R.E. »
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 aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #22 on: February 26, 2008, 02:23:57 pm »
Hey Paul,

It sounds like your as ready as your going to be to start meds. Also, I agree with what some others, and you, have said - don't' wait too long or let the CD4s get too low.

Let us know how the meds start goes.

Oh, and have a Happy Birthday. You deserve it.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Jeffreyj

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,403
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #23 on: March 03, 2008, 03:54:18 am »
It's time. Best of luck with the meds man!
Positive since 1985

Offline Longislander

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #24 on: March 05, 2008, 11:28:08 pm »
after a week or so of leaving it on the back burner, I called the doc today to tell her which pharmacy to call it the script in to.

I'm not planning on starting this weekend, but I figured I would get it filled now so I can be a week ahead, hopefully avoiding running out in the future should the pharmacy run out/mess up or something~

infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #25 on: March 06, 2008, 07:57:07 am »
after a week or so of leaving it on the back burner, I called the doc today to tell her which pharmacy to call it the script in to.

I'm not planning on starting this weekend, but I figured I would get it filled now so I can be a week ahead, hopefully avoiding running out in the future should the pharmacy run out/mess up or something~


Hi Paul,

It's always good to have backup meds.  Get 'em filled and get ready emotionally... but don't wait so long that you have problems with O.I.'s.  HIV meds are never fun, 'cept for maybe some of the funky Sustiva dreams.  Just remember that for everybody who has issues with the immediate side effects that there are many who don't.  Good luck with 'em and take care.

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 allopathicholistic

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,258
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #26 on: March 07, 2008, 07:16:08 pm »
Here's an article I assume you've seen but just in case you didn't here it is:
Early Treatment may have CD4 Advantage


Also, there's "immune reconstitution syndrome" which is like the last thing a poz person needs. Note the section I bolded.
Source:
http://www.poz.com/articles/hiv_immune_iris_761_13453.shtml

Brief description:
Quote
When people with HIV start ARV therapy, they sometimes experience symptoms of underlying diseases like tuberculosis, mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). These symptoms, which can cause serious illness, are believed to be caused by the recovery of immune function that effective ARV treatment produces.

{snip}

The most important risk factors for developing IRIS were starting treatment with a Norvir (ritonavir) boosted protease inhibitor, a low CD4 count or a higher viral load. Patients who had all three risk factors when starting treatment were the most likely to develop IRIS.

Offline NewYorkKat

  • Member
  • Posts: 134
  • Hangin' On Staying Strong
Re: Doc says it time to start meds
« Reply #27 on: March 11, 2008, 03:04:34 pm »
Hey LI

I am not a doctor but wait another blood draw and see where you stand. The VL and the T's fluctuate up and down all the time. From those numbers, it looks fine to me.

My T's are a Little lower than yours but VL is low as well. They (knock on wood) have not gone over 15000.

Maybe you should wait and see.

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.