Another k103 question...

[tucker]

I just can't seem to find good information on the internet about my mutation.  My doctor said nearly 25% of her new cases have this mutation, and that I still have plenty of options left for treatment... but I am really concerned.  It might just be because I have had one health problem after another since diagnosis (lots of skin infections), but I feel like my chances of going undetectable and being able to live a 'normal' life are a lot lower than someone with wild-type.  Basically, I have been looking for some information to give me peace of mind, but have come up empty.  My concerns are... what if I have a reaction to my first line option of truvada, reyataz, and norvir?  Do I still have plenty of other options? And, it seems like first line options work for like 5 years... so, what then?  Am I screwed?  Or are there effective second lines?  Since nearly 25% of new cases have this mutation, I wish there was a topic in the 'lessons' about what this k103 means, to prevent people from freaking out like me.   I feel like I got screwed over by getting HIV in the first place (not a promiscuous person, and careful 99% of the time) and then I find out I got screwed again by getting a resistant strain that robs me of many treatment options... I just feel like "what's next?? will I not be able to tolerate the meds, and just dry up and die??"  Sorry for being a head-case, it's just that none of this has gone according to 'plan' so I am just kind of nervous and anxious about the future.  I am supposed to start meds in May, since my body seems to not be handling the virus so well.  I know my cd4 is OK, but all the skin infections makes my doc think I should start early... if anyone has a link to good info about k103 tratment options, I would be most appreciative.  Thanks...

[BlueMoon]

Hi Tucker, I know how you feel.  I don't know if I have the same mutation as you, but I'm resistant to Sustiva and have begun taking the same medications that you have been prescribed. 

I feel like I'm starting with one strike against me.  All I can do is make the best of what's available to keep myself healthy, and hope that new treatments will be developed in time to make a difference.  Already there is Intelence, which is effective for those of us resistant to other NNRTIs.  There's the possibility of genetic-based treatment.  If I can last long enough, there may even be a cure someday. 

In the meantime, I'm doing what I can.  So far no problem with the meds (I won't have a blood test for another two weeks), and I'm eating well and sleeping well.  I'm learning what I can and trying not to worry over things I can't control.  You are fortunate to have been diagnosed while your immune system is still fairly strong, and have a good chance of doing well.  There are no guarantees in life, and you just have to play the cards you're dealt. 

As my doctor told me, I have a lot of options, so concentrate on what you can do, rather than can't.  Good luck!

[John2038]

Hi tucker,

having a mutation never make the landlord happy, but fortunately, there are still a lot of options remaining for you.
Don't feel screwed, because you aren't.
All the NNRTIs are not gone for you as it might still remain the etravirine if your tropism assay is favorable.
In more, you have all the non nukes and the PIs, I guess enough for 15 years.
And in 15 years, many others meds will have been made available, in particular to address the mutations problem.
Don't worry too much, you can still have a long normal life.
Personally, I'm having more mutations than you: K103N V108IV M184V T215FIST
And I'm newly infected not on meds as well.
Despite this very bad genotype (better for someone to not cross me in the street.......), there are still few options available.
At least 2 lines (Truvada + Sustiva and Isentress + Darunavir + Something else) and a salvage treatment + trials.
If I'm lucky, I might be able to not have to go to the salvage treatment as new meds might become before that.
Don't worry budy. Head up. You still have a lot of years to spend on the Earth.

[tucker]

thanks guys... I guess I need to not get so worked up about this, and just trust the doctor that I will be around for a while, and learn to have a little faith that things will work out.  Fifteen years ago, I think AZT was all that was available, so who knows what we will have in another fifteen years.