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Author Topic: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.  (Read 25115 times)

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Offline Ihavehope

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  • Posts: 1,366
  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« on: February 09, 2007, 05:35:52 pm »
OMG. I start my meds tonight.

It is alot scarier than I thought and I am breaking down in tears. I was told that I need to take 4 Kaletra pills and 1 truvada pill a day at the same time. Wow, emotionally I broke down when I opened the bag with the meds and read the warning and side effects. My adherent nurse told me to get my immodium ready just in case. Today HIV became real to me like it hasn't been in the last two months. I am not afraid of the side effects I am just so sad that this is how my life is going to be from now on. I have not cried much but today I found myself crying like never before. I decided to take them at 9:30 pm. I now understand how some of you who have been taking meds for a while feel. This is all new to me and have never been on medication for more than a few days but this is a life-time commitment. I hope my body can resist all these meds for many years. But i do feel weaker today than yesterday so I know it is time to start. Adherence tells me to wait when I am ready, WTF are they talking about when I am ready. I am neva gonna be ready for this I am swallowing them because I have to and their is a virus pointing a gun in my head forcing me to do it. Say a little prayer for this scared man who still feels like a little boy. Damn, if I didn't mature, this definately will make me mature.
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2007, 05:41:22 pm »


   AL,

     All I can say is we are here and I know how you feel....  Just relax...  let us know how it goes tonight.

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

Offline Life

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  • Member 2005
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2007, 05:45:47 pm »
Your going to be just fine....  Its that physiological twist that's gotcha..   Quit giving it so much power.  Nothing is "forever"..  Stop staying forever......  Just today, maybe tomorrow, but not forever..  I am on Kaletra and am doing quite stellarly..  So will you...  Look at this as something good and never bad...

Love

Offline budndallastx

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  • Posts: 463
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2007, 05:59:50 pm »
I was in the same boat as you but after the first week of getting used to the routine, it all faded in the background.  Taking the meds was like brushing my teeth before bedtime.  Just be careful that you don't start thinking every ache is related to the meds.  Just be attentive to your body and talk to you nurse if you have questions. 

The body is a resilient and adaptable.  Just give it time and you'll do fine !! 
Meds since: 11/20/2006
Sustiva / Truvada
12/08/2008 VL:<48 CD4 622 (38%)   
9/8/2008 VL:<48 CD4 573 (30%)
5/2008 VL:<48 CD4 464 (30%)
1/2008  VL: <50  CD4 425(28%)
9/2007   VL: <50  CD4 465 (27%)
6/2007   VL: <50   CD4 443 (26%)
3/2007  VL: <50   CD4 385 (25%)
12/2006 - VL: <50   CD4: 384 (25%)
11/2006 - VL:  22K  CD4: 208 (18%)

Offline aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #4 on: February 09, 2007, 06:00:19 pm »
Hey Al,

I understand how you feel. Somehow, swallowing that first handful of pills can be a trial.

I remember looking at them, thinking, "Oh Shit!" then throwing them in my mouth. You will do fine with this. It is just that first gulp that's getting you down.

Let us know how the first night goes.

HUGS,

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

Offline AustinWesley

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #5 on: February 09, 2007, 06:07:30 pm »
Hey Al,

If it's any condolence I will be right behind ya maybe sooner than I had anticipated.

Think of it as taking back control of your life.   So far this virus has had control of you and it's time to knock it on it's ass.

And, don't think about those side effects, think about this as you taking the upper hand.

If you cry, you are gona make me cry so you can't. ; )

Did they say you can take those with a good strong martini cause I'm off to the liquor store so I'll be prepared myself.   If ya lived near by I'd have you over for a good strong martini.   

Will be thinking of ya.  Hang in there.

Love,

Wesley
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline Ihavehope

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  • Posts: 1,366
  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2007, 06:19:49 pm »
Hey Al,

If it's any condolence I will be right behind ya maybe sooner than I had anticipated.

Think of it as taking back control of your life.   So far this virus has had control of you and it's time to knock it on it's ass.

And, don't think about those side effects, think about this as you taking the upper hand.

If you cry, you are gona make me cry so you can't. ; )

Did they say you can take those with a good strong martini cause I'm off to the liquor store so I'll be prepared myself.   If ya lived near by I'd have you over for a good strong martini.  

Will be thinking of ya.  Hang in there.

Love,

Wesley

Oh Wesley you are such a cutie. I wish you were closer as well so I can make out with you and make me feel better. I actually do feel these meds will save my life and I will get use to them, but I didn't realize it was 5 pills plus bactrim a day. I guess there has been so much talk about the one pill a day that I figured it would be like taking a multi-vitamain and wouldn't really even think about it, but 5 pills a day is kind of hard to forget what it is for.

Wesley, if you decide to go on meds start when your docs says it's time and you feel it's time. Being ready, is such a cliche because no one really wants to do this but when you know the time is clicking then you know it's time. I was suppose to wait 2 weeks more for the new doc but said F*uck it, at 200 I should had started months ago, my CD4 counts need to catch up.

To everyone else who has responded to my thread, thank you so much, tonight at 9:30 when I am swallowing those horse orange and blue pills I wil imagine you all holding my hand and telling me "you can do it"

Love, Al
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline JPinLA

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  • Posts: 148
  • Cheers!
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2007, 06:29:16 pm »
Hi Al - I think I understand how you feel.  I'll be in the same place next week and I already feel a lot of what you're going through.  I love everyone's comments to you so far and your thread has helped me a lot.  I don't want to give advice, especially since i won't start meds until next week or so, but I can tell you that ever since I was diagnosed in November 06, when I have been on the verge of tears I just let it out.  After the waterworks were done, I felt better (for a bit anyway).

In your (and Wesley's since he out the thought in my mind) honor, I will toast your new beginning this evening with a nice strong cocktail.  I agree with him, you and we all will take control of this disease in many ways and one of the most effective is starting meds (at least in my mind).  Good luck.  I will be sending you positive thoughts!

JP
11/06 - Diagnosed - VL/5784 & CD4 326
2/07 - VL/6000 & CD4 290 2/07
3//07 -Began Truvada/Viramune 
4/07 VL/undetectable and CD4 320 22%
7/07 VL/undetectable and CD4 286 22%
11/07 VL/undetectable and CD4 302 26%

Offline cubbybear

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2007, 06:37:20 pm »
Hey Al.

Good luck with your meds.  I know it can be daunting swallowing them for the first time, but you'll get used to them.  I've only been on meds for 16 months now, but I can safely say that I no longer think about it when I take them.  I grab them, swallow them, and go about my evening, or jump in bed and sleep soundly.  The first few weeks on meds wasn't as carefree, and I spent far too long on the toilet throwing up from both ends! LOL.  But I hung in there and glad I did.  The alternative to not taking my meds is not an option I'm willing to consider at least for another 40 or 50 years.

Let us know how your meds go Al, you will be fine.
Matt

Offline Lis

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2007, 06:38:38 pm »
Hang in there babe!!! it is a huge change, you have made it this far, and you WILL go to the next step... if you have nausea, try cutting up fresh lemons and smelling them, i know it sounds weird, but it helps.. also... if you have exploding ass.. try Gatorade lemon lime... it is gentle, and keeps you from dehydration..  

one love!!!

lisbeth
poz 1986....

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2007, 06:56:09 pm »
Hey Al,

Lis is right I had forgotten about the lemons. It really does work.

Ginger ale also used to help me when I first started, especially since mine are taken on an empty stomach.

Just a little "just in case" advice.

HUGS,

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

Offline AustinWesley

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2007, 06:59:13 pm »
Hey Al,

Well, let's all toast to your new and improved health.   Blue and Orange?  Don't they come in any better colors or did they choose those for you because your a Denver Broncos fan? ; )

Frankly, I think just being done with the anxiety will be reason enough.   Won't it be nice to finally get off the emotional roller coaster as well?

Ah, you are so sweet.  Well, if ya were near by I'd come over and snuggle up with ya for the nite so since I can't just pretend I am. ;)

Love ya,

Wesley
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline jyngfilm

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  • AHH! I knew it, Betty had balls
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2007, 07:06:12 pm »
today is my 18th day on meds. Like yourself, I was scared shitless...and the first night was not too good. But..ever since then... things have been amazingly predictable. For me it was the fear of the unknown to side effects. Albeit I'm still very early into meds, they've been kind. One day at a time dude.

~jordon
munchausen by proxy is not an out in my case

Offline Lou-ah-vull

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2007, 07:10:59 pm »
Hang in there!  I started Kaletra last May and had some of those same thoughts.  I was fortunate and never had those side effects.  I hope you understand that you take 2 of them at a time...twelve hours apart.  The one Truveda either goes with the morning dose or the evening dose of Kaletra.  I know that can get confusing too....I used pillboxes.

I am off Kaletra because it ran my triglycerides too high.  Last night I started Atripla and had some of your same thoughts too.  It is better today and hopefully will keep getting better.   I know this is a big step for you, but hopefully you will learn what most of us have learned...the meds, while strong, really improve our health.  I hope your adjustment time will be brief.

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline dtwpuck

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  • дано мне тело, что мне делать с ним?
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2007, 07:18:15 pm »
Hey there...
Meds aren't much fun, but hang in there.  There will come a day when you won't think about it so much.
Good luck tonight, and may you be one of the lucky ones who have no side effect.  Here's hoping you come back with "so, what's the big deal, anyway."
Floating through the void in the caress of two giant pink lobsters named Esmerelda and Keith.

Offline blondbeauty

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2007, 07:39:48 pm »
Think about the people in dialisys that have to go to a hospital 2 times a week and spend 3 hours each time conected to one of these machines in a depressing room like the one in the picture and you will feel much better. Their only choice is a transplant and that also requires meds forever.
You should be happy because it is 2007 and you belong to the 3% of the people with HIV that are receiveing treatment in the entire world.

[attachment deleted by admin]
The only member in these forums approved by WINBA: World International Nail and Beauty Association.
Epstein Barr +; CMV +; Toxoplasmosis +; HIV-1 +.
Counts when starting treatment:
V.L.:80.200 copies. CD4: 25%=503
Started Sustiva-Truvada 14/August/2006
Last V.L.count (Oct 2013): Undetectable
Last CD4 count (OCT 2013): 52%= 933

Offline woodshere

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2007, 07:50:12 pm »
Think about the people in dialisys that have to go to a hospital 2 times a week and spend 3 hours each time conected to one of these machines in a depressing room like the one in the picture and you will feel much better. Their only choice is a transplant and that also requires meds forever.
You should be happy because it is 2007 and you belong to the 3% of the people with HIV that are receiveing treatment in the entire world.

Well said Blond. 
Al, yes taking meds can be a bitch, but be positive - in more ways than one.  You might not suffer any of those horrible short term side affects and in just a short time you will feel better your CD4 will begin going up and you will become undetectable.  That is what is important.   I started meds almost a year ago and now it is routine.  I even chuckle everytime I feel up my pill box.  Like blond said it could be so much worse.
You'll be fine,
Woods
"Let us give pubicity to HV/AIDS and not hide it..." "One of the things destroying people with AIDS is the stigma we attach to it."   Nelson Mandela

Offline antibody

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  • "every man thinks his burden is the heaviest"
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2007, 07:54:20 pm »
it's scared straight!
yeah meds sucks and was pist when my doctor told me it was almost time to start treatment. you told me i had years!! it's been years was his reply although i was thinking 5 to 10 not 2 to 4 years after my diagnosis. shit i hope they come up with other treatment options soon. it sucks being positive and it sucks taking meds and things could always be worse.
Timbuk      <50/ 794  CD4 10/06 
                 <50/ 1096 CD4 3/07
                 <40/ 1854 CD4 4/09

Started Atripla  7/14/06
Switched to boosted Reyataz Truvada 3/28/07

*Ask me about Medical Marijuana and how it can help you!*

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #18 on: February 09, 2007, 08:27:13 pm »
I never to this day have read the side effects thing. My first DR in 84' always used to ask me "Have you read the SCARE sheet?"  I never did.

I guess I have always been one of those who "trusts" the science of it all. I figure Dr's and drug companies, who have more brains and billions of $$$ will know more then I ever could.

By doing this, I get less stressed, and could concentrate on the mental aspect and emotional aspect of HIV.

It does get easier my friend. It just takes time, so please be patient.
I love the way you are so honest with your feeling. It takes allot of courage to share this with all of us. For that reason, I know you will do better then most!

Hang in there and stay strong, I know you will.

In Love and Support,
Jeff
Positive since 1985

Offline Boo Radley

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #19 on: February 09, 2007, 08:36:02 pm »
Al,

The reality of having HIV really hits you when you take the step to start HAART.  Each pill is a literal reminder.  But, you know what?  Once you get into the habit it eventually becomes just another everyday occurrence.   My cell phone alarm goes off at 9:30 AM and PM and I'm usually there with a pill in one hand and a glass of rubbing alcohol in the other... never switch, never worry.

I hope everything goes well and your side effects are minimal if there are any at all!  It can happen!  I take 1 horse pill twice daily (it contains 3 drugs) but the initial side effects were quite mild.  It's never bothered me again.

Good luck!

Boo
String up every aristocrat!
Out with the priests and let them live on their fat!





Everything I do, say, think, excrete, secrete, exude, ooze, or write © 2007 Sweet Old Boo, Inc.

Offline Ihavehope

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  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #20 on: February 09, 2007, 08:39:39 pm »
thank you guys for your lovely thoughts and encouragement. 1 hour more before I loose my med virginity. I am shaking, but I know it's for my own good. I am at my mother's now and leaving soon but I wanted to have a nice meal b4 I swallow them.

.  I hope you understand that you take 2 of them at a time...twelve hours apart.  Gary

Hey I thought the same thing but my adherence nurse and the pharmacist told me I can take them all at once because I am treatment naive. They both said the pharm company is recommending us to take them at once. I hope I am doing the right thing.
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline Queen Tokelove

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #21 on: February 09, 2007, 09:16:14 pm »
Good Luck with taking your meds tonight. I know when I take my diabetic meds, they have to be spaced 12 hours apart. How many pills are you taking? Or did I lose something in translation?
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 Jeffreyj

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #22 on: February 09, 2007, 09:22:02 pm »
Al,
I am on Kaletra and take two twice a day...12 hours apart. You need to check that out...never heard of taking 4 all at once.
Positive since 1985

Offline Ihavehope

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  • Posts: 1,366
  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #23 on: February 09, 2007, 09:24:13 pm »
Good Luck with taking your meds tonight. I know when I take my diabetic meds, they have to be spaced 12 hours apart. How many pills are you taking? Or did I lose something in translation?
Total of 6 pills until my CD4 counts reach 300 then I can eliminate 1 pill which is bactrim. According to adherance and the pharmacist I should take all 4 kaletra at one time once a day along with the truvada. All 5 pills at once. It sounds very scary to do this all at once but that is what I was told. Oh my goodness.
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline Ihavehope

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  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #24 on: February 09, 2007, 09:52:26 pm »
I took the pills already. it took me 4 minutes to swallow them all. I'll let you guys know how it went
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline MSPspud

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #25 on: February 09, 2007, 09:57:40 pm »
Get ready for....   a let down (hopefully).  The most you'll experience is a slight headache and a lot of tummy grumbles. 

Offline marco23

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #26 on: February 09, 2007, 10:34:35 pm »
When I first took the pills, I was waiting for something to happen. I stood still for an hour....and nothing happened. I was waiting for some kind of side effects...and nothing. Three years later still nothing...
You'll be fine babe...

HUGE HUG going out to you!
Don't hide your hurt, pain and feelings inside..for they will harden your heart.

Offline Ihavehope

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #27 on: February 09, 2007, 10:41:19 pm »
When I first took the pills, I was waiting for something to happen. I stood still for an hour....and nothing happened. I was waiting for some kind of side effects...and nothing. Three years later still nothing...
You'll be fine babe...

HUGE HUG going out to you!

I know what you mean Marco. I am sitting still just observing my body. lol. I am pretty sure nothing bad is gonna happen but the body is probably asking itself, "WTF is going on here? who invited these chemicals inside" I feel bad for my body for having to put up with this but I guess I'm the boss. I am heading to bed now. Thanks for your reply. Ciao babes.
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline Longislander

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #28 on: February 09, 2007, 10:54:41 pm »
Hi Al,
Sorry I missed the pre-med party! If you were going to imagine all of us there holding your hand, I was thinking you could imagine sitting on my lap surrounded by your friends here while we cheer you on-1 pill at a time!!!

Ok since I missed that, now just pretend we're all in your bed waiting to snuggle up with ya!!

I hope you're in for that letdown. Hopefully , you'll start feeling better and a little more energetic. Convince your mind that you ARE the boss, and you just started the war!!

Love and sweet dreams,
Paul

Edited because you changed your Avatar~ cute little baby pic-
« Last Edit: February 09, 2007, 10:56:22 pm 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 FiercenBed

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #29 on: February 09, 2007, 11:09:44 pm »
mmm....thatz odd....i take 2 in the morning & 2 @ night w/ the truvada. might b easier to break it up. just a suggestion.

Offline ndrew

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #30 on: February 10, 2007, 12:04:09 am »
Hello there Mr. Starting Meds,

There is nothing tougher than anticipation, especially since we always seem to anticipate the worst.  You are not alone on your journey.  You have been through a lot recently and looking at those pills is a very concrete reminder of what we all have to live with.  You got us on your side.  Keep us up-to-date.  You are going to do well.

Luv and support,
Drew

Offline mjmel

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #31 on: February 10, 2007, 12:41:01 am »
Not to worry, if anything, it'll be minor. Something along the line of gas or bloating or diarrhea. Nothing major; just inconvenient. I sure hope I ain't wrong on this.........
as with this hardass virus & treatments, reactions all over the boards.

(Crying Baby Avatar: what an ugly f**king child! I know you've been experimenting with differing avatars lately but this one is a bust. :D)
« Last Edit: February 10, 2007, 04:57:34 am by mjmel »

Offline jupiter

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #32 on: February 10, 2007, 04:40:49 am »
Good luck with it all. Be strong!!

I am not on meds yet ao i can feel your fear of the unknown to a degree.  I will pray 4 u/..
Hugs
B

Offline egello

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #33 on: February 10, 2007, 04:51:46 am »
He bro,,,

How did it go?

For me, I felt nauseous for about 1.5 weeks, and it went away. Now I take my pills in the morning, with my breakfast and multi vitamin.

At night, I take antioxidants and other more specific vitamin pills along with my yellow Mepron.

You look all grown up already =)
1/29/07 14 T, 300 k V, 1.8 %
2/22/07 197 T, 247 V, 6.8 %
3/27/07 164 T, <50 V, 5.4 %
5/28/07 177 T, <50 V, 8.2 %
7/28/07 214 T, <50 V, 9.6 %
10/3/07 380 T, <50 V, 10 %

Offline Nadine

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #34 on: February 10, 2007, 06:10:07 am »
Good morning Al....I hope your night was uneventful

(((HUGS)))

Offline DanielMark

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #35 on: February 10, 2007, 07:07:57 am »
Al,

To echo what Nadine wrote, I hope your night was uneventful too.

Anyone who is on meds knows how you feel plus one other fact besides:

Pills are not the enemy. HIV is the enemy. These pills are going to help you keep that enemy in check. Please put away the long lists of potential (not guaranteed) side effects, okay?

Daniel
MEDS: REYATAZ & KIVEXA (SINCE AUG 2008)

MAY 2000 LAB RESULTS: CD4 678
VL STILL UNDETECTABLE

DIAGNOSED IN 1988

Offline fondeveau

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #36 on: February 10, 2007, 08:22:31 am »
Alas, I won't hold your hand.  If you're lucky, I won't slap you silly and say "Take your medicine!"  Maybe, if I sat on your chest and force fed them to you.  Grrrrrr!   Stop whining and swallow those pills!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Offline hussy_24

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #37 on: February 10, 2007, 10:06:02 am »
hope it went well for you. i'l probably be joining you soon, waiting on latest labs.

Offline Life

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  • Member 2005
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #38 on: February 10, 2007, 10:16:37 am »
AI, See you woke up and guess what... The battle is raging and it is in your favor... ;)

Jeff,  Kaletra / Truvada or Epzicom have been approved by the FDA as a once a day dosing for treatment naive patients.  2/3 & higher of those on this regimen have successfully achieved <50 suppression in the first two months of therapy and sustained it..

« Last Edit: February 10, 2007, 10:34:46 am by Eric »

Offline heartforyou

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  • I must be a survivor in many ways...
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #39 on: February 10, 2007, 10:45:11 am »
hi hope,

Wished I could hold you tight and just say : you will be fine.
I started meds in 1995.. still remember how I got mad at the doctor for telling me I had to start.
I felt like I really took a turn for the worse then .
Well, guess what? I am still around and take my meds. And yes, every change of meds  brings some incertitude about the side effects.

As a long time survivor, let me tell you this : you may very well feel nothing at all after a couple of days.
My present regime has no side effects whatshowever, so...

Just take a deep breath, look up to the sky and take a dive...

Hermie
Infected 1983. Diagnosed in 1987 and still kicking
Dovato once daily. Hydrea

Happiness is the freedom of breathing fresh air every day.

Offline budndallastx

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #40 on: February 10, 2007, 11:05:49 am »
Can't add much to what everyone here has said but you'll do fine.  The first week probably will be the worst is over.  Soon you'll be slamming those pills down like a pro pill popper.

Tom
Meds since: 11/20/2006
Sustiva / Truvada
12/08/2008 VL:<48 CD4 622 (38%)   
9/8/2008 VL:<48 CD4 573 (30%)
5/2008 VL:<48 CD4 464 (30%)
1/2008  VL: <50  CD4 425(28%)
9/2007   VL: <50  CD4 465 (27%)
6/2007   VL: <50   CD4 443 (26%)
3/2007  VL: <50   CD4 385 (25%)
12/2006 - VL: <50   CD4: 384 (25%)
11/2006 - VL:  22K  CD4: 208 (18%)

Offline northernguy

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #41 on: February 10, 2007, 11:44:13 am »
Hope things are going OK with you.  Keep us posted, we're here for you.
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 Pippet

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  • Life is drawing without an eraser.
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #42 on: February 10, 2007, 12:56:09 pm »
We're all sending you good thoughts.
Quit reading the long list of side effects!  You'll be waiting for every one of them.
I find that the Truvada keeps me up at night.  I try to take it before 1pm then I take the rest of my pills after a big meal in the evening.
I've been taking Truvada with Boosted Reyataz (2 weeks or so) and have had very minor side effects.  (only a little yellowing)

Just relax and don't dwell on the negative.  ;)
Diagnosed Aug. 2006
CD4 246, VL 202,000
Started Truvada/ Viramune 11-23-06
Taken off meds 12-06-06 (Bad Rash)
Started Truvada/ Reyataz, Norvir 1-18-07
Taken off Norvir 3-1-07 (Jaundice)
New doc 3-22-07
CD4 229  VL 1031
My latest cocktail...  Truvada and Kaletra (4-6-07)
CD4 289 VL 350 (5-15-07)
CD4 308 VL 115 (8-06-07)
CD4 349 VL 511 (11-5-07)
CD4 489 VL 383 (2-4-08)
CD4 483 VL <50 (5-6-08) YEAH
CD4 545 VL 108 (9-12-08)
CD4 409 VL <48 (1-27-09) YEAH
CD4 505 VL <48 (5-20-09)
CD4 385 VL <48 (9-15-09)
CD4 609 VL  159 (2-28-10)

Offline Ihavehope

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  • Yes, I'm a cry baby, AND WHAT?
Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #43 on: February 10, 2007, 01:16:50 pm »
Thank you folks for your support and concern. It feels a bit surreal having to be on meds when 3 months ago I was dancing drunk at my cousin's wedding, who would have known I was positive and on meds 3 months later. Life is full of surprises. Anyway back to the topic.

Right before I swallowed the pills I got on my knees and said a little prayer. At 9:35 pm I took the first truvada and then the 4 kaletra. I stayed still for about 30 minutes as if I was waiting for something to happen. Then I decided to pop in a DVD (family guy and Ali G show) and watched it while I layed on my bed. 1 hour later I felt a slight headache and my stomach kinna growling and felt very sleepy. I think my body needed rest so I closed my eyes and was knocked out instantly at 2:30 am I woke up and started farting alot, excuse my language and wanted to pee, again at 4:00am wanted to pee,  6:00am wanted to pee and then at 8:00 am I felt like I needed to do the number 2 in the potty and everything looked normal. So I guess the first night went well. I feel a bit of a headache going on now and slightly warm all over my body as if my body went through a war. my legs and chest feel very warm but it doesn't feel like a fever. So it went better than I expected.  YAY! hopefully the rest of the week will be the same. The peeing was because I drank so much water with the pills. I must admit that I did felt my body was warm, like a fever was coming on the day before yesterday which made me feel weaker and that is why I decided to start the meds. I think nurses/docs can tell you 2 weeks don't make a difference to start meds but I knew my body needed help fighting so I started. I am glad I made the decision and even if I get minor side effects in the next few days I know I made the right choice. I slept like a baby thinking of all ya'll who wished me happy thoughts naked with me.  ;)
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline Londonguy

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #44 on: February 10, 2007, 01:57:01 pm »
Glad to hear it went ok for you.  It's human nature to be fearful of what will happen and the thought of being on something for the rest of your life is incredibly daunting.  I started my meds 2 days ago and I sat on my bed with the pills in my hand with a sort of 'this is the first day of the rest of my life' thought in my head.  And I've been ok, no side effects to speak of.  The Sustiva makes me feel stoned after an hour or so but that's why they recommend taking it before bed I guess.  And it's hardly the worst side effect, I've paid good money in the past to get stoned  ;)

Good luck and hoping you stay side effect free
« Last Edit: February 10, 2007, 01:58:51 pm by Londonguy »

Offline DanielMark

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #45 on: February 10, 2007, 04:03:16 pm »
Good for you Al, for overcoming your anxiety!

Fear of the unknown is probably near the top of the list of all fears right after fear of public speaking.

Daniel
MEDS: REYATAZ & KIVEXA (SINCE AUG 2008)

MAY 2000 LAB RESULTS: CD4 678
VL STILL UNDETECTABLE

DIAGNOSED IN 1988

Offline red_Dragon888

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #46 on: February 10, 2007, 04:07:52 pm »
Good luck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=I3ba3lnFHik

Off Crystal Meth since May 13, 2013.  In recovery with 20 months clean time.

Offline Ihavehope

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #47 on: February 10, 2007, 04:57:30 pm »
I may have talked to soon. After eating some pizza and chicken i feel nausea and a big headache. Any advice?
Infected: April 2005
12/6/06 - Diagnosed HIV positive
12/19/06 - CD4 = 240  22% VL = 26,300
1/4/07 - CD4 = 200 16% VL = ?
2/9/07 = Started Kaletra/Truvada
3/13/07 = CD4 = 386 22% VL ?

Offline AustinWesley

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #48 on: February 10, 2007, 05:24:00 pm »
Heya, glad to see you made it through the night in one piece.

Hmm, pizza and chicken?  That combo doesn't sound so hot, but I've heard that ginger is commonly used to help prevent nausea!   You can buy it at any grocery store in a variety of forms, most popular is the dried sugary candy kind.

So try that!   Or maybe some pot? ;)

I'm hoping I get that stoned effect London guy talked about.   Hell, maybe I will have to get some good weed ahead of time just so I have some entertainment and it's probably good for preventing nausea.   Course, after I get the munchies I'd be wanting to come over for that pizza and chicken ;)



Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline dtwpuck

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Re: Starting meds tonight, it's harder than I imagined.
« Reply #49 on: February 10, 2007, 07:44:50 pm »
I may have talked to soon. After eating some pizza and chicken i feel nausea and a big headache. Any advice?
Pot... ice cubes.... mints...  pot followed by mint ice cream  ... heh

I do have some advice for real.  You ARE starting some pretty heavy meds.  Your tummy is probably not going to be too cooperative for a bit.   Try staying away from the pizza and chicken and maybe eat something a little friendlier to the digestion.   You will be able to eat them again... but take it easy my friend.
Floating through the void in the caress of two giant pink lobsters named Esmerelda and Keith.

 


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