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Author Topic: Starting Atripla  (Read 31503 times)

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Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Starting Atripla
« on: July 09, 2011, 05:14:02 pm »
Hey everyone!

So based on the trends of my previous labs, my doctor has recommended starting medication. She prescribed Atripla about a month ago. I have been jumping hoops trying to get placed on the ADAP waiting list. Finally got on it and so I applied for the Patient Assistance Program through the clinic I go to.

I should be getting my first prescription on Wednesday of next week. (13 June).

Before, I couldn't wait to start meds, but now I understand some people's hesitance. It's freaking real now, once I start HAART, I have to keep to it for the rest of my life.

What were your feelings before starting meds?
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline Ac75088

  • Member
  • Posts: 246
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2011, 05:27:58 pm »
I'm only two months into it myself..I had the same reaction at first..I stared at the pill bottle for the longest time before I could open it, knowing this is something I'm gonna have to do every single night..I am used to it now..I see it as taking a vitamin now..Once I got my first labs back last week, and saw how low my VL had dropped, it felt so good..I made a decision to fight this little bug multplying inside of me..In the end I keep telling myself it's well worth it in the long run :)

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2011, 05:43:47 pm »
I'm only two months into it myself..I had the same reaction at first..I stared at the pill bottle for the longest time before I could open it, knowing this is something I'm gonna have to do every single night..I am used to it now..I see it as taking a vitamin now..Once I got my first labs back last week, and saw how low my VL had dropped, it felt so good..I made a decision to fight this little bug multplying inside of me..In the end I keep telling myself it's well worth it in the long run :)

I'm glad it's working for ya man! I hear that it's a wonderful drug at keeping the VL suppressed.

It's such a big milestone to start HAART. I guess I'm just scared of how my body will react. Thanks for your reply.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2011, 06:10:46 pm »
Just remember Dan, for you, it really is a choice as to whether to start meds...not so for all of us. When I was dxd with AIDS, I would have killed for the first pill. Don't worry about this pill, it's side effects or the fact that you have to take it forever. It IS the functional treatment for HIV/AIDS and it kicks it in the ASS!

 ;)
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline Ac75088

  • Member
  • Posts: 246
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2011, 06:43:06 pm »
I'm glad it's working for ya man! I hear that it's a wonderful drug at keeping the VL suppressed.

It's such a big milestone to start HAART. I guess I'm just scared of how my body will react. Thanks for your reply.

Atripla is a very good pill..Minimal side effects..Of course, just like any medicine, it takes getting used to..From my personal experience at first, my first night I was a little dizzy, but not very bothersome since I was in and out of sleep anyway..The morning grogginess was the only thing that bothered me..But I'm not a morning person anyway hehe

Offline buginme2

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,426
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2011, 07:03:06 pm »
I'm sure you know the first few weeks can be a little weird on Atripla.  Try not to let it bother you, things settle down very quickly.  Very soon it will be just another part of your day.  In a couple weeks you'll be saying "its no big whoop."

Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline Lou-ah-vull

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,029
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2011, 07:43:32 pm »
I remember the nervousness associated with starting a lifetime regimen (for me it was way back in May 2006) but I can truthfully say that once I settled into a routine, I am grateful for how this medication has enabled me to go back to living my life.  Give yourself the gift of this adjustment to a new reality, allow for the period of time needed for your body to adjust...hopefully, like many of us, this will become a regular, even uneventful, part of each day. 

I have been blessed with great results on Atripla.  I hope the same for you.

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 Hellraiser

  • Member
  • Posts: 4,155
  • Semi-misanthropic
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2011, 04:37:10 am »
What were your feelings before starting meds?

My feelings were something along the lines of: Having AIDS blows and I would prefer a nice lofty CD4 count.

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2011, 10:34:09 am »
Dan, you actually have time to wait some more before making any treatment decisions. You're dealing with an infection that's barely six month old and your body is still adjusting. Now that your body is starting to have some control over your VL, your CD4s will start to rise. Give it some time.

You don't have to jump into something you're not ready for - you do have time to see what happens and get used to the idea of meds before starting.
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Jeff64

  • Member
  • Posts: 256
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2011, 01:48:53 am »
Enjoy the dreams! Better than any Hollywood movie!

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2011, 12:50:30 pm »
Hey everyone!

Thanks so much for your thoughtful replies. I got a call yesterday from my peer counselor telling me my medication arrived at the clinic. I can go pick them up when I want.

I'm going to talk with him before I start since I'm leaning towards beginning treatment.

Thanks again for your help.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline anewpozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 14
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #11 on: July 12, 2011, 05:24:44 pm »
On my third day of Atripla. First night I was dizzy and woke up hung over all day. Second night got buzzed and dizzy. No hang over today. Hope third night not as intense. Tummy feels good. Keep u posted

Offline Gio

  • Member
  • Posts: 92
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #12 on: July 12, 2011, 08:56:07 pm »
The anxiety off takin meds is understandable but atripla is the best minimal side effects and duration...  But take your time in startin until you know and are ready to commit

Offline anewpozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 14
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #13 on: July 13, 2011, 10:29:43 am »
Night three not as intense. Less dizziness. Dreams not as wild. Managed to eat something light an hour after dose with no problem.  Seems to be getting easier.  No rash yet. Hope my body is liking this new drug. 

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #14 on: July 13, 2011, 10:41:09 am »
Night three not as intense. Less dizziness. Dreams not as wild. Managed to eat something light an hour after dose with no problem.  Seems to be getting easier.  No rash yet. Hope my body is liking this new drug. 

Sounds like things are going very well  ;)
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline skeebo1969

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,931
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #15 on: July 13, 2011, 10:47:37 am »
What were your feelings before starting meds?

LOL I was mad as hell.   I wondered why I couldn't be one of those who go 5-10 years without meds.  At the time I was only infected for one year....  I can still remember picking up that first bottle in Coral Gables during rush hour traffic, looking at my pills while navigating in a sea of vehicles.

Fun times indeed......
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline anewpozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 14
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #16 on: July 14, 2011, 11:44:00 am »
day 4 update- less dizzy last night just tingly.  ate an hour before med.  little groggy but never was a morning person anyway.
very energetic and feel rested.  the dreams are not that bad and seems business as usual. 
eating properly and lifiting my dumbells. i have noticed that i am friskier. 

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #17 on: July 14, 2011, 12:15:35 pm »
OK so, I've just gone to pick up my meds today. I've decided to start taking them on 1 August. I have the month of August off so that way, I won't be stressed out about work and I'll have free time to adjust to the meds.

My peer counselor thinks it's a good idea since by waiting to start I'll have an emergency stash built up.

Thanks everyone for all your encouragement and advice. I'll definitely keep you guys up-to-date especially when I start the regimen.

Dan
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline anewpozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 14
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #18 on: July 14, 2011, 12:42:22 pm »
good luck!  i have had no issues yet.  just need to get past the second week to see if rash develops then it should be fine after that.  just program your smart phone to alert you to take the pill and take it with a tall glass of water. go straight to bed.  if you need to get out of bed, make sure your sit up on bed and let blood flow flow head sdown before you full stand up to avoid the dizziness.  i love only have to take one pill a day and expect my vl to go down and my t's up more. 

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #19 on: July 16, 2011, 06:44:57 pm »
I've had great luck with Atripla so I'm happy about that. From what I hear the side effects if any are minimal. I only had the early light-headedness, dizzy feeling but that passed in 2 weeks.

As for the life-time regimen thing, this is something that really got to me and I can totally empathize. But what you have to remind yourself is that there are plenty of folks out there who have to take maintenence drugs everyday forever for other conditions and some of them are really terrible. So comparatively, living on Atripla is kind of a walk in the park.

Good luck with your treatment.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline anewpozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 14
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #20 on: July 23, 2011, 04:30:58 pm »
week two on atripla and i feel great!  i developed a rash on my arms and upper chest on day 7.  it has cleared up with a little skin care.  less intesnse dreams and really been a breeze taking one pill a day.  go in for labs next week. hoping to be undectable soon.  my cd4 is 800 from 204 when i was diagniosed in january.  wish me luck!

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #21 on: July 23, 2011, 09:22:12 pm »
week two on atripla and i feel great!  i developed a rash on my arms and upper chest on day 7.  it has cleared up with a little skin care.  less intesnse dreams and really been a breeze taking one pill a day.  go in for labs next week. hoping to be undectable soon.  my cd4 is 800 from 204 when i was diagniosed in january.  wish me luck!

Anewpozzie:

I'm so glad to hear that everything is working out fine for you! I hope it goes well for me when I begin.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline anewpozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 14
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #22 on: July 24, 2011, 11:32:15 pm »
Take it 3 hours before you go sleep. It kicks in and your off to lala land. I take half an ambiem as well to sleep right through the night.  let's us know your experience as it help Others.  Thanks!


Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Tonight's the night!
« Reply #23 on: July 31, 2011, 03:33:29 pm »
I will be taking my first dose of Atripla tonight. I'm very anxious about my first pill but I want to take control over my health.

Wish me well guys! I'll post my experiences with the pill tomorrow.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline spacebarsux

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,350
  • Survival of the Fittest
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #24 on: July 31, 2011, 03:41:48 pm »
All the best Dan! I am sure it'll be easy peesy for ya.
Infected-  2005 or early 2006; Diagnosed- Jan 28th, 2011; Feb '11- CD4 754 @34%, VL- 39K; July '11- CD4 907@26%,  VL-81K; Feb '12- CD4 713 @31%, VL- 41K, Nov '12- CD4- 827@31%

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #25 on: August 01, 2011, 12:12:18 am »
Thanks spacebar!

So, I just took my first dose! It took me like 10m of mental preparation before I took it. I hadn't even opened the pill bottle until now. I was surprised at the size of the pill... but I reasoned that my daily vitamin pill is slightly smaller. It went down pretty easily, didn't even feel it.

Well, there's no turning back now! Gotta take this sucker every night. 15th August I have an appointment with the doctor to see how I'm doing on the pill. Here's to a healthy life!  ;D

“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline buginme2

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,426
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #26 on: August 01, 2011, 01:09:52 am »
Way to go Dan!  I have to kind of chuckle to myself when I read about how apprehensive people are in taking that 1st pill (myself included, it wasnt too long ago that I took my first pill).  In short order you wont event think twice and will be popping those pills nightly without reservation.  I hope its a smooth transition.  I'm sure it will be.
Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #27 on: August 01, 2011, 01:12:10 am »
Thanks for the vote of confidence buginme! It's been an hour since I've taken it and don't feel any different. Gonna go watch some Doctor Who with a good friend ;D

P.S.

I'll post about my morning experience waking up here. Stay tuned!
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline SunnyFlorida

  • Member
  • Posts: 176
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #28 on: August 01, 2011, 03:05:35 am »
I'm with Dan right now and it is 3am EST, three hours after his first dose of Atripla. He's started feeling rather dizzy and "high". He seems to be in good spirits overall. We're watching Doctor Who tonight and pretty much chilling out. So far, so good. :)

Offline spacebarsux

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,350
  • Survival of the Fittest
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #29 on: August 01, 2011, 03:26:28 am »
Thats great. I didn't know people watch Doctor Who in the States. lol
Infected-  2005 or early 2006; Diagnosed- Jan 28th, 2011; Feb '11- CD4 754 @34%, VL- 39K; July '11- CD4 907@26%,  VL-81K; Feb '12- CD4 713 @31%, VL- 41K, Nov '12- CD4- 827@31%

Offline SunnyFlorida

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  • Posts: 176
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #30 on: August 01, 2011, 03:53:53 am »
Thats great. I didn't know people watch Doctor Who in the States. lol

PLENTY of us Whovians here in the States. ;) It's broadcast on BBC America, as is Torchwood. Absolutely love it.

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #31 on: August 01, 2011, 12:02:48 pm »
So! I just spent my first night on Atripla. I wasn't able to get to sleep very easily. I kept drifting in and out of sleep, so I took some melatonin, that seemed to help. I had a pretty vivid dream, but no more vivid than the dreams I usually have. I woke up just a bit dizzy. Nothing very bothersome actually.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #32 on: August 01, 2011, 12:44:36 pm »
So! I just spent my first night on Atripla. I wasn't able to get to sleep very easily. I kept drifting in and out of sleep, so I took some melatonin, that seemed to help. I had a pretty vivid dream, but no more vivid than the dreams I usually have. I woke up just a bit dizzy. Nothing very bothersome actually.

Sounds good!  ;)
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline Cojo

  • Member
  • Posts: 232
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #33 on: August 01, 2011, 02:16:56 pm »
Hang in there Dan! Plugging for you and sending lots of good Karma your way. All shall be well.
May 2011 - Tested Positive
June 2011 - CD4 330   16%   VL182,000 no resistance
Oct 6, 2011 - CD4 300  20%  VL 60,000
Oct 7, 2011 - start Truvada / Isentress
Nov 29, 2011 CD4 280 26% VL 54
Feb 7 2012 CD4 260 25% UD!
Mar 20 2012 CD4 400 28%
June 2012 CD4 330 26% UD
Sept 2012 CD4 450 32% UD
Dec 2012 CD4 310 28% UD
May 2013 CD4 500 32% UD
Oct 2013 CD4 460 33% UD
May 2014 CD4 360 33% UD
Aug 2014 swap out Isentress for Tivicay
Oct 2014 CD4 320 33% UD
Feb 2015 CD4 420 30% UD
Jul 2015 CD4 480 32% VL51 !!
Sep 2015 UD
Feb 2016 CD4 460 35% UD
Aug 2016 CD4 378 33% UD

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #34 on: August 01, 2011, 03:02:22 pm »
Thanks Drew and Cojo!!  ;D
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline hope_for_a_cure

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  • Posts: 1,517
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #35 on: August 01, 2011, 04:06:37 pm »
Hey Dan,

Good to read things are going well for you regarding Atripla. 

Offline buginme2

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,426
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #36 on: August 01, 2011, 08:43:27 pm »
Thats great!  From my experience the 2nd night is about 90% easier than the 1st, so if you didnt have a problem on night one it should be smooth sailing from here.

Let the Atripla rash begin!! (j/k)
Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #37 on: August 01, 2011, 08:49:51 pm »
Thats great!  From my experience the 2nd night is about 90% easier than the 1st, so if you didnt have a problem on night one it should be smooth sailing from here.

Let the Atripla rash begin!! (j/k)

LOL Yes! The infamous Atripla rash! I'm hoping it comes and leaves quietly. hehehe

But I'm definitely looking forward to tonight's pill. I think my mistake last night was not going to sleep immediately. I was curious and wanted to see how I would feel, but once the dizziness kicked in, it was hard for me to get to sleep.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline phildinftlaudy

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,985
  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #38 on: August 01, 2011, 08:56:24 pm »
LOL Yes! The infamous Atripla rash! I'm hoping it comes and leaves quietly. hehehe

But I'm definitely looking forward to tonight's pill. I think my mistake last night was not going to sleep immediately. I was curious and wanted to see how I would feel, but once the dizziness kicked in, it was hard for me to get to sleep.

Yeah - at least early on it is usually best to take it right before going to bed.  I can now take mine a few hours before bedtime with no dizziness.  I also did not get any type of rash when I started Atripla - so, maybe you will be a member of the rashless club.

I still get some vivid dreams every now and then - last night I had a few - even though I don't remember them today.

Hope it continues to go well for you.
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #39 on: August 02, 2011, 12:44:12 am »
Yeah - at least early on it is usually best to take it right before going to bed.  I can now take mine a few hours before bedtime with no dizziness.  I also did not get any type of rash when I started Atripla - so, maybe you will be a member of the rashless club.

I still get some vivid dreams every now and then - last night I had a few - even though I don't remember them today.

Hope it continues to go well for you.

Thanks for the well wishes phil! I hope I don't develop a rash. I've always had sensitive skin and get all types of rashes (heat, sweat, etc.)

Well, I've taken pill number 2 at about 00h30 UTC-5:00. Gonna try and get to sleep soon.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #40 on: August 02, 2011, 12:15:06 pm »
Alright! So I went to sleep about an hour after taking my second pill and I went to sleep immediately! I had no trouble whatsoever getting to sleep.

I recall kinda waking up in the middle of the night. I felt dizzy, but I readjusted my sleeping position and I fell back to sleep right away. Also I didn't have any dreams that I can recall. So, night number 2 went very well!  ;D
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline Cojo

  • Member
  • Posts: 232
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #41 on: August 02, 2011, 02:38:59 pm »
Great news Dan! You must be feeling much relief. Sending good thoughts from the ocean in Delaware. !
May 2011 - Tested Positive
June 2011 - CD4 330   16%   VL182,000 no resistance
Oct 6, 2011 - CD4 300  20%  VL 60,000
Oct 7, 2011 - start Truvada / Isentress
Nov 29, 2011 CD4 280 26% VL 54
Feb 7 2012 CD4 260 25% UD!
Mar 20 2012 CD4 400 28%
June 2012 CD4 330 26% UD
Sept 2012 CD4 450 32% UD
Dec 2012 CD4 310 28% UD
May 2013 CD4 500 32% UD
Oct 2013 CD4 460 33% UD
May 2014 CD4 360 33% UD
Aug 2014 swap out Isentress for Tivicay
Oct 2014 CD4 320 33% UD
Feb 2015 CD4 420 30% UD
Jul 2015 CD4 480 32% VL51 !!
Sep 2015 UD
Feb 2016 CD4 460 35% UD
Aug 2016 CD4 378 33% UD

Offline AaronbytheC

  • Member
  • Posts: 124
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #42 on: August 02, 2011, 02:57:31 pm »
That’s great news Dan, it only gets easier!   ;D

One thing to remember the fight is on now that you're on meds...  You're giving your body the tools it needs to kill off nearly all of those little pests!  Over the next few weeks your VL will drop like a rock.  Once its does most of the side effects you’re experiencing will go away and life becomes pretty routine.

Keep up the good work!
04/2012 CD4 721 / 29% / VL UD
02/2011 UNDETECTABLE!
12/2010 CD4 587 / 24% / VL 210
11/2010 Started Atripla
10/2010 CD4 420 / 18% / VL 13,500
09/2010 CD4 541 / 17% / VL 10,500
08/2010 CD4 498 / 18% / VL Not Taken
07/2010 CD4 307 / 18% / VL 9,500
06/2010 Confirmed Poz
03/2010 Infected
06/2009 Neg

Offline numbersguy82

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  • Posts: 518
  • Adrian Alan
    • Instagram
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #43 on: August 02, 2011, 07:33:31 pm »
Alright so I'm jumping on the Atripla bandwagon as well! After a year of treatment I asked my dr to switch me to Atripla. I think the one pill will help me remain more consistent with taking my meds. Also I just couldn't get UD. My dr suspects that while my resistance test was negative, that for some reason one part of my current Prezista/Truvada/Norvir could use improvement. I take my first pill tonight.
JOIN US FOR PEER-ish SUPPORT Every other Friday @ 7pm EST, PM me your email address for meeting link/information

Strive for “One Day When” by collecting “One Day Wins”

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #44 on: August 02, 2011, 07:50:26 pm »
Alright so I'm jumping on the Atripla bandwagon as well! After a year of treatment I asked my dr to switch me to Atripla. I think the one pill will help me remain more consistent with taking my meds. Also I just couldn't get UD. My dr suspects that while my resistance test was negative, that for some reason one part of my current Prezista/Truvada/Norvir could use improvement. I take my first pill tonight.

Welcome to the A-Team! LOL

Some advice for you: take the pill immediately before going to sleep. Don't wait up like I did. Once the dizziness kicks in, it's really hard to get to sleep. And as buginme2 said, the second night's 90% easier!
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #45 on: August 02, 2011, 08:19:43 pm »
After you are taking Atripla for say a month or so, it becomes a total non-event.  ;)
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline AaronbytheC

  • Member
  • Posts: 124
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #46 on: August 03, 2011, 11:46:30 am »
Welcome to the A-Team! LOL!

 ;D ;D  Well said!

Good to see you back Numbers!  Not that I'm here all that often either...   :P

The thing I love about Atripla is it's not something that has to be taken exactly at the same time every day.  Once your VL is under control (which you are even at 74) all you really need to do is take it every night before bed.  My doctor says every night within a few hours is perfectly fine.  So leave your pill box next to your toothbrush and you'll never forget!  But if you do you're also going to wake up with Funk Breath because you didn't brush your teeth!!  :o
04/2012 CD4 721 / 29% / VL UD
02/2011 UNDETECTABLE!
12/2010 CD4 587 / 24% / VL 210
11/2010 Started Atripla
10/2010 CD4 420 / 18% / VL 13,500
09/2010 CD4 541 / 17% / VL 10,500
08/2010 CD4 498 / 18% / VL Not Taken
07/2010 CD4 307 / 18% / VL 9,500
06/2010 Confirmed Poz
03/2010 Infected
06/2009 Neg

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #47 on: August 03, 2011, 05:24:40 pm »
Pill # 3

I woke up this morning feeling slightly woozy, but after eating breakfast I felt fine.

One thing that's weird is for the past two nights I've woken up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. I usually sleep all through the night. But it's not like I wake up completely. It's like I wake up, realize I'm awake, and then go immediately back to sleep. I haven't had any intense, vivid, wacky dreams yet. (Well, none that I can remember upon waking).
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline MiniPozToyota

  • Member
  • Posts: 206
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #48 on: August 03, 2011, 06:51:38 pm »
Yeah Dan, day 4 with atripla (well tonight will be day 5) but i haven't had any crazy dreams or anything, a little dizziness here and there when I wake up but that's pretty much gone, I take mine about 1030pm and try to go to sleep about 1130-1200. I take mine a little earlier because my dr said that by morning time you shouldn't be so groggy, and so far its helping. Been drinking a lot of water and laid off drinking beer for about a week now ahhhhh but I want a COLD SAM ADAMS NOW!!! I'm going to let this med kick into high gear and then have a couple beers again for dinner, nothing to crazy. Hope your doing good on the med and if you have a iphone there is this app called poztracker or pillboxie that will send you a text when you have to take your meds, also poztracker keeps up your labs and shows a little graph.
April 2010- tested neg.
April 1 2011 -  CD4 346 VL 46856 22%
July 27 2011- Started Atripla
(Meds are good) needed more space to update been UD now for three years. Current down below
Jun 5 2014 - CD4 704 VL UD % 44.0

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Starting Atripla
« Reply #49 on: August 03, 2011, 08:54:28 pm »
Thanks for the advice Mini! I have an Android phone, so I'll look and see if there's a version for Android or something similar.
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

 


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