Author Topic: please help me understand (Read 92754 times)

Jeff G · « **Reply #50 on:** September 04, 2015, 09:25:07 pm »

Just make sure to get refills as soon a possible and you will eventually build a stockpile .

I have lived with HIV for over 30 years, if I can do this you can too .

Almost2late · « **Reply #51 on:** September 04, 2015, 09:29:47 pm »

Didn't mean to frighten you.. I get scared too but not since I built this little cushion.. I was also terrified when I started meds and even more at what would happen if I didn't..

Yes, for the rest of our lives these pills but many other illnesses carry the same kinda cross to bare..

Tonny2 · « **Reply #52 on:** September 05, 2015, 09:56:03 pm »

ojo Hello PittGurl...how was it on your second day on med?...are you ok?...hugs
ojo

PittGurl · « **Reply #53 on:** September 05, 2015, 10:33:34 pm »

Hey Tonny2 - well i am still here. LOL.....again 10:10am took the big pill.....another smoothie to down it. LOL....so far still no side effects...that I can notice...Im on alert though. I'm sleeping well, not jittery, no weird dreams, nothing GI....seems ok so far....yet i think someone had said that effects could ramp up over 2 weeks and then subside....sooooo....my mind is replaying that again and again.

Went for a 30 min walk today....so far so good! Thank you for checking in on me....means the world to me as only a small circle of friends know and I think ive exhausted them on my constant text and calls freaking out over the past month

GoForIt · « **Reply #54 on:** September 05, 2015, 10:44:54 pm »

Grats on getting over your fears and taking the first step toward getting healthier and knocking the virus on its ass.

You really shouldn't have any side effects or feel anything from the meds. Just set up a system where you remember to take it each day. I use an app on my phone called Pill Monitor that reminds me to take mine and I check it off that I did and it keeps a record for me so I never forget and can go back to make sure I took it.

Other than that...thats it. Remember to take your pill in the morning and go on with your life. The anxiety, anticipation, and emotional roller coaster you've been on is 1000 times worse than the actual pill. That pill is gonna help your body to keep your virus in check to leave you alone and let you be healthy. It only gets better from day 1 and sooner than later HIV becomes the last thing on your mind.

PittGurl · « **Reply #55 on:** September 05, 2015, 10:49:19 pm »

Thanks GoFor It.....yes i have my alarm on my phone but maybe an app as a back up would be a good thing to do too! thanks!

I sure hope I get where you say I will....i can't imagine it though. My head is consumed with this - i lurk on the pages reading different forums trying to grasp everything i can. And then i end up exhausted....

and im still very angry....although yes no one forced me to have unprotected sex.....i am angry at myself and at the 2 possible people...one being my husband that slept around.... (and left us in June for yet another woman) and then a rebound guy.

zach · « **Reply #56 on:** September 05, 2015, 10:56:46 pm »

you have nothing fear, not now, not two weeks from now

you are doing great... keep going

do not let nagging fears and anxieties overwhelm you

let go of past, of how/when/where you were infected...

the only thing that matters is how you move forward

you got this

GoForIt · « **Reply #57 on:** September 05, 2015, 10:59:02 pm »

Same boat as you. When it first started...I lurked forever until I was emotionally drained. Looked and read everything forever. Sooner or later it just becomes accepted but the important thing is you did the right thing. You got tested, you got medication, and your taking it. That is going to keep you healthy and that is all that is important. There are so many other problems in the world that require invasive surgery or can't be fixed at all. HIV is a pretty simple one that just requires a pill so that is a plus in my mind. Its like diabetes..except they have to give themselves insulin shots which is much worse in my mind because I hate shots/needles and couldn't do that every day without cringing. Swallowing a pill is easy.

What is sad is how many people are living with HIV and don't even know it. They never get tested and it ends up being too late. Doing the responsible thing, staying knowledgeable and acting with responsibility is going to save your life and you will see over time if you stay adherent to your meds every day you will pretty much forget about HIV in your every day life.

This message board is very encouraging and really removes a lot of the stigma. Many members have been around forever and even started with some of the worst medications that had many side effects and were much harder to take. Today with only 1 pill, no side effects, its a pretty nice world we live in I think that we are so lucky to have an answer.

gam65 · « **Reply #58 on:** September 05, 2015, 11:57:09 pm »

PittGurl,

I'm so glad to hear that you took your meds, it's only a pill. Just like eating lemon heads or something that you love to eat. Taking my meds is a part of my life as if I'm putting on clothes, keep it up and before you know it you won't even think about it. And remember we are here for you.

gam65

Tonny2 · « **Reply #59 on:** September 06, 2015, 12:03:06 pm »

Quote from: Almost2late on September 04, 2015, 09:08:19 pm

Hey Tonny2, I'm flattered she confused me with you

GROUP HUG!!! Lol
Edited to add.. My god I'm slow, 4 new post while I typed 1

ojo Hi, almosttolate...just a regular guy trying to help and leat from others, even living with the bug for almost 21 years and going through a lot of OIs, I'm still learning from you newbies...hugs ojo

PittGurl · « **Reply #60 on:** September 07, 2015, 11:11:17 am »

Thanks Zach for being encouraging.

GoForIt - I know it's not the worst thing in the world to have this compared to alot of other issues. Once i get over the anxiety of the medication, and the actual diagnosis im hoping i can deal better. The OI's scare me - bodies are more susceptible to stuff right? so now the risk of cancer and other stuff is more easy to get? Plus, im only 43 and who would put themself at risk to love someone - i feel like that part of my life is totally ruined and gone. Isn't there risk of 2 HIV people infecting each other with a more potent super bug? Maybe i read wrong?

Gam65 - today i downed the pill without fear. It's Day 4 - anxiety hit a little last night...not sure why. I had a family get together yesterday and told my only sibling and his wife. Both of which totally get it and totally supportive - even knew an older person that has it. {by the way, i want so bad to write HAD it} UGH!

Tonny2 - hi! LOL

YoungNScared · « **Reply #61 on:** September 07, 2015, 11:59:45 am »

Hi pittgirl! nice to meet you but im sorry for your Dx. Like you i was just Dx'd recently but i have yet to start meds. I think watching you start meds and having absolutely no side-effects gave me the courage to go to my next ID appointment (sept 14th) and ask to be put on meds no matter what my cd4 count is

Ps. You are an amazing mom

PittGurl · « **Reply #62 on:** September 07, 2015, 01:13:54 pm »

YoungNScared - well, as much as you feel that I helped you- you just made my day. Thank you for sharing!

My appt with ID was supposed to be 9/15 (45 days from initial dx and 30 days from my 1st appt with intake nurse). However, they had a cancellation and got me in 8/31 and as glad as i was to get in 15 days earlier - it totally rocked my emotional boat as i had a friend lined up to go with me to support me. I was a wreck - i still cry from time to time in unbelief and wanting to go back and change my actions.

As you can tell when you read this i have HIGH anxiety - i question everything and i probably take it higher than most people. The people on here are AMAZING and there's no way else to say it but sent from God! My new best friends

They helped me get to where i am to take the HONKIN pill (as my dad said). It's now Day 4 and still no side effects, and mind you....I AM LOOKING FOR THEM LOL.....

leatherman · « **Reply #63 on:** September 07, 2015, 01:22:57 pm »

Quote from: PittGurl on September 07, 2015, 11:11:17 am

Isn't there risk of 2 HIV people infecting each other with a more potent super bug? Maybe i read wrong?

the only way possible to create a "super infection" (being infected with two mutations of HIV that are resistant to different meds) is when two HIV+ people are not on successful treatment (meaning they both have greatly elevated viral loads because either they are not on meds, or their meds are no longer working) and have unprotected sex.

there are only a few recorded instances of super-infection; but one I think is a great example/explanation. Two dudes were in the hospital with AIDS, both dealing with OIs. So even though they were sick enough to be in the hospital, and both had high viral loads, they had unprotected sex. Each of them then had HIV resistant to their meds and to the meds the other one was taking. What a terrible risk they took and what a mess they were left with trying to find a treatment regimen that would work against their newly multiple mutated HIV.

When people are on successful treatment (undetectable) then the meds act as both PrEP (pre-exposure) and PEP (post exposure), protecting the individual from any new HIV infection. We also know that people who are undetectable for a long enough time simply don't transmit HIV.

PittGurl · « **Reply #64 on:** September 07, 2015, 01:29:36 pm »

leatherman - honored to see you here- as I've lurked around the boards reading i have seen your advice and posts....thank you for posting

and for the explanation. I just pray one day I can say i HAD this and not HAVE it.

GoForIt · « **Reply #65 on:** September 07, 2015, 01:48:32 pm »

To your question. If you take the meds every day and get your VL to UD the chance at OI is so much lower. Before I got on meds I was so tired all the time, I was getting ulcers in my mouth similar to thrush, and feeling like I had a flu of some kind. Once I got on the meds it all went away. My energy came roaring back and I started working out in the gym again and running much farther than I ever would normally as it felt so good to get all my energy back. I wouldn't waste time thinking about what MIGHT happen. Just be very glad in this day and age we can diagnose and treat with medication that has no side effects. I wake up every day, pop my pill, and I don't even feel anything from it, not the slightest effect. I know I feel lucky to have found the right medication regimen and be able to turn my life around from sick to not sick. Don't worry about what MIGHT happen and just move forward doing the right things like taking the medication and staying healthy in both mind & body. The only thing working against you is stigma in the mind. Just think about all the people walking around on this planet who have it and have not been diagnosed living with it ;/ You've probably passed by so many people with HIV or met someone with HIV and you never even knew it and franky neither did they. Makes you wonder what other diseases are out there that we have not yet identified and even started working on medication for. The push to further advancement in HIV treatment is larger than ever and I'm 100% sure the medications are only going to get better and better as science & technology advances. The level we are at today with the medication is a clear cut example that when people put their mind to something they can achieve amazing things.

PittGurl · « **Reply #66 on:** September 07, 2015, 01:56:02 pm »

Thanks GoForIt - i obviously am almost living on these boards (my quick replies LOL)....i dont know if its bc i was just infected sometime in the last 2-3 months but i am tired after like 2-3 hours...and I have a slight cough....the 2nd of which concerns me. No wheeze, dr said lungs are clear, i can walk, do stairs, etc and no problem, cough doesn't wake me up, it's a dry cough nothing raspy or wet and usually it's like once cough and that's it.....a few hours later again - 1 cough.... But still....with my anxiety....i think cancer of lungs, or pneumonia (just got the shot for it last week)....scares me....Sometimes, i am talking and all of a sudden i feel like i need to cough. Right now, i am telling my head that it's my ex that was smoking around me constantly back in May/June (im not a smoker) and/or the quality of the air (its been bad for asthmatics lately with the heat...and i have a touch of asthma) and they are doing construction outside my condo taking down stucco and putting up vinyl siding.....

Think I have anything to worry about?

GoForIt · « **Reply #67 on:** September 07, 2015, 02:09:19 pm »

Yup, I was in your shoes a few years ago as well. I spent every waking minute reading the boards and it was an obsession at first as I was so concerned and uninformed on the entire topic. All I knew was stigma and basically that guy from Real World on MTV passed from it, Freddie Mercury passed from it, and Magic Johnson is still around with it. Felt like I had just entered a coin toss with my life. But after I found an amazing doctor who explained everything to me and the level of where medication is today and felt for myself just how great the medication is, I very quickly got back to my life and I only check the boards once in a while now when I'm bored. But my health is in tip top shape and I haven't gotten sick in 3 years with even the slightest flu or fever.

Your body is going through a process of healing itself right now as the HIV in the blood is basically turned OFF while you are on medication. You will feel slightly tired in the first couple months because your body is working hard to regenerate.

The issue with the impurities of the air and your boyfriend smoking I think you answered your own question. Get away from people who smoke. Smoking cigs will kill you and 2nd hand smoke can kill as well. Has nothing to do with HIV. But people with HIV are more susceptible to infections in areas like the lungs so its just another reason to stay away from smoking which is known to kill any and everyone regardless of HIV. I never liked being around sick people or impurities in the air even before I was diagnosed HIV+ and I still don't like being around that environment. Everyone on planet earth eventually gets a slight cough at times its nothing to worry about if it just stays a slight cough. If you are ever really concerned about it go to the doctor and get checked up. Don't worry about cancer. I know people who have passed from cancers that never had HIV and were very very young. They got a cancer diagnosis and needed immediate invasive surgery that failed and they passed. Cancer is an awful awful thing so much more serious than HIV. HIV has a pill answer where cancer does not. Stay away from cancer causing things like smoking...smoking would be the cause not HIV. HIV causes certain kinds of cancers, but ONLY if you do not take medications and let OIs get out of control through years and years of being infected yet not taking any medication to put it in check. But if you take medication you never get to that level.

Its about getting yourself to a healthy place. Clean up your environment and it will reflect on your mind & body. Eat healthier and it will cleanse your body and make sure you take the medication. This will send you right back to being as healthy as anyone else on this planet with the same chances everyone else has of having something positive happen to them as well as negative...

PittGurl · « **Reply #68 on:** September 07, 2015, 02:35:14 pm »

GoForIt - thanks - gosh i feel like you walked me shoes LOL....those were the only people i knew who have it too.

Yes my exhusband (who was the possible infector) was a smoker - he left us back in June for another woman (whom he had gotten pregnant twice)...long story....

I hate cigg's and the smell

all this craziness about people wanting to LIVE and yet they smoke...i know it's an addiction - its like a double edge sword ...buy smokes and yet give me healthcare to save my cancer from smoking. Anyways, who am i to judge.....

LOL u made me laugh bc even before this dx i paid attention to people that didn't wash their hands or cover their mouth properly when sneezing or coughing.... LOL...in church i hear people cough and Im like AGH let me outa here!! LOL....so yes I get that! I stay away as much as I can from any sickness....

GoForIt · « **Reply #69 on:** September 07, 2015, 02:43:22 pm »

Ya. Its crazy. I am just like you. The longer you are on medication the more you will see that its just another responsibility you have to take care of. And its better to take care of it by taking medication every day than resenting it and ignoring it like many people do and then its just way too late. When I first heard about HIV (being younger) I thought, Gosh if I ever got that I wouldn't want to know I had it...just kill me because I don't want something so horrible. Fast forward to my late 20's and wow....some how I end up with it. Well thank the lord there actually is a medication that works as amazing as it does today because I was just a stupid young kid with complete fear rather than being educated and understanding the real situation in 2015 vs 1980s. Thank goodness HIV is so manageable today. So many worse things out there on this planet to fear or worry about. We got crazy people shooting up movie theaters for no good reason these days....

pittman · « **Reply #70 on:** September 11, 2015, 12:07:02 am »

Saw the screen name, had to stop by and just say "hello".

I hope you are starting to adjust, and glad to hear that you identified the infection pretty early on.

I go to the PACT clinic in Oakland myself for treatment, which is part of UPMC. Very good care there- and kind, and very supportive of those newly diagnosed.

PittGurl · « **Reply #71 on:** September 11, 2015, 08:21:01 am »

Hi Pittman - LOL...yeah the screen name gives it away LOL...although I moved from Pitt a few years back further east towards Philadelphia to be near family. I miss Pitt terribly!!!

Anyways, thanks for the encouragement. Today is 1 week from day i started Triumeq. Still feeling a little tired, not as much anxiousness day to day and a little foggy, also not too hungry either. All in all though i guess that's ok considering, right?

Tonny2 · « **Reply #72 on:** September 21, 2015, 05:29:05 pm »

ojo Hello PittGurl...how are you?...no third leg or arm yet?, I hope no...judt checking on you...hugs ojo

PittGurl · « **Reply #73 on:** September 21, 2015, 06:39:45 pm »

Tonny2 - wow - thank you for checking on me! Seriously....that means ALOT!

ok so 1st things 1st - no 3rd arm or missing body parts LOL. Still tired but no jitteriness or anxiety like before. no other really mentionable reaction that I can think of. sometimes i dont sleep too well but i think that is more anxiety and my mind racing on this than the Triumeq.

Today was my 2nd labs since DX - wow only 5 tubes compared to like ...25 before??? LOL so ive been on Triumeq 16 days and that's pretty early to do lab work but whatever. Med nurse said dont be too disappointed if #'s for CDL dont rise too much and VL doesn't drop as much - usually they like to wait 4 weeks but i think the dr office prob mis scheduled me too early. Anyways, im hoping for some magic LOL

However so now that is out of the way.....my 17 year old gets sick (a cold) and i think she passed it onto me - this afternoon feeling yucky and sneezy and more tired and eyelids burning and just run down.....SO GUESS WHAT THAT MEANS?!?!? .....yeah anxiety over what if this is pneumonia (i got vaccine about a month ago) or how is a cold going to affect me ....or what if it's more.

So now am drinking herbal tea and honey like crazy and pushing the juice ....can we fight colds just as well as others or no? i have no idea and you know if i google it the internet is going to tell me i am going to die in 30 mins. LOL

efox020 · « **Reply #74 on:** September 22, 2015, 12:07:11 am »

Hi Pittgurl!

Don't worry about getting a lil bit sick if you do. Your numbers are not bad and treatment Will keep you healthy just just like any other negative person. My VL was 80 million! and CD4s were 57 (2%) and I'm still alive! never got PCP or any other serious complications due to AIDS.

I'm on truimeq as well almost UD but not quite there yet but every test my VL is lower.

And stop reading the Internet because if any of the crap was true I'd be dead lol.

We're all gonna be just fine.

Kind regards.

PittGurl · « **Reply #75 on:** September 22, 2015, 11:21:25 am »

Hi efox020 - LOL thanks for the reply and your encouragement! I went to bed early and feel much better....these kids bringing home first weeks of school germs! UGH! I must say WASH your HANDS constantly! LOL

How long have you been on Triumeq?

PittGurl · « **Reply #76 on:** September 23, 2015, 01:26:11 pm »

UPDATE!!!!

I was having a terrible last few days....but nurse just called me .....

9-21-15 labs after 16 days on Triumeq CD4=570; VL 26!!! HOLY COW it's working!

I hope it continues to do what its supposed to do and no long term issues !

CD4_800 · « **Reply #77 on:** September 23, 2015, 01:55:12 pm »

Quote from: PittGurl on September 23, 2015, 01:26:11 pm

UPDATE!!!! I was having a terrible last few days....but nurse just called me .....

9-21-15 labs after 16 days on Triumeq CD4=570; VL 26!!! HOLY COW it's working!

I hope it continues to do what its supposed to do and no long term issues !

Wow that's pretty awesome! Any noticeable side effects?

ChrisnTX · « **Reply #78 on:** September 23, 2015, 03:12:59 pm »

Congrats on your awesome results! Im sure it helps to get some good news.

PittGurl · « **Reply #79 on:** September 23, 2015, 04:18:42 pm »

Thanks ChrisnTX - yes it sure does! Now just to find a job which i think i did!!!

Then i think some of the stress is going to reduce...ya know when everything gets yanked away from you physically, financially, parts spiritually, and almost mentally - it really brings you to the core of who and what you are. My kids are the only reason i didn't fold the cards.

TriPolarTroy - side effects...well I have alot of anxiety that was caused from my husband coming back, then leaving a month later for another woman and ...well it's a long story....but anyways....situational anxiety and stress. Then to get a DX on top of that like this...you can only imagine. So what some would probably relate to situation i started relating to the meds. To be honest as i look back - mind you only 20 days so far of meds....i would say....some jitteriness - like a shot of coffee for a little while, other times tiredness, sometimes headaches (not bad though only if i dont eat or get enough sleep), and a day or so i kinda felt out of it in the beginning. I try my VERY BEST and so far haven't strayed from it - to take it every day within 1 hour or 10am. That way i dont get any drop off effects - i dont know if there are any but i dont want to take chance.

I havent had any GI issues or bowel issues with it. I sleep pretty well - no weird dreams or stuff like that.

ChrisnTX · « **Reply #80 on:** September 23, 2015, 04:38:50 pm »

Oh thats great news on the job too, I very much understand where you are it Im just now starting to get back to feeling normal mentally, physically, spiritually. It's a nice feeling to finally start putting things back together and feeling like its gonna be ok.

Sorry to hear you have personal issues causing you more stress than you already have from the diagnosis, keep chugging along and it sounds like you'll come out of it all in the end.

PittGurl · « **Reply #81 on:** September 23, 2015, 05:27:34 pm »

ChrisnTX - i sure hope so!

CD4_800 · « **Reply #82 on:** September 23, 2015, 06:37:51 pm »

Thanks so much for the fast reply

efox020 · « **Reply #83 on:** September 26, 2015, 05:48:30 am »

Quote from: PittGurl on September 22, 2015, 11:21:25 am

How long have you been on Triumeq?

Hi Pittgurl! I've been on Truimeq for 3 months now Prior to that I was on Prescobix/Truvada. Congrats on the new lab results!
I'm still not UD yet I've must have one bitch of a virus.. hopefully I'll be UD by my next labs.

Tonny2 · « **Reply #84 on:** September 26, 2015, 04:13:13 pm »

Quote from: PittGurl on September 23, 2015, 01:26:11 pm

UPDATE!!!! I was having a terrible last few days....but nurse just called me .....

9-21-15 labs after 16 days on Triumeq CD4=570; VL 26!!! HOLY COW it's working!

I hope it continues to do what its supposed to do and no long term issues !

ojo Hello my friend...you have a long thred that it is difficult for a almost blind guy, keep up with you, lol...I think I already congratulated you on your other thread, thank God its shorter, lol, but any way,, if I didn't do it...CONGRATULATIONS!!!...you want to know how long it took me to get an UD reading?, from January 95 to March 2007, yes, 12 years, I HATE YOU!!!, lol...you newly dxd people, are so lucky for having better treatments, now, and even better I hate you even more, lol...you just take one darn pill at day, hum, lol, I'm taking four different pills twice a day...well, it is what it is, congratulaciones again, and I think I read something about a new job?, good for you, keep yourself busy and you will not be thinking too much about your bug...kids, ok?...hugs ojo

PittGurl · « **Reply #85 on:** September 26, 2015, 09:45:30 pm »

efox020 - thanks! question - did you have any muscle tightness? I feel like ive been working out my chest, neck and shoulder areas but i haven't. Dr said she is running some kind of blood test next labs to check on that.

Nothing below the waist though - no legs, thigh, lower back tightness that I can tell

Tonny2 - my buddy!

hahah please dont hate me

Im only following drs orders LOL Yes a possible new job - just waitressing for now for some quick cash but who knows. Love the people aspect of it - dont love the way people eat aspect of it LOL....nasty ! Kids are doing well too- thank you for asking!! How was your weekend?

efox020 · « **Reply #86 on:** October 06, 2015, 12:05:05 pm »

Quote from: PittGurl on September 26, 2015, 09:45:30 pm

efox020 - thanks! question - did you have any muscle tightness? I feel like ive been working out my chest, neck and shoulder areas but i haven't. Dr said she is running some kind of blood test next labs to check on that. Nothing below the waist though - no legs, thigh, lower back tightness that I can tell

Hi Pittgurl

I've had body aches and fatigue I'm not sure it's related to triumeq. I'm going to wait a bit longer and see if it goes away. How's your muscle tightness, has it improved?

PittGurl · « **Reply #87 on:** October 06, 2015, 10:48:59 pm »

Hi efox020 - yes i am still pretty tired - feel like i could nap all day! But I also get some spurts of energy once i get started so Im not sure if it's the meds or just depresssion. Yes I still have muscle tightness....it's odd - but labs came back ok from the blood test. Ive lost some weight though over these past 4-5 months too so i wonder if that could be it.

JosephP · « **Reply #88 on:** October 14, 2015, 09:07:44 pm »

Hi, Gurl!!! I see you are doing better and that you are taking that big pill... It comes down easier as time goes by!!! Love your numbers!! GREAT... Keep up with it and we all be survivors.... As someone said (and my doctor) stop reading all the junk is written in the internet... Surround yourself with people with knowledge and experience and keep a positive (pun?) attitude.... Great to hear you are doing well....

PittGurl · « **Reply #89 on:** October 14, 2015, 09:26:20 pm »

Hi JosephP - thanks for response....yes am taking that BIG HONKIN pill - ugh - luv and hate it all at the same time....somehow I started hating the word "positive" ugh....

ive taken some steps back in my head and in my life from things and people i dont need. im usually someone that would do anything for anyone even before taking care of me....im quick to say yes to everything.....i learned pretty quickly that I need to take care of me. Even ahead of my own kids.....right now - im back at ground floor and having to rebuild me - if i dont rebuild me than I can't be there for them and they are all i have. I felt like i was pretty close to mental breakdown...

PittGurl · « **Reply #90 on:** October 27, 2015, 11:10:02 am »

2nd labs today since Triumeq - waiting for response....hoping it's good. I still hate taking this darn big pill though. Also, in another thread (sorry moderators!) i've notice alot of hair loss by the follicle. Not sure if that is stress related, the virus, medication or what. Right now that's really bothering me. I also started to feel nausea about 2-3 days ago which hasn't happened at all since starting the medication.

Tonny2 · « **Reply #91 on:** October 27, 2015, 12:58:14 pm »

Quote from: PittGurl on October 27, 2015, 11:10:02 am

2nd labs today since Triumeq - waiting for response....hoping it's good. I still hate taking this darn big pill though. Also, in another thread (sorry moderators!) i've notice alot of hair loss by the follicle. Not sure if that is stress related, the virus, medication or what. Right now that's really bothering me. I also started to feel nausea about 2-3 days ago which hasn't happened at all since starting the medication.

ojo Hello my friend, how are you?...I see you are still having stress problems...when will you see your ID doctor again?, ask him about your hair loss, I have taken two a the meds on your med (abacavir and lamivudine, tho, abacavir didn't take it for a long time, I'm allergic to) but, I never had problems with my hair, you could use my head as a mop, because I have a full head of hair, lol, I think that you are living with lots of stress, look for proffesional help to help you get adjusted to your new normal...stop hating what is giving you a second chance, stop hating what is giving you a chance to keep enloing your children, stop hating your pill, that there are a lot of people in our countries whom are taking still, toxic meds, like azt, and not just one damn pill, but more than you can imagine..just a thought my friend, I wish I could find the words to make you understan that you are going to be fine, I wish I could find the words to make you feel better, so you can go back to live your life completly...hugs ojo

PittGurl · « **Reply #92 on:** October 27, 2015, 10:50:14 pm »

Tonny2 - thanks i hear and get what you are saying...Im trying ....I really am...but some days I guess i am just so bitter about this. It hurts that someone didn't tell me they were infected and thus i feel like my carefreeness has been robbed. I'm more careful now with so much and aware of so much (coughs, cuts, flirting). Just feels like a world that I dont fit in any longer.

My next appt is mid Nov - there are no openings until then. It's 6 weeks from the last appt although i did my labs today at the 4 week mark. I'm hoping that she will allow me to now have a glass of wine or beer since it's been 6 weeks on the medication. She wanted to wait to make sure liver function was normal.

I have a case manager and another person that I am meeting with that are helpful in my emotional struggles - i haven't seen them for a little over a week so i think i am going to make an appt. I was focusing more of getting a job.

PittGurl · « **Reply #93 on:** October 29, 2015, 02:35:38 pm »

need you experts on here as i am waiting to hear from nurse.....CD4 count went from 570 to 522 (im now 6 weeks on med)....now ya'll know me and I am freaking out- WHY did it drop??? I dont have the VL back yet but shouldn't CD4 be rising? I did lab first thing in the morning. help!!!!!!

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #94 on:** October 29, 2015, 02:48:47 pm »

CD4s fluctuate throughout the day by as many as one hundred points or so. You have nothing to worry about. Your CD4's are above 500, so are in a "normalish" range. At this point in treatment, it's more important that you attain and maintain an undetectable viral load, so here's to hoping you do. You are doing well. No worries.

Tonny2 · « **Reply #95 on:** October 29, 2015, 04:36:33 pm »

Quote from: PittGurl on October 29, 2015, 02:35:38 pm

need you experts on here as i am waiting to hear from nurse.....CD4 count went from 570 to 522 (im now 6 weeks on med)....now ya'll know me and I am freaking out- WHY did it drop??? I dont have the VL back yet but shouldn't CD4 be rising? I did lab first thing in the morning. help!!!!!!

ojo Hello my friend, mine went down from 578 to 414, and I'm smoking a cigar...there is not changed in your numbers, well, they are just numbers...they change frecuently, do you know your cd4%?...I'm sure you will be UD, that's the number you need to concentrate for now...so, please, do not freak out, your cd4 is still() the same even though the numbers look different, trust me, don't you?...you need a big hug, here it goes... () ojo

PittGurl · « **Reply #96 on:** October 30, 2015, 10:19:25 am »

Got results on the VL today......

10-27-15 labs after 7 weeks, 4 days on Triumeq

CD4=522

VL UNDETECTABLE!!!

Jeff G · « **Reply #97 on:** October 30, 2015, 10:24:02 am »

Quote from: PittGurl on October 30, 2015, 10:19:25 am

Got results on the VL today......

10-27-15 labs after 7 weeks, 4 days on Triumeq

CD4=522

VL UNDETECTABLE!!!

Well done !

Wade · « **Reply #98 on:** October 30, 2015, 10:34:32 am »

That IS great news ! Congratulations.......

CD4_800 · « **Reply #99 on:** October 30, 2015, 11:07:21 am »

That's awesome!! I get my first labs back in 2 weeks (Blood drawn today) after 4 weeks on Triumeq ....anything lower than 60,300 would be great lol

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