Newbie

[Madrettor]

Hi all,

I've been to my doctor this afternoon and unfortunately she told me the blood results were positive; I am HIV+. It came as quite a shock, but I guess when you have unprotected sex it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise this is one of the possibilities. I assume my life will be changing in terms in certain ways from now on and I noticed I'd like to share those experiences with others who might be going through the same. Hence my registration to this forum.

[scooter24]

Hi! I'm happy you found the courage to post! Sorry you're here. I hope to hear more about your story and hopefully you find support you may need.

[mecch]

Sorry for that. Glad you found us here.

[Madrettor]

Thanks, guys. Did my confirmatory test today. Hoping my viral load will be low and I can get to undetectable soon. I seemed to be relatively calm after the results yesterday, but I couldn't sleep at all. Apparantly the fact I have HIV hasn't quite sunk in yet.

[Madrettor]

I'm quite worried I've been too late with testing now. I started having unprotected sex with my boyfriend years ago and foolishly never got tested. The main reason for me to think it's bad already is because I've lost quite some weight in the past months.

[DANIELtakashi]

You are saying you have lost weight.
Is that the only change?   No breathing problem or exreme fatigue?
Hope you are all right.

[zach]

have you received your result from the confirmation test yet?

[Madrettor]

You are saying you have lost weight.
Is that the only change?   No breathing problem or exreme fatigue?
Hope you are all right.

2 years ago I had a little wart on my finger. The lymfe in my neck has been swollen since about 2 years ago as well (I always thought it was because I was using creme to get rid of my pimples). I started a diet 6 months ago, but when I stopped I kept losing weight way too easily. 3 days after the last time I had sex with my boyfriend I got Herpes. The Herpes is the reason I found out about my HIV. I have Asthma, but those problems haven't gotten worse. No extreme fatigue. I've been feeling a little unwell because of the Herpes (I assume), but I don't find it an issue yet.

[Madrettor]

have you received your result from the confirmation test yet?

Hey, not yet. I did my blood test today. I'm expecting the results next week. The doctor has made me an appointment with a specialist in the hospital for this Friday though. I'm sort of scared, but also happy I'm starting up the war machine against HIV.

[zach]

just to be crystal clear then, based on what you've said

you have a preliminary positive result, but you have not been confirmed positive as of yet

thank you for clarifying

nothing to be scared of man, no matter what your results turn out to be, hiv is very manageable

[DANIELtakashi]

I got sick only a year ago and am still in the process of recovering mentally, so l cannot give you enough advice.   But people on this site tell me l will be all right , and you will be, too.
Dank U .

[Madrettor]

just to be crystal clear then, based on what you've said

you have a preliminary positive result, but you have not been confirmed positive as of yet

thank you for clarifying

Yes, but it's just a matter of days, I'm afraid..

[Madrettor]

I got sick only a year ago and am still in the process of recovering mentally, so l cannot give you enough advice.   But people on this site tell me l will be all right , and you will be, too.
Dank U .

I can imagine - I do believe you will recover! I hope I will too.

[Joe K]

Yes, but it's just a matter of days, I'm afraid..

Madrettor,

Until you have a confirmatory test, regarding your status, I must ask that you only post in this thread.  Please post your results as soon as you have them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Joe

[Grasshopper]

Sorry to read you tested positive. But don't worry we do have excellent Healthcare in The Netherlands. (komt allemaal goed, en wees niet bang voor de medicijnen)

[Madrettor]

Madrettor,

Until you have a confirmatory test, regarding your status, I must ask that you only post in this thread.  Please post your results as soon as you have them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Joe

Sure. My apologies.

[Madrettor]

Sorry to read you tested positive. But don't worry we do have excellent Healthcare in The Netherlands. (komt allemaal goed, en wees niet bang voor de medicijnen)

I'm really glad I have an appointment with a specialist this Friday already. I just hope I haven't given the infection the chance to damage me too badly already at this point. But from what I read on here so far it's perfectly treatable. Dankje

[zach]

I'm really glad I have an appointment with a specialist this Friday already. I just hope I haven't given the infection the chance to damage me too badly already at this point. But from what I read on here so far it's perfectly treatable. Dankje

don't let the lab results and numbers spook you... a much better measure, how do you feel? if you feel good, and now that you're going into care, you'll be fine... you're in control now, not the bug

[Madrettor]

don't let the lab results and numbers spook you... a much better measure, how do you feel? if you feel good, and now that you're going into care, you'll be fine... you're in control now, not the bug

I certainly didn't feel ill until the Herpes showed up about a month ago. Yes, for a few years I've felt like my sleeping patterns have gone crazy (days and nights switching), but then.. I always thought that was because of the weird schedules and freedom uni gave me. That, and the weight loss are the most significant changes. The lymfe and wart are hints as well, I suppose. Anyway, in short, I don't feel bad, but I've definitely noticed changes, which have become more obvious now that I'm looking at it from a new perspective.

[Madrettor]

Sorry to read you tested positive. But don't worry we do have excellent Healthcare in The Netherlands. (komt allemaal goed, en wees niet bang voor de medicijnen)

Hey, can I ask you something else.. do they also check the viral load and all that during the first blood test? Like, *if* I had AIDS, would it show in that first blood test already? Or is that more detailed and the specialist's concern?

[zach]

without knowing what sorts of lab work was ordered for you, it's impossible to answer that question

generally, that would fall into the ID specialists wheelhouse.

moving forward, always try to be aware of what tests are being done on you, and try to get your own copies of the results. mine are emailed to me, but i used to get paper copies in the post, whatever works.

the first numbers to look for that will gauge where you are starting from... CD4 count, CD4 percentage, and viral load

there are other numbers and ratios, and they all mean something, but those first three are going to be the ones to track.

you can also expect the specialist will run a genotype test on you, to see if you have resistance to any medications. the results of that test will determine which meds will be options for you.

it can take a week or two to get those results back

[Madrettor]

That's a lot to deal with. I'll just go to the specialist Friday and see what needs to be done. Thanks for the copies tip, btw. Very useful. I'll do that.

[Grasshopper]

Hey, can I ask you something else.. do they also check the viral load and all that during the first blood test? Like, *if* I had AIDS, would it show in that first blood test already? Or is that more detailed and the specialist's concern?

If you prefer we can communicate in Dutch via PM. Feel free to ask

[Reallove92]

Hey glad to hear u r coping with it well, I just got my first cd4 count and VL  cd: 560 VL: 54,500

[DANIELtakashi]

How are you feeling today?

[Madrettor]

How are you feeling today?

Looking forward to my appointment tomorrow. Treatment can't start soon enough.

[Madrettor]

Hey glad to hear u r coping with it well, I just got my first cd4 count and VL  cd: 560 VL: 54,500

I'm not really familiar with the numbers, but I think I've seen numbers that are way worse!

[Madrettor]

Had my first appointment this morning. Did some blood, urine and other STD-tests. They checked my blood pressure, weight etc. They wanted an entire profile, I suppose. My ''nurse'' was really reassuring and nice. She obviously couldn't tell the results yet, but just talking about it and being in the hospital made me feel better already, because now I know the war against HIV is about to kick off. A few days since I heard the bad news and I'm feeling better now. Fingers crossed my scores won't be bad and ruin that mood again.

[DANIELtakashi]

Please take care.

[Madrettor]

Please take care.

Giving my all! I think my weight loss is a bad sign, btw. We'll see on Monday.

[zach]

you just had labs today... may take a week plus for those results to come back, monday may be a little optimistic

don't read too much into your weight loss... you're jumping way ahead, symptoms like wasting are advanced

see where you're at before you see bad signs

[Madrettor]

you just had labs today... may take a week plus for those results to come back, monday may be a little optimistic

don't read too much into your weight loss... you're jumping way ahead, symptoms like wasting are advanced

see where you're at before you see bad signs

Really? She told me she expected the results to be back on Monday. As for the weight loss, I'm trying.. it's just that I've been doing some research and it *usually* isn't a very good sign, but indeed.. maybe I am reading too much into it. Controlling these sudden outbursts of concerns in my head is still difficult.

[zach]

again, you're non-specific about which "results" you're talking about

all depends on what sort of test is being talked about

some lab tests only take a few hours for the results, some take days

some lab work is done in house, some clinics send the blood to an offsite lab, so you have to add shipping time

[Madrettor]

again, you're non-specific about which "results" you're talking about

all depends on what sort of test is being talked about

some lab tests only take a few hours for the results, some take days

some lab work is done in house, some clinics send the blood to an offsite lab, so you have to add shipping time

The CD score and viral load.

[Madrettor]

My CD4 is 580. No VL yet.

[Joe K]

Thanks, guys. Did my confirmatory test today. Hoping my viral load will be low and I can get to undetectable soon. I seemed to be relatively calm after the results yesterday, but I couldn't sleep at all. Apparantly the fact I have HIV hasn't quite sunk in yet.

What was the "confirmatory" test that you took to confirm your positive status?  The answer matters.

Joe

[Madrettor]

What was the "confirmatory" test that you took to confirm your positive status?  The answer matters.

Joe

Hasn't come back yet. I expect it tomorrow or the day after that. Matters for what, btw?

[Joe K]

Hasn't come back yet. I expect it tomorrow or the day after that. Matters for what, btw?

It matters because you have not been confirmed as being positive.  It makes no sense that you are having all of these tests, when they haven't even verified that you are indeed positive.  The first thing anyone does, when first testing positive, is to get a confirmatory test that confirms the status.  Until they have that, why waste resources on testing you, until they know what you actually have?

Joe

[Madrettor]

It matters because you have not been confirmed as being positive.  It makes no sense that you are having all of these tests, when they haven't even verified that you are indeed positive.  The first thing anyone does, when first testing positive, is to get a confirmatory test that confirms the status.  Until they have that, why waste resources on testing you, until they know what you actually have?

Joe

Possibly because it's best to get started with treatment asap and because it helps to put a patient's mind at ease? We're not talking about some random mumbo-jumbo test here; its accuracy is over 99%. It makes *much more* sense to me to get those falsely tested started already in the meanwhile, just in case, instead of making almost *all* of the testers wait for that one thing that will be inevitable for them: treatment

I honestly can't believe that someone would refer to that as a waste of resources. I'm sorry.

[Joe K]

Possibly because it's best to get started with treatment asap and because it helps to put a patient's mind at ease? We're not talking about some random mumbo-jumbo test here; its accuracy is over 99%. It makes *much more* sense to me to get those falsely tested started already in the meanwhile, just in case, instead of making almost *all* of the testers wait for that one thing that will be inevitable for them: treatment

I honestly can't believe that someone would refer to that as a waste of resources. I'm sorry.

No reputable ID doctor, would start a patient on HAART, without confirming their HIV status.  You DO NOT start a "falsely tested" patient on drugs without a good reason.  You retest the patient to determine their "true" status.  It's also not true that all folks who test positive need to start meds ASAP.  That is not how HIV is treated.

Either way, I still need to know which test you took that "confirmed" your HIV status.  It matters because some people like to come here and "pretend" they are poz, when in fact they are not.  I am not saying that is what you are doing, however, your inability to provide an answer regarding your confirmatory test, throws up all kinds of red flags to me.

It's my job, as a moderator, to verify stories regarding HIV infection, that simply do not make sense.

That's why your answer matters.

Joe

[Madrettor]

No reputable ID doctor, would start a patient on HAART, without confirming their HIV status.  You DO NOT start a "falsely tested" patient on drugs without a good reason.  You retest the patient to determine their "true" status.  It's also not true that all folks who test positive need to start meds ASAP.  That is not how HIV is treated.

Either way, I still need to know which test you took that "confirmed" your HIV status.  It matters because some people like to come here and "pretend" they are poz, when in fact they are not.  I am not saying that is what you are doing, however, your inability to provide an answer regarding your confirmatory test, throws up all kinds of red flags to me.

It's my job, as a moderator, to verify stories regarding HIV infection, that simply do not make sense.

That's why your answer matters.

Joe

Who says my doctor did? She made me do a confirmatory test while getting me a first appointment in the hospital (where they did some further tests) in the meanwhile. I haven't started using meds yet. Even if all folks who've tested positive don't have to start asap, I still don't see any reason in why starting things up in the meanwhile would be a waste of resources. Surely it can't be bad to know where one stands?

Anyway, apart from that, I get that you have certain responsibilities as a moderator, but could you please do it more subtlety? I mean, with all due respect, but it sounded a little insensitive. I came here because I had no other place to go to express my concerns. This makes me feel a little unwelcome in a way.

[Madrettor]

And exactly what do you need to know about my test? I don't mind sharing information with you guys at all, but I hope you can imagine I don't plan on sharing all of my medical records?

[zach]

not for nothing madrettor... you and i spoke about this in private on the 13th

that was the subtle approach, it was handled quietly, and you knew not to post outside this thread yet

you are welcome here. like i said then... trust but confirm

don't go away mad

for example.... confirmed via western blot... viral load 25000

would have and will suffice

[Joe K]

And exactly what do you need to know about my test? I don't mind sharing information with you guys at all, but I hope you can imagine I don't plan on sharing all of my medical records?

I am insisting that you share only one test name and result with this forum.  I've tried to be very discreet, but you keep dodging my question.  Anyone who is confirmed as being poz is welcome here.  All we ask are test results that anyone, who actually is poz, will have had and know the test and the result.

Joe

[Grasshopper]

I'm including a link to an example of lab form used by most Hospitals in here in Holland.  I doubt  new be is able to understand or interpret it.....unless it was explained in detail by their doctor. They just hand you the forms and send you off to the lab. THAT'S how it's done here in Holland.

Even I can't distinguish the so called "confirmatory" test.  I know it's supposed to be "immunoblot" 

Link:  http://www.cma.be/LinkClick.aspx?link=aanvraag%2fAF.pdf&tabid=156&mid=387

[DANIELtakashi]

You mention they should start medication on a patient to ease his or her mind but 
I am not sure about that without any clue of the viral load?

[Madrettor]

not for nothing madrettor... you and i spoke about this in private on the 13th

that was the subtle approach, it was handled quietly, and you knew not to post outside this thread yet

you are welcome here. like i said then... trust but confirm

don't go away mad

for example.... confirmed via western blot... viral load 25000

would have and will suffice

And I haven't posted in other threads since then, have I?

[Madrettor]

I am insisting that you share only one test name and result with this forum.  I've tried to be very discreet, but you keep dodging my question.  Anyone who is confirmed as being poz is welcome here.  All we ask are test results that anyone, who actually is poz, will have had and know the test and the result.

Joe

Dodging which question? Seriously, what's not to understand? There are no results yet, so how do you expect me to share them? The fact I'm ''unwelcome'' until I've gotten the results of my confirmatory test is a little odd. Like I said, the first test came back positive and has a 99% accuracy.

[Madrettor]

You mention they should start medication on a patient to ease his or her mind but 
I am not sure about that without any clue of the viral load?

I didn't mention they should start *medication* on a patient, Daniel.

[leatherman]

It's also not true that all folks who test positive need to start meds ASAP.  That is not how HIV is treated.

that is how HIV is being treated in America now.

This year the newest US Dpt of Health and Human Resources HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) HAB (HIV/AIDS Bureau) HIV Performance Measures for Prescribed Antiretroviral Therapy is to prescribe antiretrovirals for all persons diagnosed with HIV** regardless of CD4 count. (**more and more testing sites are also moving to a rapid-rapid confirmation method also. This is a positive reading on two (different brands) rapid tests) The current performance measurement goal for fy 2015-2016 for Core02 "Prescription of ARV Therapy" is currently 90%; but the expectation is that treating agencies will get this measurement up to 100%.

http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/coremeasures.pdf
http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/habperformmeasures.html

the primary goals behind this measurement is using Treatment as Prevention (TasP), and to also mitigate HIV inflammation in patients as soon as possible.

[Madrettor]

Just got my VL score: 200.000

[Madrettor]

And on top of that they also found Syfilis and Gonorrhea. This guy gave me the entire STD-alphabet :-S

[titik]

Time for some butt injections. No judgement here (I was diagnosed with Syphillis when I got disgnosed with AIDS too) but use this as a learning experience to use protection regardless of HIV status.

Those butt injections were not pleasant, but you will be fine after taking them. You'll be sore as few days afterwards though. Think about them the next time you're thinking of doing anything risky :p

[Madrettor]

Time for some butt injections. No judgement here (I was diagnosed with Syphillis when I got disgnosed with AIDS too) but use this as a learning experience to use protection regardless of HIV status.

Those butt injections were not pleasant, but you will be fine after taking them. You'll be sore as few days afterwards though. Think about them the next time you're thinking of doing anything risky :p

When you said butt injections you scared me and made me realize I made a mistake with my copy-pasting. They diagnosed me with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. No Syphillis. In the butt?! Honestly? Wow..

But, yeah, I almost have them all now. Herpes Type 1, HIV, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. I don't even think I'll be able to think about sex for another 5 years or so, my God..

[Joe K]

When you said butt injections you scared me and made me realize I made a mistake with my copy-pasting. They diagnosed me with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. No Syphillis. In the butt?! Honestly? Wow..

But, yeah, I almost have them all now. Herpes Type 1, HIV, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. I don't even think I'll be able to think about sex for another 5 years or so, my God..

Hey Mad,

I'm sorry to hear you got a couple of STIs, but they are treatable and then they will be gone.  The important thing is you are getting treated for everything and things should get better fairly soon.

I'm also sorry that you need to be here... but glad you found us.

Welcome to the Forums.

Joe

[Madrettor]

Hey Mad,

I'm sorry to hear you got a couple of STIs, but they are treatable and then they will be gone.  The important thing is you are getting treated for everything and things should get better fairly soon.

I'm also sorry that you need to be here... but glad you found us.

Welcome to the Forums.

Joe

Thanks, man

[Madrettor]

OMG, you were right. It went into my butt! Never again. Holy Moly..

[devon1124]

Hi Madrettor,
I also got my test result recently in Netherlands.(But i do not speak dutch ,sorry lol)
I hope you're doing fine!

[Madrettor]

Hi Madrettor,
I also got my test result recently in Netherlands.(But i do not speak dutch ,sorry lol)
I hope you're doing fine!

I am!

[Madrettor]

OK, so a quick update (I sort of see this thread as a diary in a way) - I hope it'll help others who unfortunately have to follow the same path.

I've had a meeting with my doctor who introduced me to the different meds. I've made a decision to go for Atripla. Tomorrow I'll have another meeting. I'm not sure whether I'll get a recipe for the meds already then because they want to make sure that I'm absolutely ready to start treatment. They really emphasize adherence as once I've started it'll be something I have to do for the rest of my life (unless science does us an amazing favor). This is something I'm sort of worried about for now.. I really want to obey to this treatment.

I've stopped overthinking me being HIV+. The first few weeks it crossed my mind all the time, whereas now I seem to be cool about it. What's done is done, the focus should be towards the future. I read a quote of a doctor somewhere that said: ''You are young. You are positive. Let's start planning the rest of your life''. I thought it was really inspiring

[leatherman]

I've made a decision to go for Atripla.

where do you live? I ask because Atripla is NOT recommended as a first-line treatment any longer in America. The side effects have always been too troublesome. There are plenty of newer 1-a-day regimens that you should consider if you're living in the states.

it'll be something I have to do for the rest of my life (unless science does us an amazing favor). This is something I'm sort of worried about for now

don't overthink this! You'll be eating the rest of your life to stay alive too!  Matter of fact, you'll need to eat 2 or 3 times a day intaking hundreds and hundreds of calories for decades if you live into your 80s or 90s.  taking meds is taking meds and only has a negative power over you if you let it.

[Madrettor]

where do you live? I ask because Atripla is NOT recommended as a first-line treatment any longer in America. The side effects have always been too troublesome. There are plenty of newer 1-a-day regimens that you should consider if you're living in the states.
don't overthink this! You'll be eating the rest of your life to stay alive too!  Matter of fact, you'll need to eat 2 or 3 times a day intaking hundreds and hundreds of calories for decades if you live into your 80s or 90s.  taking meds is taking meds and only has a negative power over you if you let it.

I live in the Netherlands. I really don't think they'd give it to me if it weren't effective or too troublesome. I could choose Triumeq or something as well, but I didn't feel like going through another test to find out whether I'm allergic to it or not.

[leatherman]

if it weren't effective or too troublesome

effective? yes atripla is effective; but on the other hand, it's not "as effective" as some newer regimes. "not too troublesome"? that's debatable. Quite a lot of people have had very terrible cognitive problems with Sustiva (for disclosure purposes, I am one of those people) Too be honest, the reason Atripla is no longer a front-line treatment is because of the amount of CNS issues patients have had.

Of course, I'm old school. I've been down the road with over 18 hiv meds now. So give Atripla a whirl, if that is what you want  - but watch for the side effects and, if necessary, don't hesitate to change if you find Atripla is not nice to you

[Madrettor]

effective? yes atripla is effective; but on the other hand, it's not "as effective" as some newer regimes. "not too troublesome"? that's debatable. Quite a lot of people have had very terrible cognitive problems with Sustiva (for disclosure purposes, I am one of those people) Too be honest, the reason Atripla is no longer a front-line treatment is because of the amount of CNS issues patients have had.

Of course, I'm old school. I've been down the road with over 18 hiv meds now. So give Atripla a whirl, if that is what you want  - but watch for the side effects and, if necessary, don't hesitate to change if you find Atripla is not nice to you

It's not like I'm thrilled to take Atripla. They gave me the option to take Atripla or Triumeq and since the side-effects were sort of similar - and I needed another test to make sure I'm not allergic to something in Triumeq - I figured Atripla would be best. Fingers crossed the side effects will be minimal, because I'm about to pick the meds up from the pharmacy. This will be my first day!

[leatherman]

This will be my first day!

congrats! and even though crossing my fingers makes typing really really hard , I'm thinking positive thoughts for you about NO side effects.

[Madrettor]

congrats! and even though crossing my fingers makes typing really really hard , I'm thinking positive thoughts for you about NO side effects.

Haha, thank you! 

[leatherman]

yeah! now you're on your way to becoming Undetectable, reducing long term inflammation from HIV, and living the rest of your life to it's fullest. WooHoo! 

[Madrettor]

yeah! now you're on your way to becoming Undetectable, reducing long term inflammation from HIV, and living the rest of your life to it's fullest. WooHoo! 

Took my first pill 10 minutes ago! Let's hope I don't get high. You'd say I wouldn't worry about something like that as a Dutchy, but I can assure you I've never tried such thing! Fingers crossed! :p

[titik]

A member, I think it was zach, made a great post about this in the other forum: If you just picked it up today and you are on a 30 day refill schedule, wait a few days before starting so you can stockpile! Then pick it up a week early each time so you have can have at least a few weeks supply after a couple of months.

I almost had a heart attack when the two pills I stowed away disappeared (I probably misplaced it somewhere) and now I only have two pills left. Thankfully, my pharmacy called today and my next refill is ready. Whew. Wish I had a bigger stockpile.

edit: Ah too late. Oh well, good luck! And try to call a week early each time you refill so you get extra pills. Another tip is to take your stockpile everytime you get a new refill and set aside the new pills for your stockpile. That way, you don;t risk getting expired pills in your stockpile.

Most of the side effects you will feel will happen in the first two weeks.  I started Complera almost a month ago and these eventually went away. Now I only have some very minor GI issues but most of the bloatedness and some diarrhea happened in the first ten days. That feeling of highness and being spacey happened in the first five days. I hardly notice them now.

[Madrettor]

A member, I think it was zach, made a great post about this in the other forum: If you just picked it up today and you are on a 30 day refill schedule, wait a few days before starting so you can stockpile! Then pick it up a week early each time so you have can have at least a few weeks supply after a couple of months.

I almost had a heart attack when the two pills I stowed away disappeared (I probably misplaced it somewhere) and now I only have two pills left. Thankfully, my pharmacy called today and my next refill is ready. Whew. Wish I had a bigger stockpile.

edit: Ah too late. Oh well, good luck! And try to call a week early each time you refill so you get extra pills. Another tip is to take your stockpile everytime you get a new refill and set aside the new pills for your stockpile. That way, you don;t risk getting expired pills in your stockpile.

Most of the side effects you will feel will happen in the first two weeks.  I started Complera almost a month ago and these eventually went away. Now I only have some very minor GI issues but most of the bloatedness and some diarrhea happened in the first ten days. That feeling of highness and being spacey happened in the first five days. I hardly notice them now.

I'm not worried about my stockpile. I have 30 pills now and I'll get for two months each time after this. Btw, I'm feeling a little dizzy. Nothing too bad, but I do notice the effect. I'll take it the pill works :p

[titik]

The point of a stockpile is in the event of unforeseen circumstances like say, your pharmacy being closed for a four day weekend on the day of your refill, or a delay of shipment of your Atripla from warehouse to the pharmacy. It's also handy for emergency situations like traveling or if for any reasons you can't go to the pharmacy that week (if you were sick withthe flu, for instance and noone is available to pick it up for you).

The most intense time for the dizziness is probably the first few days. I kinda enjoyed it, haha.

[leatherman]

Most of the side effects you will feel will happen in the first two weeks.

this is always good advice. I tell people you gotta give the meds a month. Your body is adjusting to these chemicals and Your HIV is adjusting to not be able to reproduce itself. Viral loads are changing, cd4s are climbing, inflammation is lessening. There's a lot going on so it's not surprising that headaches, dizziness, barfing, insomnia  etc happen for a short time for a lot of people.

[Grasshopper]

I'm not worried about my stockpile. I have 30 pills now and I'll get for two months each time after this. Btw, I'm feeling a little dizzy. Nothing too bad, but I do notice the effect. I'll take it the pill works :p

Because this is your first Atripla prescription, the pharmacy will dispense for ONE month. If all goes well and you have no issues with Atripla, then in the future the pharmacy will dispense fore max 3 months.

So no need here in Holland to "stockpile". I make it a point to hand in a repeat prescription the day I open my last bottle of meds....allows  30 days for unforeseen circumstances. If I hand in my hiv meds prescriptions before 12 noon, I usually can pick them up the next day after 10 am

[Madrettor]

The point of a stockpile is in the event of unforeseen circumstances like say, your pharmacy being closed for a four day weekend on the day of your refill, or a delay of shipment of your Atripla from warehouse to the pharmacy. It's also handy for emergency situations like traveling or if for any reasons you can't go to the pharmacy that week (if you were sick withthe flu, for instance and noone is available to pick it up for you).

The most intense time for the dizziness is probably the first few days. I kinda enjoyed it, haha.

Haha, OMG! I know right! I think I enjoyed it as well! I was kind of giggling and having fun.. oh dear :p

[Madrettor]

this is always good advice. I tell people you gotta give the meds a month. Your body is adjusting to these chemicals and Your HIV is adjusting to not be able to reproduce itself. Viral loads are changing, cd4s are climbing, inflammation is lessening. There's a lot going on so it's not surprising that headaches, dizziness, barfing, insomnia  etc happen for a short time for a lot of people.

Yes. Makes total sense. Should I expect something else besides the dizziness though? I read something about vivid dreams.. I did dream about flying a spaceship and raying up people above a river tonight, so I guess I can check that box as well. I kinda liked that too though

[Madrettor]

Because this is your first Atripla prescription, the pharmacy will dispense for ONE month. If all goes well and you have no issues with Atripla, then in the future the pharmacy will dispense fore max 3 months.

So no need here in Holland to "stockpile". I make it a point to hand in a repeat prescription the day I open my last bottle of meds....allows  30 days for unforeseen circumstances. If I hand in my hiv meds prescriptions before 12 noon, I usually can pick them up the next day after 10 am

Yes, same here. I'll get for 2 or 3 months after this. She gave me 30 pills the first time. I can pick them up the next day after 14.00 and if the pharmacy is closed or whatsoever I can go to another one.

[Almost2late]

Hi Madrettor, sorry bout your diagnoses and hope Atripla works for you as it has worked for many people but not for me.. Just know that there's many meds and if side effects are bad you can try a different one with your doctors blessing that is.. I'm on Triumeq with no issues from the med whats so ever.. Hope Atripla works for you, good luck.

[titik]

Re: other side effects

I experienced the insomnia on Complera about two to three weeks in. I'm on my fourth week and it is somewhat subsiding. Some headaches sometimes here or there but the nausea is noticeably gone. I still experience them from time to time though.

Im also not sure if these are side effects or a side perk, but I started eating like a big cow a couple of days after starting HAART. Probably because my appetite is back while the meds are working. I should get my lab results this week. I'm excited and anxious!

[Madrettor]

Hi Madrettor, sorry bout your diagnoses and hope Atripla works for you as it has worked for many people but not for me.. Just know that there's many meds and if side effects are bad you can try a different one with your doctors blessing that is.. I'm on Triumeq with no issues from the med whats so ever.. Hope Atripla works for you, good luck.

I suppose the side effects don't show after 1 day? So far I've only been dizzy about half an hour after taking it. I got a bit sleepy, fell asleep and felt perfectly normal when I woke up.

[titik]

Yeah, some side effects only show up once enough drug is in your system. But that's a big IF. Alot of people don't even experience them at all.

[Madrettor]

Yeah, some side effects only show up once enough drug is in your system. But that's a big IF. Alot of people don't even experience them at all.

Hm, but isn't the point of taking a pill a day to keep the amount of drug in my system constant? So, basically, the 2nd pill only refuels instead of increasing the amount, no? Or is this very simple thinking? Just took my 2nd pill. Let's see how light in the head I'll get this time.

[Madrettor]

45 minutes after I took the 2nd pill and I'm not dizzy yet. Yesterday I was dizzy after half an hour. I want my money back, tsk!

[titik]

Hm, but isn't the point of taking a pill a day to keep the amount of drug in my system constant? So, basically, the 2nd pill only refuels instead of increasing the amount, no? Or is this very simple thinking? Just took my 2nd pill. Let's see how light in the head I'll get this time.

You are correct. But from what I understand, the NNRTI component, the efivarenz, has a long half life so they tend to build up over the initial couple of days. You won't see the 'high point' in your body until after about 3 days to a week.

[Madrettor]

You are correct. But from what I understand, the NNRTI component, the efivarenz, has a long half life so they tend to build up over the initial couple of days. You won't see the 'high point' in your body until after about 3 days to a week.

Ah, OK, well.. fingers crossed. Still not feeling dizzy. So that's quite an improvement with yesterday already.

[Madrettor]

Went out for dinner (sushi, nom nom nom) with my best friend and told her about my status. She had to cry a little and was worried that bad stuff would happen to me, but after she calmed down and I had the chance to tell her what living with HIV is like these days she was really supportive and her lovely self. She trully is my best friend! Now keep your fingers crossed for me the side-effects won't spoil my fun! (5th day now and so far so good)

Btw, hoping to put on some weight. I've really lost quite a lot of weight and people (incl. those really close to me) have started to express their concerns. Not sure if the meds will help me with that though, hm.

[Jim Allen]

Well glad to hear your doing okay and it's nice your friend was supportive.

I gained a total of 10 KG+ (22lb) in just under 6.5 months after reaching UD, then again I had also lost 7 KG (15lb) in the 2,5 months beforehand due to illness.

The meds directly did not have an affect, indirectly it suppressed my VL and hence I started to get better/recover and from getting better I gained weight. 
So what I think I'm saying is that if you lost it from being sick or ill, and now you not sick then i suppose you have a good chance of regaining it.

(Sorry had to edit first version did not read correctly)

[titik]

Oh you should be gaining weight soon. I have gained about 2 to 3 lbs from just four weeks of being on Complera. I've had a voracious appetite since starting and I have been more than happy to comply to my body. Plus my doctor gave me the go ahead to eat whatever I wanted in the next few weeks, including tons of ice cream lol.

Good to hear about your best friend being very supportive.

[patrickpmh]

I'm glad that the whole....can't say this, don't do this, got resolved.  Although I actually learned ALOT from the banter.

Those of you who are holding our hands are to be given lots of free Oregon microbrew.

So in my crappy dutch "Dank u vel".  I lived in Holland/Nederlands for 2 years.  My youngest is our 24 year old Dutch Girl, born in Amersfoort.  If any of you want to send me a Pannekooken...I'd be eternally grateful.

Thanks to all moderators and posters for an outstanding job of tolerating our stressed days.

Patrick of Oregon