Author Topic: Personal Update (Read 5539 times)

RevMC · « **on:** February 12, 2007, 08:44:31 pm »

Hi everyone,
I know it's been a little while, especially for a personal update on me

Where do I even begin. . . hmmmm . . .

July 17/06 cd4 - 248 17% virul 3180
October 25/06 cd4 200 24% virul 2710
January 8/07 cd4 215, 24% virul 10,000

I've been up and down like this for many years, virul load in April last year was 14,000 . . . I've never been any higher than this in almost 19 years, well since they started doing virul load tests. cd4 hasn't been any lower than 200 either and as high as the mid 400's.

Doc still says that I don't really need any meds because I'm still fairly stable. His nurse last week told me that at a 200 cd4 count that I'm classified as having AIDS, not just positive. The next day I found out my step-father passed away in October, 2006 (we weren't that close these past few years). So needless to say my stress level has been very high. Emotional rollercoaster

Surprisingly for Louie on 11/27/06 cd4 was 51, 10% with virul of 189,000
now on 1/8/07 cd4 253, 21% and load of 74 . . .

His immune system according to the numbers is better than mine!

So after a lot of thinking and contemplation, I've decided to go on meds. Doc is putting me on Truvada 1X a day and Viramune (1 a day for 2 weeks then 2 a day).

It's been a hard choice for me to decide to finally go on meds since March 2 will make 19 years that I've known that I was HIV+ (I tried AZT all those years ago and about 10 years ago tried Zerit and Epivir). AZT had too many side effects and for the Zerit and Epivir we couldn't afford to pay for them so I quit.

I decided to start the meds since I've been under so much stress lately, and stress isn't good for the immune system. Trying meditation and such but so much is going on at a time and need to be strong for Louie. Though like I said his immune system is doing a LOT better. The KS is almost gone, no chemo since October. Still on the TPN, he just has no appetite but he's off of it for 8 hrs a day now.

Well that's about it for now.

Love and Light,
Rev. Michael

aupointillimite · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2007, 08:55:38 pm »

I'm glad your CD4s are stable, and even happier you're starting the meds.

That's wonderful news about Louie! I won't even pretend to know much about OIs... but I do know that when they go away, that's a good thing.

I take Atripla, and the Truvada bits of it are a breeze for me... as well as for most people, I think.

I really do hope everything gets better for you... I'm sorry to hear about your stress levels. The tortured road of stress... le sigh.

I've always noticed that when things go badly, they go badly for a while... but then, out of nowhere... they begin improving, and they keep on doing that. A nice yin and yang of life, methinks.

koi1 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2007, 09:01:48 pm »

Hey Guy,

I am also on Truvada, I make sure I drink a lot of water to avoid problems with the kidneys. Have your doc monitor this closely. I get labs to watch this every month because mine were abnormal at the beginning. I don't know if this is an issue for you. Best of luck.

rob

AlanBama · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2007, 09:40:01 pm »

Hey Michael, good to hear from you.

Truvada and Viramune is the combo I am on, have been since May of last year.

Good luck, and let us know how things are going.

hugs,

Alan

PS - Truvada gives me horrible 'stomach' issues, gas and bloat and such, but some people don't seem to be bothered by it. I hope you won't be.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2007, 04:19:46 pm »

Good luck with this new regimen, Michael. I'm glad to know Louie is doing better.

Fingers crossed for a good result for you.

And keep us posted.

red_Dragon888 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2007, 04:22:01 pm »

you need meds my friend. Don't wait any longer.

poet · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2007, 06:34:10 pm »

For me, this was a very scary post, Michael. I admit that I waited until my cd4's were around 250, but I also knew (felt I knew?) that this was as low as I could allow them to get (back in the 1990's). I am glad, that said, that you are getting on meds now and that the news about Louie is good. Keep in touch here! Best, Win

bear60 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2007, 06:44:21 pm »

Thanks so much for posting an update. I'm glad Louie is doing so well. Now you need to take care of yourself. Sounds like you are.

marco23 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2007, 07:10:15 pm »

So good to hear from you!
Please keep us posted...big kiss and huge bear hug going out to you!

Jeffreyj · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2007, 09:00:57 pm »

Micheal,
Great to hear from you! Sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like you are doing the right thing with the meds. Please keep us informed how it goes!
That is Awesome to hear about Louie...I had KS in 1995, took chemo and have had no problems ever since...Sounds like good times ahead for both. Yahoo! It is nice to hear the great news!

take care,
Jeff

RevMC · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2007, 12:38:14 am »

TY everyone for the kind words of support.

Thank god for Medicare D . . . Truvada and Viramune was around $1,500

And just think, we're giving this away for FREE to 3'rd world countries.

Anyway, I'm going to start taking them Friday night so if I have any problems I'll be with Louie. Also if I happen to get nauseas from the meds I won't be at work when and if it happens.

I shouldn't have any problems with the meds, rarely ever have any problems with any meds, except for Zoloft (made my panic attacks worse).

I'll keep everyone posted.

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2007, 04:28:16 am »

Rev~~

I am so glad things have gotten better for Louie, I know this was a relief to you. Since stress does lower cd4, I'm not surprised that your numbers bounced around because you were stressed when you were worried about Louie. And now that Louie is doing better, it is time to take care of you. I hope the start of meds will be a good one with no side effects. Let us know how you are doing once you start.....Namaste, my friend. *HUGZ*

mjmel · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2007, 04:49:40 am »

Michael,
Glad to read things are looking up for your partner. Looks like you're thinking ahead with dosing on Friday night. Best of luck with that. I didn't note any distinct changes when I start on Truvada--but then I was switching one bloating drug for another. The bloating and GI issues can be annoying. Especially, when in a silent, meditative part of church services and the stomach annouces itself with bit of gurgling. This is why I choose to sit in the last pew.

xxx,
Mike

RevMC · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2007, 08:24:13 am »

my main concern with the gastro part is that I still work as a Hairstylist Part-Time and am hoping the gastro problems don't really act up when I'm at work.

We don't do a lot of perms so couldn't blame the smell on the perm solution unless someone is doing one LOL

Oh well, I'll deal with that if it happens. Maybe I'll have to get a cork or something <eg> to plug it all up for awhile ROFLMAO

Has anyone tried Gas-X to help? Maybe that would be a temporary solution.

Love and Light,

Michael

bear60 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2007, 03:37:49 pm »

I think you are making more of the gastro thing than necessary. If ...and I repeat...IF you have problems just make sure you are near a bathroom and excuse yourself and go take care of business. I mean you arent gonna fart or shit your pants if you can excuse yourself.
I quess diet does play into this some. A big Mac Donalds meal is probably not good....whereas a bowl of soup and a lean meat sandwich probably is good for lunch.

RevMC · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2007, 08:41:08 am »

LOL,

Just trying to make a funny

Well I've taken the meds 2 times now and so far no problems. No nausea or gastro problems.

So far so good!! Not really expecting any problems anyway. I usually have no problems with any type of meds that I take.

TY everyone for the support.

Love and Light,

Rev. Michael

RevMC · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2007, 08:54:49 pm »

Well I have noticed something strange, I'm getting a great night sleep now. Strange dreams though at times. Had a dream that woke me up. Takes me a bit longer to wake up this weekend. Just may be me finally able to relax more or just being a bit busier.

Anyway, I have noticed one strange thing, not sure if it's from the meds or what, I'm getting more aroused at the strangest times. Someone bends over who's a cutie and WHAM! Someone looks at me and smiles, and WHAM!

Another strange thing, I've been over indulging in snake foods and my stomach feels a bit on the strange almost nausea side.

Not going to worry about any of this though, just keep going.

Longislander · « **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2007, 09:06:18 pm »

Well Rev, they sound like pretty nice side effects!! lol

I'm so happy to hear that Louis doing better, finally. Now you to can be in a #'s race together!!

I wish you two all the best.

aztecan · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2007, 12:58:35 pm »

Hey Michael,

Just to add my 2¢ worth to this, glad you are doing OK with the meds and that Louie's numbers are looking much better.

Now, about those "side effects." What drug is it that causes you to have the arousal thing? Someday I may have to switch meds and I want to know which one so I can try it.

HUGS,

Mark

RevMC · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2007, 05:35:43 pm »

Not sure if the arousal is a med thing or not. Maybe I'm starting a mid-life crisis and this is part of it

mjmel · « **Reply #20 on:** February 19, 2007, 05:47:24 pm »

Yes, those over the counter products are helpful. GAS-X and PHAZYME; not 100% of the time---but helpful. You will learn soon enough to be cautious with dietary intake on those days when you are in the shop.

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Author Topic: Personal Update (Read 5539 times)