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Author Topic: I'm not scurred....  (Read 14181 times)

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Offline skeebo1969

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I'm not scurred....
« on: July 26, 2010, 01:10:16 pm »



    Well maybe just a tad I is..

    Here's the deal:  I've been having a lot of dizzy spells lately, mainly when I bend over at the waist.  It's bad enough that I lose my balance.  A couple of weeks ago, one morning, I went outside to smoke my fav morning cigarrette and my left arm and leg went numb.  But, what happened yesterday during breakfast with my wife's family scared the shit out of me.  I had a sharp chest pain and suddenly could not manage the fork in my right hand.  It was wierd, I sat there staring at my hand as if to say c'mon buddy you can do it, but got no response.

   Sooo...  at the request of my dear mother in law I am going to the ER in the morning to get checked out.  I did call my doctor and he advised me to follow the mom in laws advice...

   I have to admit I have been really bad in regards to keeping up on the HIV...  when I switched meds back in January I skipped getting labs done to make sure the Viramune wasn't funking up mah liver.  Now I don't know if this a regular deal but at the time my doctor implied it was.  To be honest I don't know if this regimine is working all that great because no labs were ever done since the switch.  All I know is I lifted out of the suicidal fog I was in after getting off the Atripla so life's been good, I really mean that lol.

   I know I was having some glucose problems a while back, but they were so sporadic that we couldn't really see anything going on.  I would have an extremely low reading one time and then nothing again for a month..

   I have been sick for the last two weeks and it just feels like a bad head cold really, so I felt it was no big deal.  Both ears started aching a little so I wonder if the dizzy spells could possibly be a mild case of vertigo..  the cough though is really bad and I have a constant low grade fever.  It's a strange cough, no flem and extremely dry.  Fucking shit better not be serious or I will be one pissed off puppy.

   Anywho... I'll keep ya'll posted on what goes on.  I hope this is like the old days and it's stuff just in my head, ya know.  I'll find out for sure though tomorrow.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2010, 01:20:42 pm »
when I switched meds back in January I skipped getting labs done to make sure the Viramune wasn't funking up mah liver. 

Not the greatest of ideas, Thomas, and I know you know better than this.

But yeah, you need to go to the ER as what happened to you could probably be a variety of things.  Keep us posted.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline leatherman

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2010, 01:32:24 pm »
I hope this is like the old days and it's stuff just in my head, ya know.  I'll find out for sure though tomorrow.
hopefully, it won't be anything bad. Good luck, and let us know what the docs say. :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Ann

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2010, 01:41:27 pm »
Skeebs, a dry cough and persistent low-grade fever are hallmarks of PCP. Don't wait until tomorow morning to go to the ER - GO NOW damn-it!!!
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 Joe K

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2010, 01:50:10 pm »
You should have seen your doctor two weeks ago, but I'll save your slap upside the head, for when you feel better. Never, ever, fool around when body parts start to go numb. Stop messing around with your health... you mean too much to all of us.

Offline veritas

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2010, 02:05:41 pm »

Skeebs,

Im scurred for ya. Go-NOW. These symtoms are nothing to fool with. This action takes precedent. There's no reason to wait.

v

Offline phildinftlaudy

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2010, 02:21:35 pm »
Get your arse to the ER! and let us know what is up....  also, quit bending over at the waist  ;)
Seriously, take care of you --

-Phil
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 max123

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2010, 02:23:34 pm »
yeah skeebo... don't make me, gregftl & philinftlaudy come track your ass down and drag you by the dreads to the doc. get boy!
1/86 - 6/08 (annually): neg elisa
7/09: pos elisa/pos wb
8/09: cd4 560, cd4% 35, vl 13,050
12/09: cd4 568, cd4% 33, vl 2,690
4/10: cd4 557, cd4% 29.3, vl 6,440
7/10: cd4 562, cd4% 29.6, vl 3,780

Offline mecch

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2010, 03:28:15 pm »
And the Church Lady adds, "Hmm, didn't you let slip a couple of weeks ago that you aren't all that adherent, the devil making you miss a couple of doses a week, hmmmm?"

- Hoping it's one of those unexplainable things in the end.  Good at least you got rid of the devil's sustiva...
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline Rev. Moon

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2010, 03:29:53 pm »
Skeebus,

Hope that this is nothing serious and that you see the doc promptly. Don't be a butthead about your health.

Keep us posted.
"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

Offline Snowangel

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #10 on: July 26, 2010, 03:36:43 pm »
Skeebo!
I really hope you can get to the ER today, you need to get what you described checked out and please keep us updated!

Snow
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #11 on: July 26, 2010, 03:37:28 pm »

   Thank you all for the concern.  I promise I am going over to Florida Hospital first thing in the morning.  The only thing keeping me from going right this minute is I have both my two and eight year old playing little shadows with me today.  My wife is due back in town tonight, she had to cut a business trip short for this.

Skeebs, a dry cough and persistent low-grade fever are hallmarks of PCP. Don't wait until tomorow morning to go to the ER - GO NOW damn-it!!!

   I'll be honest it's been in the back of my mind dear, oh yes.  

   In the mean time, I will be psyching myself up for the long excursion a trip to the ER usually brings.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline hope_for_a_cure

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2010, 04:22:02 pm »
Well buddy, I am glad to hear you are heading into the Doctor's office tomorrow.  I dont need to reiterate what has already been said to you in this thread.  DONT SKIP ANY MORE MEDS ok? 

Offline OneTampa

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2010, 05:30:39 pm »
Skeebo,

You stop that "chat chat beat a ma gums" and get your butt to the Doctor!

Don't have me channel James and Florida Evans and go upside your head. 

When you feel better and are up to it, let us know how you are after seeing the doctor.

Okay? Okay.
"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

Offline WillyWump

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2010, 06:58:00 pm »


          I have to admit I have been really bad in regards to keeping up on the HIV...    To be honest I don't know if this regimine is working all that great because no labs were ever done since the switch. 

Skeebs, Skeebs, Skeebs, Come on man! Now get your skinny ass into the doc tomorrow, and then get back on track with your labbies.

*shakes finger at Skeebo*

Hoping all is well, keep us posted of course.

-Will
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline mpositive

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #15 on: July 26, 2010, 07:50:22 pm »
Yo Skeebs!

I just PM'd you and then I see this.  Brother, you gotta take care of this now man.  Don't mess around....the world needs Skeebo healthy and happening in good form!  Get to it!

Offline Jeff G

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #16 on: July 26, 2010, 08:04:31 pm »
Take care of your self Skeebs . I kind of like having you around here .
HIV 101 - Basics
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Offline Nestor

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #17 on: July 26, 2010, 09:26:03 pm »

Good luck!  I hope you'll be fine. 
Summer 2004--became HIV+
Dec. 2005--found out

Date          CD4    %       VL
Jan. '06    725    25      9,097
Nov. '06    671    34     52,202
Apr. '07    553    30      24,270
Sept. '07  685    27       4,849
Jan. '08    825    29       4,749
Mar. '08    751    30     16,026
Aug. '08    653    30       3,108
Oct. '08     819    28     10,046
Jan '09      547    31     13,000
May '09     645   25        6,478
Aug. '09    688   30      19,571
Nov. '09     641    27       9,598
Feb. '10     638    27       4,480
May '10      687      9    799,000 (CMV)
July '10      600     21      31,000
Nov '10      682     24     15,000
June '11     563    23     210,000 (blasto)
July  '11      530    22      39,000
Aug '11      677     22      21,000
Sept. '12    747     15      14,000

Offline Hellraiser

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #18 on: July 26, 2010, 09:47:08 pm »
You may not be, but I am.  You know as well as I do that we should all be hyper vigilant about any changes in our health.  The fact that you skipped labs after changing meds makes me want to take a plane down there and kick you.  Anyway, if it does turn on to be PCP I have plenty of Mepron you can have.

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #19 on: July 27, 2010, 12:05:50 am »


     I am sure by this time tomorrow I'll be reporting nothing but good stuff guys,  I feel it in my heart.  I appreciate all the nice stuff being said about me, kinda hits that little spot in my throat like when I smoke really good herb.  Thank you all for your concern and all of the PM's as well.  If the news is good, I'll wipe the sweat away.... and if it's bad maybe I'll share why I'm not really sweating it.

    But, for the time being, it's nothing but positive thoughts.  I know it will be ok.

    (((HUGS))) to all.  I finally got the girls to sleep, and now it's my turn for some much needed rest for my long day tomorrow.

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

Offline leatherman

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #20 on: July 27, 2010, 12:19:42 am »
I have plenty of Mepron you can have.
now, now. Aren't YOU supposed to be taking that?
You really shouldn't have any leftovers to share  :D
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline WillyWump

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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #21 on: July 27, 2010, 12:29:19 am »
    I have plenty of Mepron you can have.

Umm, is this an indicator that you fell off the Mepron wagon again?

-W
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Hellraiser

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #22 on: July 27, 2010, 12:40:41 am »
I was joking,  good luck tomorrow skeebo, i'll be thinking about you while I'm in a monkey suit talking about all my virtues to people who want to throw money at me.

Offline TabooPrincess

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #23 on: July 27, 2010, 04:27:04 am »
Hope it goes ok today, keep us posted!! *hugs*

Taboo
09/ 2008 - Seroconversion
11/2008 - Tested pos, cd4 640 vl 25400
12/2008 - cd4 794 vl 27798, 35%
03/2009 - cd4 844 vl 68846, 35%
06/2009 - cd4 476 vl 49151, 33% (pregnancy confirmed)
08/2009 - cd4 464 vl 54662, 32%
Started meds for pregnancy (Kaletra, AZT, Viread)
09/2009 - cd4 841 vl 3213, 42%
10/2009 - cd4 860 vl 1088, 41%
11/2009 - cd4 771 vl 563, 38%
12/2009 - cd4 885 vl 151 42%
Discontinued meds after baby born
02/2010 - cd4 841 vl 63781, 38%
05/2010 - cd4 1080 vl 113000, 39%
08/2010 - cd4 770 vl 109242
12/2010 - cd4 642 vl 111000, 34%
06/2011 - cd4 450 vl 222000, 33%
11/2011 - cd4 419 vl 212000, 24%
03/2012 - cd4 280 vl 118000, 26% (repeated Cd4 at 360)
05/2012 -cd4 360 vl 99,190
10/2012 Atripla, cd4 690, vl 80
12/2012 Darunavir, norvir, truvada, Cd4 680, vl u/d
07/2013 cd4 750,ud

Offline max123

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #24 on: July 27, 2010, 11:36:38 am »
hey skeebo,

best of luck to you at the doc's today!
1/86 - 6/08 (annually): neg elisa
7/09: pos elisa/pos wb
8/09: cd4 560, cd4% 35, vl 13,050
12/09: cd4 568, cd4% 33, vl 2,690
4/10: cd4 557, cd4% 29.3, vl 6,440
7/10: cd4 562, cd4% 29.6, vl 3,780

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #25 on: July 27, 2010, 02:38:56 pm »



    I just got back from the ER and it looks like you guys are going to have to suffer still.  Going by what the doctor said everything seems fine, I am suffering from a major sinus infection.  To be honest I didn't know there was such a thing, by level I mean.  I thought it was just sinus infection period.  They did some bloodwork, a chest x ray, and a CAT scan.   The attending doctor was covering for the regular doctor who twisted his knee before I arrived they said..  Why do I mention this?  You guys know my attitude about doctors, so here it goes : he was male BTW, he said he didn't see anything irregular in the bloodwork and my chest x ray was fine. The CAT scan showed I had a "major" sinus infection.

   So everything is cool, right?

   Well going by what the RN said,  makes me feel slightly confused.  The RN came in and told me they were waiting on the x ray results, and for the bloodwork results to be reviewed by the doctor to see if I was going to be admitted.  Ok, so now I'm curious-"Nurse what do you mean?", I asked.  She said my white bloodcells  were 8 and my magnesium was really "low" (1.9?).  No big deal, I'm thinking, we got something that needs to be treated and perhaps an IV to boot. 

  I can do this.  Then she goes on to tell me the EKG is giving some strange reading but nothing too abnormal.  She said my left atrium was showing some irregular beats, and something else was a bit off.  Now...  I pay close attention to peoples' expressions when they speak to me.  I could tell she didn't want to tell me this, perhaps torn is a better word for it.   She goes on to say, "You might be admitted".

  Fuck man, not my ticker!! lol..  figured so because it's been a bane for the men of my family, and only one of us has made it past 50 and I'm the only one who has not suffered a heart attack by the age of 35.  All things considered, all of the men in my family were heavy drinkers ( I don't drink), suffered high blood pressure (mine's low), and high cholesterol (mines low since last checked).

  Sorry for the sidetrack, gotta give you guys the whole deal... especially after smoking to relax my nerves.  So... we wait for the doctor and he finally comes in with the sinus infection augmentin crapola horseshit (horseshit being the noun)!

   C'mon man, I already don't trust you fuckers and you're a guy too?  Fuck me lol.  So, of course, I ask dude about the labwork.  Oh, nothing really... just a "terribly major" sinus infection.  WHAT!?!?!  What in the hell is a terribly major sinus infection, anyone know?  "Oh, and your deviated septum isn't helping Thomas", he added...  Which is when I had to interrupt once again with, " what about my EKG?"  He said nothing abnormal showed up and I could go home now...  So that was my trip to the ER.  I wonder how much this is gonna run me.

   On a bright note, my wife said she is going to make me a nice appointment with a local doctor, and her name is Kendra. ;D

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

Offline Inchlingblue

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #26 on: July 27, 2010, 02:55:20 pm »
A bad sinus infection can cause dizzy spells especially if it moves over to the ears.

It's good to hear things are not too bad.

I didn't know you have a thing about male doctors.

Not to lecture but . . . u gonna stop smoking? Don't you wanna be around for the girls?

When do you go in for your HIV labs?

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #27 on: July 27, 2010, 03:05:19 pm »
A bad sinus infection can cause dizzy spells especially if it moves over to the ears.

It's good to hear things are not too bad.

I didn't know you have a thing about male doctors.

Not to lecture but . . . u gonna stop smoking? Don't you wanna be around for the girls?

When do you go in for your HIV labs?

I guess it makes me a sexist in a way...  It just seems with all the women doctors I've had they always had a tendency to be very direct and to the point.  Plus the medication they prescribe me always seems to be the correct one for my ailments.  Oh and also, they correctly diagnose my torn mcl instead of checking my VL..  lol.   In all seiousness, I really joke about it... it's not a big deal, I don't mean to offend anyone.

Inch, my wife is on me about the cigarettes as well.  I want to stop.  It is so difficult to do though, crack was much easier.

I am getting my labwork done tomorrow.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #28 on: July 27, 2010, 03:12:46 pm »
Frankly, though I didn't say it publicly, the first thing I thought reading your OP was a silent heart attack and now that I read your family history issue I thought I'd bring it up.  I'm still unclear on whether they're ruling this out completely.

I'm sure all of those joints don't help with your sinus problem.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #29 on: July 27, 2010, 03:22:14 pm »
Frankly, though I didn't say it publicly, the first thing I thought reading your OP was a silent heart attack and now that I read your family history issue I thought I'd bring it up.  I'm still unclear on whether they're ruling this out completely.

I'm sure all of those joints don't help with your sinus problem.

Yeah, mom in law said the samething... about the silent heart attack, I mean.  I'm going to see my ID doctor in two weeks, but I am going to call him so he can request all the information from the hospital.  I might have shared with you guys before that my ID doctor told me to get a family doctor for regular issues, which I thought was odd at the time.  I never did it, but will be doing so now like I mentioned above.

I don't snort mah weed. ;)  And Bob Marley says it's good for you.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline phildinftlaudy

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #30 on: July 27, 2010, 03:50:35 pm »
Hey Skeebo -
Glad to hear you went to the ER.  Sinus infections can do some funky things - my brother actually had a killer toothache and went to the dentist only to be told there was nothing wrong with his tooth and that it was a sinus infection.

I still think you might want to follow up regarding the EKG and lab work. 

My ID doc had me get a regular PCP (Primary) doc.  She said they are available and on-call more often then she is.... When I had my swollen lymph nodes the other day I saw my ID doc - but if she wouldn't have been available, I would have called the PCP.  I just kind of am learning to gauge it out.  My co-pay is lower for the PCP also.

In regards to the bill you are going to get - make sure you see if your hospital up there has a "charity care" program or other financial assist available....

When I was on my hospital's program here, before private insurance, I only had to pay for the ambulance ride ($700 for a 3-mile ride and an IV and mini-EKG on the way there).

Stay on top of the health stuff man - whether they got you seein' a boy doctor or a girl doctor  ;D
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 hope_for_a_cure

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #31 on: July 27, 2010, 04:20:37 pm »
Sounds like you had quite a morning... thanks for the update and I would bet that you will sleep very well tonight. 

Offline max123

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #32 on: July 27, 2010, 04:37:11 pm »
skeebo,

glad to hear that your back home. regarding the sinus infection, yeah it can cause vestibular signs (balance/gait) if severe enough. but...the arm weakening & chest pain that you had described really doesn't sound connected to that. this remains especially compelling since the nurse herself advised you of some existent ekg abnormalities and you have your recent & family histories. left atrial/cardiac issues can also cause dizziness and numbness in the arm. low serum mg can cause pseudo-neuro issues...but 1.9 isn't all that horrible. perhaps all this shouldn't have been so quickly dismissed by dr. fill-in. did you get copies of your ekg? did they do a troponin level testing? maybe you can call the nurse and ask her to confirm what she had told you...there's always a chance that the er doc saw the ct scan, made a diagnosis on that alone & didnt even look at your ekg or looked at the wrong one. given the sheer fact that their responses were such polar opposites and due to your symptoms, it does beg further investigation. honestly, better safe than sorry bro. good luck with all in whichever way you decide to address this.

max
« Last Edit: July 27, 2010, 04:51:25 pm by max123 »
1/86 - 6/08 (annually): neg elisa
7/09: pos elisa/pos wb
8/09: cd4 560, cd4% 35, vl 13,050
12/09: cd4 568, cd4% 33, vl 2,690
4/10: cd4 557, cd4% 29.3, vl 6,440
7/10: cd4 562, cd4% 29.6, vl 3,780

Offline GSOgymrat

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  • HIV+ since 1993. Relentlessly gay.
Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #33 on: July 27, 2010, 04:48:50 pm »
I'm no doctor, and could be totally off the beam, but have you considered asking you PCP about whether a cardiac stress test might be indicated?

Offline WillyWump

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #34 on: July 27, 2010, 09:32:05 pm »
The numbness is whats worrisome in all this, and I dont see how it could be related to a sinus infection (I could be wrong)

An EKG will not necessarily disclose a heart attack. I too am really curious as to whether they ran a Troponin blood test to see if you had a heart attack. Did you disclose your concern of a heart issue to them specifically? and disclose the numbness symptoms? If you did this would most likley have prompted the Trop test. Hmmm, Mayby they did test it but it came out fine and you were not advised specifically of it.

I hate to be an alarmist, but this just seems like a clusterfuck of conflicting info, you really need to see if something else is going on here. Glad your going to the doc for follow up :)

-Will
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Hellraiser

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #35 on: July 27, 2010, 09:37:09 pm »
and you're a guy too?  Fuck me

I see only what I want to see.  Glad you're doing okay skeebs, don't go having a heart attack on me or I'll be all kinds of pissed at you.

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #36 on: July 27, 2010, 09:53:15 pm »
Hey Skeebo -
Glad to hear you went to the ER.  Sinus infections can do some funky things - my brother actually had a killer toothache and went to the dentist only to be told there was nothing wrong with his tooth and that it was a sinus infection.

I still think you might want to follow up regarding the EKG and lab work. 

My ID doc had me get a regular PCP (Primary) doc.  She said they are available and on-call more often then she is.... When I had my swollen lymph nodes the other day I saw my ID doc - but if she wouldn't have been available, I would have called the PCP.  I just kind of am learning to gauge it out.  My co-pay is lower for the PCP also.

In regards to the bill you are going to get - make sure you see if your hospital up there has a "charity care" program or other financial assist available....

When I was on my hospital's program here, before private insurance, I only had to pay for the ambulance ride ($700 for a 3-mile ride and an IV and mini-EKG on the way there).

Stay on top of the health stuff man - whether they got you seein' a boy doctor or a girl doctor  ;D

  The problem with me Phil is I was spoiled down on 36st and Biscayne by one Dr. Elena Castro.  To top of her good bedside manners she was extremely easy on the eyes, just a real latin princess with one of the best....

  So yeah, I am going to get me a PC doc to look into this a little further.  

skeebo,

glad to hear that your back home. regarding the sinus infection, yeah it can cause vestibular signs (balance/gait) if severe enough. but...the arm weakening & chest pain that you had described really doesn't sound connected to that. this remains especially compelling since the nurse herself advised you of some existent ekg abnormalities and you have your recent & family histories. left atrial/cardiac issues can also cause dizziness and numbness in the arm. low serum mg can cause pseudo-neuro issues...but 1.9 isn't all that horrible. perhaps all this shouldn't have been so quickly dismissed by dr. fill-in. did you get copies of your ekg? did they do a troponin level testing? maybe you can call the nurse and ask her to confirm what she had told you...there's always a chance that the er doc saw the ct scan, made a diagnosis on that alone & didnt even look at your ekg or looked at the wrong one. given the sheer fact that their responses were such polar opposites and due to your symptoms, it does beg further investigation. honestly, better safe than sorry bro. good luck with all in whichever way you decide to address this.

max

  They did test my troponin levels and it came back normal.  From my understanding, please correct me if I am wrong, would the test have given a more accurate reading if it was done on Sunday, when the symptoms occurred?  Also, if this was PCP wouldn't the chest x ray have shown something?  

   Thanks Max

I'm no doctor, and could be totally off the beam, but have you considered asking you PCP about whether a cardiac stress test might be indicated?

   It's definitely something that I should consider.  I definitely need to start paying more attention to other portions of my health (besides HIV) now that I'm in my forties.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #37 on: July 27, 2010, 10:05:48 pm »


    I just got back from the ER and it looks like you guys are going to have to suffer still.  Going by what the doctor said everything seems fine, I am suffering from a major sinus infection.  To be honest I didn't know there was such a thing, by level I mean.  I thought it was just sinus infection period.  They did some bloodwork, a chest x ray, and a CAT scan.   The attending doctor was covering for the regular doctor who twisted his knee before I arrived they said..  Why do I mention this?  You guys know my attitude about doctors, so here it goes : he was male BTW, he said he didn't see anything irregular in the bloodwork and my chest x ray was fine. The CAT scan showed I had a "major" sinus infection.

   So everything is cool, right?

   Well going by what the RN said,  makes me feel slightly confused.  The RN came in and told me they were waiting on the x ray results, and for the bloodwork results to be reviewed by the doctor to see if I was going to be admitted.  Ok, so now I'm curious-"Nurse what do you mean?", I asked.  She said my white bloodcells  were 8 and my magnesium was really "low" (1.9?).  No big deal, I'm thinking, we got something that needs to be treated and perhaps an IV to boot. 

  I can do this.  Then she goes on to tell me the EKG is giving some strange reading but nothing too abnormal.  She said my left atrium was showing some irregular beats, and something else was a bit off.  Now...  I pay close attention to peoples' expressions when they speak to me.  I could tell she didn't want to tell me this, perhaps torn is a better word for it.   She goes on to say, "You might be admitted".

  Fuck man, not my ticker!! lol..  figured so because it's been a bane for the men of my family, and only one of us has made it past 50 and I'm the only one who has not suffered a heart attack by the age of 35.  All things considered, all of the men in my family were heavy drinkers ( I don't drink), suffered high blood pressure (mine's low), and high cholesterol (mines low since last checked).

  Sorry for the sidetrack, gotta give you guys the whole deal... especially after smoking to relax my nerves.  So... we wait for the doctor and he finally comes in with the sinus infection augmentin crapola horseshit (horseshit being the noun)!

   C'mon man, I already don't trust you fuckers and you're a guy too?  Fuck me lol.  So, of course, I ask dude about the labwork.  Oh, nothing really... just a "terribly major" sinus infection.  WHAT!?!?!  What in the hell is a terribly major sinus infection, anyone know?  "Oh, and your deviated septum isn't helping Thomas", he added...  Which is when I had to interrupt once again with, " what about my EKG?"  He said nothing abnormal showed up and I could go home now...  So that was my trip to the ER.  I wonder how much this is gonna run me.

   On a bright note, my wife said she is going to make me a nice appointment with a local doctor, and her name is Kendra. ;D


Tom, I was going to ask you if you have sinus and inner ear infections. I knew I didn't have PCP and I was diagnosed with sinusitis and inner ear infections. I had the dizziness and had trouble walking and controlling my left arm for two weeks. All is fine now.. It's kind of scary when you think you might have had a stroke.

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #38 on: July 27, 2010, 10:08:48 pm »
Did you disclose your concern of a heart issue to them specifically? and disclose the numbness symptoms? If you did this would most likley have prompted the Trop test. Hmmm, Mayby they did test it but it came out fine and you were not advised specifically of it.

I hate to be an alarmist, but this just seems like a clusterfuck of conflicting info, you really need to see if something else is going on here. Glad your going to the doc for follow up :)

-Will

  Willy, when I walked into the ER telling the triage nurse my symptoms I was immediately seated in a wheel chair and taken back.  Within 15 minutes they had already taken blood and giving me 4 children's chewable aspirin.  By the 20 minute mark I was hooked to the EKG and a portable x ray machine brought directly in the room, of course, then straight to the CAT scan.  I think they were treating this like a cardiac issue, I was impressed with that actually.   In defense of them, I fucked up by not going on Sunday.  I was in Tampa and didn't want to go to an out of town ER, especially if I might be admitted.

   I know it's not the smartest of choices, but if it happens again I won't make the same mistake twice. And, I am definitely going to get this looked into further. :)  Thanks bromie...

  
I see only what I want to see.  Glad you're doing okay skeebs, don't go having a heart attack on me or I'll be all kinds of pissed at you.

  Thanks Trey.

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

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #39 on: July 27, 2010, 10:12:36 pm »
Tom, I was going to ask you if you have sinus and inner ear infections. I knew I didn't have PCP and I was diagnosed with sinusitis and inner ear infections. I had the dizziness and had trouble walking and controlling my left arm for two weeks. All is fine now.. It's kind of scary when you think you might have had a stroke.

I actually had an ear infection last weekend, well I know my ear ached I mean.  I thought this was a stroke on Sunday to be honest.  It was just weird.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #40 on: July 27, 2010, 10:18:04 pm »
I actually had an ear infection last weekend, well I know my ear ached I mean.  I thought this was a stroke on Sunday to be honest.  It was just weird.
I know, it scared the hell out of me. It was like my left leg had a prosthesis on it when I walked and having to use my right arm for everything. If I had had to do a sobriety test I would have flunked.

Offline max123

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #41 on: July 27, 2010, 11:06:02 pm »
 
  They did test my troponin levels and it came back normal.  From my understanding, please correct me if I am wrong, would the test have given a more accurate reading if it was done on Sunday, when the symptoms occurred?  Also, if this was PCP wouldn't the chest x ray have shown something?  

   Thanks Max

   It's definitely something that I should consider.  I definitely need to start paying more attention to other portions of my health (besides HIV) now that I'm in my forties.

hey skeebs,

yeah man, no sweat.

thats great news that the troponin test was neg. actually, had you gone in on sunday, you likely would've been admitted for overnight observation with another 2 blood draws to give a 3 series test result, which comparatively measures an acute trop rise. fact that your levels are normal now is good because if you had suffered an actual heart attack your trop level would still be up. but, that result is not definitively saying that there's no cardiac issue (like an electrical conduction disturbance or valve insufficiency). it's just saying theres no evidence of cardiac muscle damage at this time.

yes, the chest xray likely wouldve shown pulmonary infiltrates, so the neg reading on that is good as well.

bottom line is follow up with your pcp, as planned. again, better safe than sorry & the key is prevention ;)
1/86 - 6/08 (annually): neg elisa
7/09: pos elisa/pos wb
8/09: cd4 560, cd4% 35, vl 13,050
12/09: cd4 568, cd4% 33, vl 2,690
4/10: cd4 557, cd4% 29.3, vl 6,440
7/10: cd4 562, cd4% 29.6, vl 3,780

Offline steps

  • Member
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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #42 on: July 28, 2010, 05:43:01 pm »
I too have had dizzy spells and double vision when taking combivir and viracept which was changed more then  year ago to reyataz with truvada and norvir however those meds cause sever body chills and muscalar weakness. One question concerning meds you maybe taking.
Are you experiencing any nasal drainage or ear drainage and or a stuffy clogged ear problems?
If you are a smoker (of which i am) smoking can increase this feelings however some meds cause extreme increasing in this effect which can cause dizzy and or muscaular weakness mostly in the legs and back.
If expereincing nasal and or ear clogged feeling of dizzyness try talking to your doctor about the meds you are taking and in the mean time use a nasal rinse as well as cleaning of the ears this may help a great deal. Assicated ear and nasal problems related to meds is not all that un-common.
I wish you very much luck i hope i have helped in someway.
Aidsmeds.com is an excellent place to investigate meds related problems try also to look at studies of the meds you are taking and keep a log of when your problems happen such as how soon after taking your meds and when the effects start to fade this usually if meds related happens within the last two hours before the next dose as far as the effects beginning to fade.

Offline Robert

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #43 on: July 28, 2010, 06:28:02 pm »
hi thomas.

glad it's just a scare.  But beware.  Recurrent respiratory infections are already problem with people like us (HIV/AIDS)  but even more so for you because of the chronic pulmonary disease that runs in the family.  My family is history-free of anything remotely related to heart problems but already I've experienced a couple of mild heart episodes (I'm not saying they were 'heart attacks'....that seems too dramatic), one at home and one at my Dr's office which kinda freaked her out.  She was reading the results of an EKG (?) she had just ordered because of my complaining of shortness of breath.  What she saw alarmed her and she wanted to put me in the hospital overnight for observation but I told her she couldn't because I had 6 dogs in the car waiting for me. She gave me a prescription for nitro glycerin instead.  It turns out I have Primary Pulmonary Hypertension which is a constricting of the vein that takes oxygen depleted blood into one chamber of the heart.  From there the blood goes to the other chamber of the heart, gathers the oxygen I've just breathed in and then back out to the rest of the body (something like that or at least that's how I understand it.)  The pulmonary specialists says it's HIV related.

That's my story.  I was never 'scurred' though because i just knew my lady Dr would take good care of me and she did....robert
..........

Offline RapidRod

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #44 on: July 28, 2010, 06:34:24 pm »
hi thomas.

glad it's just a scare.  But beware.  Recurrent respiratory infections are already problem with people like us (HIV/AIDS)  but even more so for you because of the chronic pulmonary disease that runs in the family.  My family is history-free of anything remotely related to heart problems but already I've experienced a couple of mild heart episodes (I'm not saying they were 'heart attacks'....that seems too dramatic), one at home and one at my Dr's office which kinda freaked her out.  She was reading the results of an EKG (?) she had just ordered because of my complaining of shortness of breath.  What she saw alarmed her and she wanted to put me in the hospital overnight for observation but I told her she couldn't because I had 6 dogs in the car waiting for me. She gave me a prescription for nitro glycerin instead.  It turns out I have Primary Pulmonary Hypertension which is a constricting of the vein that takes oxygen depleted blood into one chamber of the heart.  From there the blood goes to the other chamber of the heart, gathers the oxygen I've just breathed in and then back out to the rest of the body (something like that or at least that's how I understand it.)  The pulmonary specialists says it's HIV related.

That's my story.  I was never 'scurred' though because i just knew my lady Dr would take good care of me and she did....robert
You are in luck Robert.  http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/viagra-and-pulmonary-hypertension

Offline littleprince

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #45 on: July 29, 2010, 04:10:33 am »
It seems that the moral of the story is to wait until you are really sick before going to the ER then you get great service.  :)

After i started HAART I ended up with IRIS after a bout of PCP (you gotta love all the HIV acronyms). I started having trouble breathing and let it go for a few days (ok, a week). After telling the ER nurse that I couldn't breathe, just got out of hospital for PCP and my immunity level was almost non existent she put my in my own little waiting room (away from all the germ infested sick people). 5 minutes later a wannabe ID doctor (ie a young ER Dr sick of treating people with a common cold all day) turns up and and starts running tests.

best service i've ever received in an ER. Sure better than sitting in a waiting room for 8 hours.

Offline Queen Tokelove

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #46 on: July 30, 2010, 07:50:40 am »
I am just glad that it was nothing major, Skee. But now I have future reference of who to run to when something ails me, which isn't often but still. And remember never put off tomorrow what you can do today....*smooches*
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #47 on: July 30, 2010, 11:24:50 am »


    The antibiotics are really doing wonders for me.   I'll be honest, I don't think I've ever had a sinus infection before.   Especially starting this morning, I've really noticed how the fatigue I was experiencing has lifted.  It feels good to wake up with energy as opposed to feeling unrested.  I got my labs done, so I should know where my numbers stand within 3 weeks.  I also have an appointment with a new family doctor to look into the other issues to be on the safe side.  Perhaps after she reviews the ER information she can steer me in the right direction on who else I need to see if it's necessary.

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

Offline Jeff G

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #48 on: July 30, 2010, 11:38:25 am »

    The antibiotics are really doing wonders for me.   I'll be honest, I don't think I've ever had a sinus infection before.   Especially starting this morning, I've really noticed how the fatigue I was experiencing has lifted.  It feels good to wake up with energy as opposed to feeling unrested.  I got my labs done, so I should know where my numbers stand within 3 weeks.  I also have an appointment with a new family doctor to look into the other issues to be on the safe side.  Perhaps after she reviews the ER information she can steer me in the right direction on who else I need to see if it's necessary.




Sinus infections can make you feel dreadful and hurt all over . I had one for over three years when my cd4 count went up and my doctor took me off bactrim that I had been on for over 10 years . I am back on bactrim and have not been sick for the last year . Its good to hear you are on the mend .
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Offline OneTampa

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Re: I'm not scurred....
« Reply #49 on: July 31, 2010, 10:17:37 am »
I can vouch for an inner ear infection being the cause of dizziness and weakness.  I posted here several years ago about a sudden onset of dizziness, the inability to walk forward and turn my head to the side at the same time, and bend at the waist without feeling like I was going to fall down.  I was admitted to the hospital. I also threw up and had diarreha. The Doctors thought it was food poisoning.  Since my ear ached as well, I disagreed with the Doctors and suggested an inner ear infection.  Turns out, it was an inner ear infection.  They gave me antibiotics and after a short stay in the hospital, I stabalized and was sent home--feeling great.

So, Skeebo, I am so glad you are doing well.  

Take care.
« Last Edit: July 31, 2010, 10:19:52 am by OneTampa »
"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

 


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