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Author Topic: Working and Drug Treatment  (Read 4283 times)

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Offline ds4146

  • Member
  • Posts: 317
Working and Drug Treatment
« on: July 02, 2006, 09:42:57 am »
I was diagnosed in Feburary of this year and my doctor really wants me to start medications. I am resisting for now, but one of my main questions is, will I be able to function and work a normal schedule. I see some of the side effects, and I am worried and a little scared. What is the percentage of people HIV who are able to work once we start meds? Thank you for any input.

Offline Bartro

  • Member
  • Posts: 124
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2006, 10:53:55 am »
I can only speak from my experience.  I started treatment a couple of months ago and haven't missed a day of work.  I started on Sustiva and Truvada.  I take them at bedtime and I guess I sleep through the side effects.  I did have some wild dreams but managed to get enough sleep.  I started the meds right before a three day weekend but it wouldn't have mattered.  I would have been able to work those days if needed.  The only side effect I notice now is about an hour after taking the meds I get real tired.  This has turned out to be a benefit because in the past I've had trouble sleeping. 

I did have some stomach upset in the evenings.  I think this the cause was emotional.  The doctor gave me some mild tranquilizers and the problem stopped.  I don't take the tranquilizers any more.  My nerves have calmed down and I've, for the most part, adjusted to my situation.

If your really worried maybe you should try to get a few days off when you start the meds.  It will give you some time to adjust.  Good luck and best wishes. 
Rusty

Offline Cliff

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,645
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2006, 11:26:53 am »
I was one Truvada and Reyataz (boosted with Norvir) and didn't have any problems working.  That said, there are always side effects and sometimes those may or may not impact work (i.e., diarrhea that can happen).  You just have to work with your doctors/nurses to work around those issues, but I don't think taking drugs, in and of themselves, will mean you can't work.  Each individual is different.

Offline jkinatl2

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2006, 05:49:09 pm »
I think most people here, especially those who are within five years of testing positive, have not had to interrupt employment due to med interactions.

Yes, a few of us have had worst-case situations (SJS, PN, and other dangerous things) and others have experienced CNS problems in both the long and short term. But by and large, it would appear that these problems occur in the minority of patients, and usually people with severely compromised immune systems.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2006, 06:33:00 pm »
Hello,

Prior to starting meds in 2003, I had missed some time from work, due to illness. But since starting on meds,(October of 2003) I don't think that I have missed 3 days . I had very minimal side effects after starting on medication.

You have probably read the following thread, but I will link you to it  just in case. I think a lot depends on the kind of job you have, and how mentally and physically demanding that job is.

I also took a week off after starting on meds (just in case) but, I really didn't need to do that.

CLICK BELOWhttp://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=800.0



Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline AC_72

  • Member
  • Posts: 22
  • Life is what you make it!
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2006, 06:41:00 pm »
DS

Do you mind me asking your CD4 and VL numbers?

Thanks!  :)
Infected:  Feb 2006
Diagnosed:  May 2006
05/02/06:  332,  >500,000 VL
06/22/06:  338,  >500,000 VL
--------><-------
12/01/07:  w/meds <75 VL

Offline Life

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,389
  • Member 2005
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2006, 07:26:27 pm »
6 months (drugs listed) on meds.  80 hour work weeks,  2 jobs, 2 homes, climb, bike and hike and post here.. ;)


Offline ds4146

  • Member
  • Posts: 317
Re: Working and Drug Treatment
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2006, 08:18:03 pm »
In regards to AC 72 question: CD4: 390; VL is 47,214, the concern is that it has tripled in one month. I am not that familar with this site, so if this is not the correct to respond, my apologies, it will al get better. Thank you for all the responses!!!!

 


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