Changing meds & starting a study

[Christine]

Hi Everyone,
A few weeks ago I screened for the GS-9137 study, an integrase inhibitor. It is partially-blinded, so I found out on Monday I was randomized for the non-drug arm of the study. According to the protocol, I have to start a new HAART regime, then after 12 weeks I can start the study drug. So tonight I will start the following: Rescriptor, Hivid, Emtriva, Reyataz, and Norvir. I am trying to be positive about all of it, but I know I am going to spend the next month in the bathroom.

I am stopping the Fuzeon, which I am kinda happy about because I am getting so tired of the needles, and the injection site reactions.

I am just not having a good day today. Our car has to have $400.00 worth of work, it has been raining non-stop and we have a boil-water advisory. I am just sick of all of it, and I want it to go away. And then I feel guilty because there are so many people who do not have access to meds, or a doctor, and here I am being a whiney brat.

It is one of those days where I pray that it would just go away, then I cry because I know it won't. Thanks for listening.
Christine

[jack]

good luck! its another drug adventure. I hate emtriva,but most dont have problems with it.
I was unable to get in a study several months ago because of I wasnt on a three drug regimen. I am now, but one drug is a study drug.

[doyourowndamndishes]

Hi Christine,

good luck with the new combo.  I can't say I have any experience with the first 3 drugs but Reyataz and Norvir I am very familiar with.  Reyataz is a strong drug with little side effects for me.  The great thing about Reyataz is that even though it's a PI, it does not screw up your lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides); Norvir can though.  I switched to Reyataz + Norvir boost from Kaletra because my lipid profile was WAY out of whack.  After the switch, not too much improvement was seen.  When I dropped the Norvir, my cholesterol and tryglicerides immediately dropped way down back into the low healthy range.  Anyway, one thing you may want to keep track of is your cholesterol (both hdl and ldl) and trigs.

Cheers,

Alan

[Christine]

Thanks Alan,
I will keep track of my lipids. The study will cover all labs, so that is a helpful thing.
I am not dealing well with the change. I have been through all this before, but this time it is really scaring me. I did not sleep well last night, but I think it was stress. I kept tossing and turning waiting for a problem.

Thanks Jack,
I sort of feel like this is the last try. I am scared this won't work. And I am scared of the possible side effects.

Thanks again,
Christine