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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: next2u on September 03, 2010, 12:41:13 pm

Title: night one
Post by: next2u on September 03, 2010, 12:41:13 pm
so here's my post. things have been fucked ever since vegas. finally popping back up, mostly for selfish reasons.

tonight's the night. i'm a little scared. work is hectic, school is unknown and finances have not been kind. my viral load has sky rocketed and my cd4s have plummeted. i have my $1500 bottle of 30 not so small pills waiting in my medicine cabinet.

i have a friend who is supposed to come over tonight but i think im going to cancel. lord knows ive put enough substances in my body over the last decade. i should be able to handle this. i'm really worried that ill become incapacitated and no longer able to provide for myself. i live alone and have fought most of my battles with the support of a remote and distant circle of wonderful friends.

i know i have to start soon and im sure tonights the night. sorry that my thoughts are so scattered, my mind is all over the place and im really fucking overwhelmed right now.

thanks everyone who have posted their first few days on atripla. ive been reading and following your stories.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Inchlingblue on September 03, 2010, 12:46:04 pm
It really should be fine, these meds work wonders.

Are you covered as far as being able to get refills? Insurance or ADAP or somerthing?
Title: Re: night one
Post by: phildinftlaudy on September 03, 2010, 12:58:20 pm
Hey Next -
I'm sure you'll do great on the Atripla - for most (myself included) the side effects are very minimal and most subside within a couple weeks of being on it.  It still can create some initial anxiety when getting ready to "pop" that first one.  Stay in a positive frame of mind  - as much as possible.

We got your back.

Let us know how its going.

-Phil
Title: Re: night one
Post by: leatherman on September 03, 2010, 03:39:38 pm
i'm really worried that ill become incapacitated and no longer able to provide for myself.
:D umm, The meds are your friend ;D  The meds keep the HIV from replicating out-of-control as it has been without meds. So taking the meds will keep you from being afflicted by (and perhaps dying of) some nasty opportunistic infection, so that you can continue to provide for yourself.

best wishes!
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Assurbanipal on September 03, 2010, 04:20:43 pm
You'll be fine -- just take them on an empty stomach.  And to make sure the dreams are good, reread this thread.
  ;D
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=5747.0

Let us know how it goes...
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 03, 2010, 09:40:12 pm
fuck, like 3 more hours.

damn, for the rest of my life.

damn, for the rest of my LONG life : )

i hope this works. trying to stay positive about this.

newbie, thanks for the ims....

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: newbieguy on September 03, 2010, 10:30:38 pm
You will be fine, keep us informed.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 03, 2010, 11:10:52 pm
@ newbie - lol. i am a bit of a drama queen. i hope my story will be similar to yours and not some of the horror stories ive come across. people are always more motivated to post and complain than post and praise.

an hour or so left. my appetite is so fucked up. i will force myself to eat again now so i won't be hungry at 11. i guess ill have to start regulating that as well.

about to open the bottle of pills and fill up the pill case my pharmacy gave me (for free mind u!).

im also curious about when i can smoke my next bowl. aint that some shit  ::)


best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Matty the Damned on September 03, 2010, 11:12:05 pm
C'mon D, take the fucking pills.

Then smoke your cone.

Then pass the bong to Matty. :)

MtD
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Rev. Moon on September 03, 2010, 11:15:13 pm
Just swallow it hun. We know that you know how to  ;D

Don't be a triflin' drama queen  :P

And you can take your toke right after, you're gonna be so dizzy that you won't even notice.

Best of health.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 03, 2010, 11:19:04 pm
Jesus, enough drama -- just make a damn video and post it on youtube.  NOW THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 03, 2010, 11:38:19 pm
You'll do great! Newbie knows:  He just went through the same thing and came through with all the charm of a float in a Macy's parade!  Take the damn pill and be well!  The longer you wait, the older you get and the more you let those little boogers get a grip on you , the  harder it will be.  Tonight is hubbies 959th Atripla.  If they were all wadded together in one ball wouldn't that be the equivalent to him swallowing a Bull Moose?  :o You've  got some catching up to do. the first few days may be goofey but they will get better!
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 04, 2010, 12:58:13 am
yo, my peeps. thanks for all the luv. it is done. now its time to see what happens.

its been all of 1 minute, lol. the first pill for the rest of my life right?

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: leatherman on September 04, 2010, 01:06:26 am
the first pill for the rest of my life right?
until you get older and have high cholestrol, or high blood pressure and have to take those pills every day. :D Or, ick, diabetes and have to give yourself injections every day.

Lordy, there are worse things than one Atripla a day.  :D hmmm, like 4 azt pills every 4 hrs night and day, or 28 pills and 8 tablespoons of liquid norvir a day. thank god the 90s are done and gone.

now go think happy thots and have some awesome dreams tonite. ;)
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 04, 2010, 01:25:17 am
man, you old skoolers are something else. yeah, i know it is a lot better these days and i am grateful for that. nothings happened yet, its been all of 30 minutes. my tummy is a lil grumbly but outside of that still good.

my friends have been calling as well : )

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 04, 2010, 02:55:56 am
uggh, i cant sleep and feel exactly the same 2 hours later.
hmm, might as well find some good porn. if i wake up feeling normal tomorrow i will celebrate in 2 ways...
1. no work for tomorrow, only playing
2. pot, smiles and spreading love to all my people.

if i wake up feeling whatever than ill just spread love  :P
Title: Re: night one
Post by: komnaes on September 04, 2010, 03:17:11 am
I have the feeling that we will be receiving hourly update of your love spreading.. ;)
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Ann on September 04, 2010, 07:12:10 am

if i wake up feeling whatever than ill just spread love  :P

Just make sure that's all you're spreading! ;D

Hope you woke up feeling fine.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 04, 2010, 07:32:28 am
Have a DEE LIGHT FULL DAY!
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 04, 2010, 08:35:52 am
klonopin is mommy's little helper
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 04, 2010, 11:18:31 am
i know it is only my first day on atripla but damn, some of the stuff i read really had me worried. about 2 hours after my first pill i started to wonder if i really did party harder than the rest cause i wasn't feeling anything (where's that drunken feelin?).

i woke up. feel like i did yesterday. hmm, i hope the rest of the week is like this.

things felt a little surreal last night. no vivid dreams. things were a bit surreal during the hypnagogic stage of sleep but nothing close to disorienting. i have partied a lot in my day so that may contribute to my perception of nothing. and i also have a very positive outlook on life and things so it takes a lot to induce and maintain a bad trip.

i'm great. walked around the apt. no loopy feeling, no headache, no nausea, no upset tummy. i even jacked off twice last night waiting to fall asleep. figured if i was gonna have a vivid dream i was gonna be a mutha fucking porn star!

lol, thanks everyone. i guess its time to spread the love (and yes ann, it will only be love, lol). here's hoping the next few days are exactly the same.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Hellraiser on September 04, 2010, 11:26:27 am
i know it is only my first day on atripla but damn, some of the stuff i read really had me worried. about 2 hours after my first pill i started to wonder if i really did party harder than the rest cause i wasn't feeling anything (where's that drunken feelin?).

i woke up. feel like i did yesterday. hmm, i hope the rest of the week is like this.

things felt a little surreal last night. no vivid dreams. things were a bit surreal during the hypnagogic stage of sleep but nothing close to disorienting. i have partied a lot in my day so that may contribute to my perception of nothing. and i also have a very positive outlook on life and things so it takes a lot to induce and maintain a bad trip.

i'm great. walked around the apt. no loopy feeling, no headache, no nausea, no upset tummy. i even jacked off twice last night waiting to fall asleep. figured if i was gonna have a vivid dream i was gonna be a mutha fucking porn star!

lol, thanks everyone. i guess its time to spread the love (and yes ann, it will only be love, lol). here's hoping the next few days are exactly the same.

best,
d

I know this is difficult but when we said "It's really no big deal" we meant it. Is this the end of the drama festival D?  Love ya!
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 04, 2010, 11:28:50 am
shit no, what kind of triflin hoe would i be without drama????

im so heart broken this guy i was supposed to date did not call me back. i don't know why he treats me so bad. i hope he calls, i think i like him a lot  ::)
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Hellraiser on September 04, 2010, 11:32:33 am
shit no, what kind of triflin hoe would i be without drama????

im so heart broken this guy i was supposed to date did not call me back. i don't know why he treats me so bad. i hope he calls, i think i like him a lot  ::)

If a guy doesn't call you, then he's not worth YOUR time, got it chica?
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 04, 2010, 11:45:22 am
oh trey, lol. thanks.

guess i should go smoke a bowl.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Ann on September 04, 2010, 12:00:06 pm
no loopy feeling, no headache, no nausea, no upset tummy.

Well mate, you know what they say, where there's no sense, there's no feeling. ;D ;)

Glad things went well for you. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if being a seasoned garbage head helped. (I used to be one of those too) :D
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 04, 2010, 12:45:18 pm
Please, not more endless dating drama.  At this point I suggest you become a priest.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: weasel on September 04, 2010, 12:46:44 pm


 Hey next2u ,
                   It was Nice meeting you !

    Please  take your pills and know you will be well .

     Please  DO NOT READ THE INFO ON THE BOTTLES  :o

    It does no one any good to  worry about  things that MAY  never happen

     Most likely will NOT happen !

   I've  been on meds  6  years now , I was lucky to go  18 years  plus   without  meds .

     But i take them  , and  have moved on .

   It took me   almost four years to get over taking my pills   :-[

   Your young and full of energy  :)   

    Be well my friend !

                                                                          Weasel

    P.S.   I got your P.M     :-*
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Jeff G on September 04, 2010, 12:48:31 pm
Please, not more endless dating drama.  At this point I suggest you become a priest.

No No , not a priest ... think of the altar boys .
Title: Re: night one
Post by: newbieguy on September 04, 2010, 06:34:54 pm
Hope your doin ok on the atripla, a week ago i thought it sucked majorly and not in a good way but now a little more than a week later I feel great and dont even have any side effects!
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 04, 2010, 09:43:26 pm
Hope your doin ok on the atripla, a week ago i thought it sucked majorly and not in a good way but now a little more than a week later I feel great and dont even have any side effects!

Wonderful news! Have a great weekend!
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 05, 2010, 12:43:48 am
almost time for the second one. will take it a bit later tonight. my appetite has been fluctuating and i ate a bit later in the evening. my last meal was at 3pm yesterday and i took the pill at 10pm, today my last meal was at 915 pm and ill take the pill at 1115 pm.

i ended up spending most of the day in bed and i had a slight headache for about 15 min. can't attribute it solely to the atripla. i napped a lot today and that makes me drowsier than usual. my liquid consumption was off and my first meal was hours later than normal. ended up eating once in a 24 hour period. now ive had 3 good meals in meal.

so far, so good.

best,
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 05, 2010, 12:46:41 am
can we eat after we take out meds. what about the nightlife? sometimes i eat at 2 in the morning. can i eat at 2 if i have meds at 10?

can i have coffee in the morning?

what about beverages with calories? are there thresholds or guidelines?

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: phildinftlaudy on September 05, 2010, 12:52:09 am
Hey D-
Everyone reacts a little different - but I don't have a problem eating after I take it - and I always have my coffee in the AM - -- actually the coffee helps offset some of the grogginess.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: jkinatl2 on September 05, 2010, 02:02:18 am
everyone is different. Some people take pills an hour after eating, others guzzle them with wine or bourbon. You will discover (the hard way, trust me) which works for you.

For me, I keep a six pack of slim-fast or Ensure nutritional supplement in the fridge. When I neglect to take a dose and it is the middle of the night, guzzling one of those usually ensures (pun intended) that I will digest them both. Also, fiber. Caplets, stuff you put into water, whatever. FIBER. Helps avoid the explosive runs, in my opinion.

Your mileage may vary. But I have been on everything from AZT monotherapy to almost every first line. first-edition HIV med out there.

Best of luck. You will find what works for you.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Ann on September 05, 2010, 07:56:41 am

what about beverages with calories? are there thresholds or guidelines?

D, it's not about calories, it's about fat content. Foods that are high in fat are the usual culprits in enhancing Sustiva side effects.

Saying that, not everyone is affected by eating (or drinking). My partner drinks whiskey all evening, then goes home and has a big meal and goes up to bed and takes his Sustiva then. No problem.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Inchlingblue on September 05, 2010, 11:06:35 am

Saying that, not everyone is affected by eating (or drinking). My partner drinks whiskey all evening, then goes home and has a big meal and goes up to bed and takes his Sustiva then. No problem.

But isn't he also on a lower dose than what is typically prescribed?
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 05, 2010, 01:27:33 pm
Hubby used to get VERY drunk if he ate before or after taking the Atripla. Anything with protein in it such as his favorite egg sandwiches, barbequed chicken or ham made it MUCH worse.  Went on for about a year.  Now he eats all night as he always had and it never affects him.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Hellraiser on September 05, 2010, 02:47:53 pm
No No , not a priest ... think of the alter boys .

"Well there's this one altar boy tommy and he hasn't called in 3 days.  I think his parents may have grounded him but I'm so terribly upset if he really loved me he'd find a way!"
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Jeff G on September 05, 2010, 02:56:27 pm
"Well there's this one altar boy tommy and he hasn't called in 3 days.  I think his parents may have grounded him but I'm so terribly upset if he really loved me he'd find a way!"


You don't get love from Altar boys , you take it .
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 05, 2010, 04:30:43 pm
seriously, you all have no idea. i had another date today go up in smoke! i don't know what im gonna do.

i took my meds at 11 pm last night and did not fall asleep until 6. so im up all night and a lot of shit crosses my mind. like, do i have to sleep after taking this? why am i supposed to take this before bed time? when can i eat again?

i did smoke some pot and that was the only substance beside the atripla in my body.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Matty the Damned on September 05, 2010, 04:33:28 pm
seriously, you all have no idea. i had another date today go up in smoke! i don't know what im gonna do.

i took my meds at 11 pm last night and did not fall asleep until 6. so im up all night and a lot of shit crosses my mind. like, do i have to sleep after taking this? why am i supposed to take this before bed time? when can i eat again?

i did smoke some pot and that was the only substance beside the atripla in my body.

best,
d

Well you could try reading the Atripla Lesson. (http://www.aidsmeds.com/archive/Atripla_1577.shtml)

Y'know, for the hell of it.

MtD
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 05, 2010, 04:36:11 pm
seriously, you all have no idea. i had another date today go up in smoke! i don't know what im gonna do.


Why don't you try being single if dating is so traumatic for you.  If you ask me it seems you're wearing a "kick me" sign on your back, yet you know you're wearing the sign and actually enjoy it.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: northernguy on September 05, 2010, 04:56:33 pm
Glad to hear your initiation into the Atripla fraternity has been relatively easy.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 05, 2010, 06:25:53 pm
Sleep is a common problem. there are PILLS for that! Some people who don't have issues with Atripla have even done well taking it the morning. Just depends on how it affects you. You should schedule enough tricks to have an orgy. then if one doesn't show you will still have someone to say your rosaries with. ::)
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Jeff G on September 05, 2010, 06:39:28 pm
Sleep is a common problem. there are PILLS for that! Some people who don't have issues with Atripla have even done well taking it the morning. Just depends on how it affects you. You should schedule enough tricks to have an orgy. then if one doesn't show you will still have someone to say your rosaries with. ::)


This is exactly what we need more of here , practical advice  :-* .
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 05, 2010, 09:10:29 pm
i'm a big fan of practical advice. thanks. ill go do my hail marios...
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 06, 2010, 12:39:39 am
there you go, Hail Mario, he might be the one! ;)
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Ann on September 06, 2010, 10:10:34 am

But isn't he also on a lower dose than what is typically prescribed?

True. But therapeutic drug monitoring has shown that even with the lower dose (200mgs instead of 600mgs) he has the same amount of Sustiva in his blood as a person on the higher dose. That's why they lowered his dosage - his particular metabolism put too much Sustiva into circulation in his body. And it made him absolutely fucking nuts. Not so much now.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 06, 2010, 01:01:32 pm
morning 3. still doing fine. have had a lot of energy day 2 & day 3.

my bottle says efavirenz 600 mg; emtricitabine 200 mg; tenofovir 300 mg.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Granny60 on September 06, 2010, 09:52:40 pm
Sustiva is the "brand" name of Efavirenz.   1 of the 3 components is Sustiva ( Efavirenz)  600 mg.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: northernguy on September 07, 2010, 02:14:56 am
Look on the bright side - getting accustomed to a more regular eating schedule is not a bad thing.  Eating late at night can be bad for your body (storing fat and all that). 
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 07, 2010, 10:17:31 pm
thanks man, will do.

today was my first day of work on meds. amazingly, work was shittier than the medicated feeling. i did feel a little aloof the first part of the day, cognition and typing was a little spacey.

on the flip side my energy levels have remained high and my appetite has increased. dont know if it is all in my head or not. just happy that it is happening. i mean i have energy all fucking day long : )

too bad their wasnt much fucking during the day  ;D

thanks again for helping push me over the edge.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: WillyWump on September 07, 2010, 10:24:39 pm
thanks man, will do.

today was my first day of work on meds. amazingly, work was shittier than the medicated feeling. i did feel a little aloof the first part of the day, cognition and typing was a little spacey.

on the flip side my energy levels have remained high and my appetite has increased. dont know if it is all in my head or not. just happy that it is happening. i mean i have energy all fucking day long : )

too bad their wasnt much fucking during the day  ;D

thanks again for helping push me over the edge.

best,
d

Great to hear this Nexty! But the question is are you getting those rock hard Atripla morning woodies?

-Will
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 07, 2010, 10:27:29 pm
my appetite has increased.

careful, remember your man titties
Title: Re: night one
Post by: WillyWump on September 07, 2010, 10:38:46 pm
careful, remember your man titties

mmmm, something to keep you warm on a cold winter's night.

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/hairy.jpg)
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 07, 2010, 10:40:26 pm
mmmm, something to keep you warm on a cold winter's night.

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/hairy.jpg)

Did you find that at Matt's Apartment?
Title: Re: night one
Post by: phildinftlaudy on September 07, 2010, 10:41:01 pm
mmmm, something to keep you warm on a cold winter's night.

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/hairy.jpg)
I just threw up in my mouth a little
Title: Re: night one
Post by: WillyWump on September 07, 2010, 10:45:41 pm
Did you find that at Matt's Apartment?

LOL, oh no you dint.

Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 07, 2010, 11:14:35 pm
atripla woodies? newbie referenced morning wood but i didn't know it was associated with atripla. another perk?

miss p - my man titties look nothing like those and you know this. but thank you for reminding a girl that she needs to keep it real. the man titties and beer gut well have to be monitored.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 10, 2010, 05:41:18 am
sleepless again. fucked up long stressful day at work caused me to knock out as soon as i got home. woke up at 10 and took my meds.

im hungry, when can i eat.

trey posted in another thread 2 hours before dosing and 2 hours after. are these general guidelines?

and there are no effects now after dosing. none. zilch. nada.

best,
d
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Ann on September 10, 2010, 06:52:20 am
D, the two hours before/after thing is just a general guideline for people who have the increased side-effect thing from food. Not everyone gets that. Another general guideline is to avoid foods with a high fat content, so perhaps you can have something low-fat closer to dosing time. You'll just have to experiment and find out for yourself what and when you can/cannot eat.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: Hellraiser on September 10, 2010, 12:53:02 pm
sleepless again. fucked up long stressful day at work caused me to knock out as soon as i got home. woke up at 10 and took my meds.

im hungry, when can i eat.

trey posted in another thread 2 hours before dosing and 2 hours after. are these general guidelines?

and there are no effects now after dosing. none. zilch. nada.

best,
d

What I was doing was attempting to trouble shoot someone who was having problems with side effects.  My doctor advised 2 before and 1 after.  I was telling someone to give it a wide berth of 2 and 2.  The side effects diminish with time but it's not like a week, it's more like a couple of months.  They steadily decline but it took me a long time to get to the point where I can eat while taking the meds and not notice the sides.  With that said last night I had the strongest side effects I had had in a while and all because I ate a banana and drank a coke right before taking my meds.
Title: Re: night one
Post by: next2u on September 10, 2010, 09:43:54 pm
a banana & a coke? wow. thank you for the advice. both ann and yourself have made it clear that these are only guidelines and they will vary from person to person.

my atripla side effects have been nil. i am very happy about this and do not want to experience the side effects. i am sure it will happen someday but until then im gonna ride this as long as i can.

i am not a night owl anymore so i'm not worried about eating at night. it's just those rare occasions where i get a ravenous appetite and need food. i'll keep the span at two hours before and two hours after. thank you again for chiming in.

best,
d