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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: scottieman on August 09, 2012, 12:53:19 pm

Title: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: scottieman on August 09, 2012, 12:53:19 pm
I just tested poz in September of lat year (2011) started on Complera right away and my viral load dropped to UD.  6 weeks ago I had a VL done and it was 75 so the DR wanted me back in 6 weeks to re-test.  Did that Tuesday and got the results today, VL is now 97 but my CD4 is 899 and my % is 35.  Should I be concerned?  He wants me to test again in 6 weeks, thinks I might not be eating enough calories when I take my Complera, usually just a bagel with some peanut butter.  So will be adding a banana to this mix.  Thoughts?
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: LiveWithIt on August 09, 2012, 01:10:17 pm
I would not be worried about a few points up or down.  Your viral load can be in the millions so it still being under a hundred or around that much should not be much to worry over.  Maybe stress or a tiredness led to the numbers going up a little.  Don't let it worry you. 
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: buginme2 on August 09, 2012, 01:28:32 pm
No time to panic.

Could be a fluke.  Could be the test.

If the next test shows your vl above the level of detection a discussion with your doc about changing meds is in order.  Recent study/discussion at AIDS 2012 talked about low level viremia.  Its thought now that low level viremia could lead to a greater risk of failure in the future if you remain on that regimen.  The goal of treatment is an undetectable viral load, if your not reaching that you may need to make a change.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: scottieman on August 09, 2012, 01:50:22 pm
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: newt on August 09, 2012, 07:41:50 pm
400-500 calories please with a decent amount of fat or these drugs don't work.

- matt
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Jmarksto on August 09, 2012, 10:03:40 pm
Thank you all for posting - i start Complera later this month and have been thinking about what to eat with it.  Also - does it mater if you take the pill before or after eating?

Thanks,

JM
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: LiveWithIt on August 09, 2012, 11:43:33 pm
Thank you all for posting - i start Complera later this month and have been thinking about what to eat with it.  Also - does it mater if you take the pill before or after eating?

Thanks,

JM

Normally when they say to take a pill with food you would eat first.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: leatherman on August 09, 2012, 11:49:00 pm
does it mater if you take the pill before or after eating?
"during" is also an option  ;)
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Ann on August 10, 2012, 04:01:35 am
Thank you all for posting - i start Complera later this month and have been thinking about what to eat with it.  Also - does it mater if you take the pill before or after eating?

Thanks,

JM

Complera Meal Options (http://www.complera.com/hiv-treatment-diet/).
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: scottieman on August 10, 2012, 09:08:12 am
I guess I need to be eating more!
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Ann on August 10, 2012, 09:15:09 am
I guess I need to be eating more!

The easy solution would be to take your Complera when you eat your biggest meal of the day. You can start doing it any time you like - you don't have to move your dosing hour by increments or anything like that - a one-off gap of a few hours either way isn't going to be a problem. What's important is that you take it once a day and with enough food.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Rockin on August 10, 2012, 11:08:42 am
That is amusing because my own doctor never said anything about taking the meds with food. Never. Ever.

I'm not saying this to dispute your statements about it, I'm just saying that he never talked about it. I believe you guys.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Miss Philicia on August 10, 2012, 11:28:21 am
That is amusing because my own doctor never said anything about taking the meds with food. Never. Ever.

I'm not saying this to dispute your statements about it, I'm just saying that he never talked about it. I believe you guys.

While I find it negligent and inexcusable for any doctor not to discuss special dosing requirements and possible side effects, the dispensing pharmacy should fully label the bottle with the proper stipulation. If the patient doesn't read the labeling then they're also at fault.

Other than that it's fully explained on the official medication web site, like it would be for any other medication: http://www.complera.com/hiv-treatment-diet/

I would still ask your doctor why this wasn't fully explained to you.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Ann on August 10, 2012, 11:46:26 am

Other than that it's fully explained on the official medication web site, like it would be for any other medication: http://www.complera.com/hiv-treatment-diet/


Same link I gave about eight hours ago.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: LiveWithIt on August 10, 2012, 12:38:49 pm
Walgreens is pretty good about putting stickers on bottles.  They especially should if it's your first time taking it.  Often times when I needed an antibiotic it would have 3 different stickers on them.  Some saying to take it with food if if upsets your stomach and others telling you to stay out of sunlight. 

I agree the doctor should tell you to take Complera with a full meal.  Most full breakfasts lunches and dinners have over 400 calories.   A small hamburger and small fries form McDonalds has more than 400 calories and won't get you full.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Miss Philicia on August 10, 2012, 03:04:10 pm
Same link I gave about eight hours ago.

The internet is not a contest.
Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: Ann on August 10, 2012, 06:48:40 pm
The internet is not a contest.

But I was under the distinct impression that you thought it was? ;D

Title: Re: 2 tests in a row my viral load has increased
Post by: scottieman on September 18, 2012, 11:11:38 am
Well I got my latest test results back today, after 2 months of being above 50 I am back down to an undetectible level VL today was 27 and my cd4 is 989  I had stopped taking my 2 fish oil pills a few months ago, and this month added them  back in and ate a few more calories at breakfast.  I guess it had to be the calorie intake with the Complera, it just wasn't enough.