POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Ihavehope on February 09, 2007, 05:35:52 pm
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OMG. I start my meds tonight.
It is alot scarier than I thought and I am breaking down in tears. I was told that I need to take 4 Kaletra pills and 1 truvada pill a day at the same time. Wow, emotionally I broke down when I opened the bag with the meds and read the warning and side effects. My adherent nurse told me to get my immodium ready just in case. Today HIV became real to me like it hasn't been in the last two months. I am not afraid of the side effects I am just so sad that this is how my life is going to be from now on. I have not cried much but today I found myself crying like never before. I decided to take them at 9:30 pm. I now understand how some of you who have been taking meds for a while feel. This is all new to me and have never been on medication for more than a few days but this is a life-time commitment. I hope my body can resist all these meds for many years. But i do feel weaker today than yesterday so I know it is time to start. Adherence tells me to wait when I am ready, WTF are they talking about when I am ready. I am neva gonna be ready for this I am swallowing them because I have to and their is a virus pointing a gun in my head forcing me to do it. Say a little prayer for this scared man who still feels like a little boy. Damn, if I didn't mature, this definately will make me mature.
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AL,
All I can say is we are here and I know how you feel.... Just relax... let us know how it goes tonight.
Thomas
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Your going to be just fine.... Its that physiological twist that's gotcha.. Quit giving it so much power. Nothing is "forever".. Stop staying forever...... Just today, maybe tomorrow, but not forever.. I am on Kaletra and am doing quite stellarly.. So will you... Look at this as something good and never bad...
Love
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I was in the same boat as you but after the first week of getting used to the routine, it all faded in the background. Taking the meds was like brushing my teeth before bedtime. Just be careful that you don't start thinking every ache is related to the meds. Just be attentive to your body and talk to you nurse if you have questions.
The body is a resilient and adaptable. Just give it time and you'll do fine !!
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Hey Al,
I understand how you feel. Somehow, swallowing that first handful of pills can be a trial.
I remember looking at them, thinking, "Oh Shit!" then throwing them in my mouth. You will do fine with this. It is just that first gulp that's getting you down.
Let us know how the first night goes.
HUGS,
Mark
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Hey Al,
If it's any condolence I will be right behind ya maybe sooner than I had anticipated.
Think of it as taking back control of your life. So far this virus has had control of you and it's time to knock it on it's ass.
And, don't think about those side effects, think about this as you taking the upper hand.
If you cry, you are gona make me cry so you can't. ; )
Did they say you can take those with a good strong martini cause I'm off to the liquor store so I'll be prepared myself. If ya lived near by I'd have you over for a good strong martini.
Will be thinking of ya. Hang in there.
Love,
Wesley
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Hey Al,
If it's any condolence I will be right behind ya maybe sooner than I had anticipated.
Think of it as taking back control of your life. So far this virus has had control of you and it's time to knock it on it's ass.
And, don't think about those side effects, think about this as you taking the upper hand.
If you cry, you are gona make me cry so you can't. ; )
Did they say you can take those with a good strong martini cause I'm off to the liquor store so I'll be prepared myself. If ya lived near by I'd have you over for a good strong martini.
Will be thinking of ya. Hang in there.
Love,
Wesley
Oh Wesley you are such a cutie. I wish you were closer as well so I can make out with you and make me feel better. I actually do feel these meds will save my life and I will get use to them, but I didn't realize it was 5 pills plus bactrim a day. I guess there has been so much talk about the one pill a day that I figured it would be like taking a multi-vitamain and wouldn't really even think about it, but 5 pills a day is kind of hard to forget what it is for.
Wesley, if you decide to go on meds start when your docs says it's time and you feel it's time. Being ready, is such a cliche because no one really wants to do this but when you know the time is clicking then you know it's time. I was suppose to wait 2 weeks more for the new doc but said F*uck it, at 200 I should had started months ago, my CD4 counts need to catch up.
To everyone else who has responded to my thread, thank you so much, tonight at 9:30 when I am swallowing those horse orange and blue pills I wil imagine you all holding my hand and telling me "you can do it"
Love, Al
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Hi Al - I think I understand how you feel. I'll be in the same place next week and I already feel a lot of what you're going through. I love everyone's comments to you so far and your thread has helped me a lot. I don't want to give advice, especially since i won't start meds until next week or so, but I can tell you that ever since I was diagnosed in November 06, when I have been on the verge of tears I just let it out. After the waterworks were done, I felt better (for a bit anyway).
In your (and Wesley's since he out the thought in my mind) honor, I will toast your new beginning this evening with a nice strong cocktail. I agree with him, you and we all will take control of this disease in many ways and one of the most effective is starting meds (at least in my mind). Good luck. I will be sending you positive thoughts!
JP
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Hey Al.
Good luck with your meds. I know it can be daunting swallowing them for the first time, but you'll get used to them. I've only been on meds for 16 months now, but I can safely say that I no longer think about it when I take them. I grab them, swallow them, and go about my evening, or jump in bed and sleep soundly. The first few weeks on meds wasn't as carefree, and I spent far too long on the toilet throwing up from both ends! LOL. But I hung in there and glad I did. The alternative to not taking my meds is not an option I'm willing to consider at least for another 40 or 50 years.
Let us know how your meds go Al, you will be fine.
Matt
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Hang in there babe!!! it is a huge change, you have made it this far, and you WILL go to the next step... if you have nausea, try cutting up fresh lemons and smelling them, i know it sounds weird, but it helps.. also... if you have exploding ass.. try Gatorade lemon lime... it is gentle, and keeps you from dehydration..
one love!!!
lisbeth
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Hey Al,
Lis is right I had forgotten about the lemons. It really does work.
Ginger ale also used to help me when I first started, especially since mine are taken on an empty stomach.
Just a little "just in case" advice.
HUGS,
Mark
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Hey Al,
Well, let's all toast to your new and improved health. Blue and Orange? Don't they come in any better colors or did they choose those for you because your a Denver Broncos fan? ; )
Frankly, I think just being done with the anxiety will be reason enough. Won't it be nice to finally get off the emotional roller coaster as well?
Ah, you are so sweet. Well, if ya were near by I'd come over and snuggle up with ya for the nite so since I can't just pretend I am. ;)
Love ya,
Wesley
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today is my 18th day on meds. Like yourself, I was scared shitless...and the first night was not too good. But..ever since then... things have been amazingly predictable. For me it was the fear of the unknown to side effects. Albeit I'm still very early into meds, they've been kind. One day at a time dude.
~jordon
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Hang in there! I started Kaletra last May and had some of those same thoughts. I was fortunate and never had those side effects. I hope you understand that you take 2 of them at a time...twelve hours apart. The one Truveda either goes with the morning dose or the evening dose of Kaletra. I know that can get confusing too....I used pillboxes.
I am off Kaletra because it ran my triglycerides too high. Last night I started Atripla and had some of your same thoughts too. It is better today and hopefully will keep getting better. I know this is a big step for you, but hopefully you will learn what most of us have learned...the meds, while strong, really improve our health. I hope your adjustment time will be brief.
Gary
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Hey there...
Meds aren't much fun, but hang in there. There will come a day when you won't think about it so much.
Good luck tonight, and may you be one of the lucky ones who have no side effect. Here's hoping you come back with "so, what's the big deal, anyway."
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Think about the people in dialisys that have to go to a hospital 2 times a week and spend 3 hours each time conected to one of these machines in a depressing room like the one in the picture and you will feel much better. Their only choice is a transplant and that also requires meds forever.
You should be happy because it is 2007 and you belong to the 3% of the people with HIV that are receiveing treatment in the entire world.
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Think about the people in dialisys that have to go to a hospital 2 times a week and spend 3 hours each time conected to one of these machines in a depressing room like the one in the picture and you will feel much better. Their only choice is a transplant and that also requires meds forever.
You should be happy because it is 2007 and you belong to the 3% of the people with HIV that are receiveing treatment in the entire world.
Well said Blond.
Al, yes taking meds can be a bitch, but be positive - in more ways than one. You might not suffer any of those horrible short term side affects and in just a short time you will feel better your CD4 will begin going up and you will become undetectable. That is what is important. I started meds almost a year ago and now it is routine. I even chuckle everytime I feel up my pill box. Like blond said it could be so much worse.
You'll be fine,
Woods
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it's scared straight!
yeah meds sucks and was pist when my doctor told me it was almost time to start treatment. you told me i had years!! it's been years was his reply although i was thinking 5 to 10 not 2 to 4 years after my diagnosis. shit i hope they come up with other treatment options soon. it sucks being positive and it sucks taking meds and things could always be worse.
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I never to this day have read the side effects thing. My first DR in 84' always used to ask me "Have you read the SCARE sheet?" I never did.
I guess I have always been one of those who "trusts" the science of it all. I figure Dr's and drug companies, who have more brains and billions of $$$ will know more then I ever could.
By doing this, I get less stressed, and could concentrate on the mental aspect and emotional aspect of HIV.
It does get easier my friend. It just takes time, so please be patient.
I love the way you are so honest with your feeling. It takes allot of courage to share this with all of us. For that reason, I know you will do better then most!
Hang in there and stay strong, I know you will.
In Love and Support,
Jeff
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Al,
The reality of having HIV really hits you when you take the step to start HAART. Each pill is a literal reminder. But, you know what? Once you get into the habit it eventually becomes just another everyday occurrence. My cell phone alarm goes off at 9:30 AM and PM and I'm usually there with a pill in one hand and a glass of rubbing alcohol in the other... never switch, never worry.
I hope everything goes well and your side effects are minimal if there are any at all! It can happen! I take 1 horse pill twice daily (it contains 3 drugs) but the initial side effects were quite mild. It's never bothered me again.
Good luck!
Boo
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thank you guys for your lovely thoughts and encouragement. 1 hour more before I loose my med virginity. I am shaking, but I know it's for my own good. I am at my mother's now and leaving soon but I wanted to have a nice meal b4 I swallow them.
. I hope you understand that you take 2 of them at a time...twelve hours apart. Gary
Hey I thought the same thing but my adherence nurse and the pharmacist told me I can take them all at once because I am treatment naive. They both said the pharm company is recommending us to take them at once. I hope I am doing the right thing.
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Good Luck with taking your meds tonight. I know when I take my diabetic meds, they have to be spaced 12 hours apart. How many pills are you taking? Or did I lose something in translation?
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Al,
I am on Kaletra and take two twice a day...12 hours apart. You need to check that out...never heard of taking 4 all at once.
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Good Luck with taking your meds tonight. I know when I take my diabetic meds, they have to be spaced 12 hours apart. How many pills are you taking? Or did I lose something in translation?
Total of 6 pills until my CD4 counts reach 300 then I can eliminate 1 pill which is bactrim. According to adherance and the pharmacist I should take all 4 kaletra at one time once a day along with the truvada. All 5 pills at once. It sounds very scary to do this all at once but that is what I was told. Oh my goodness.
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I took the pills already. it took me 4 minutes to swallow them all. I'll let you guys know how it went
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Get ready for.... a let down (hopefully). The most you'll experience is a slight headache and a lot of tummy grumbles.
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When I first took the pills, I was waiting for something to happen. I stood still for an hour....and nothing happened. I was waiting for some kind of side effects...and nothing. Three years later still nothing...
You'll be fine babe...
HUGE HUG going out to you!
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When I first took the pills, I was waiting for something to happen. I stood still for an hour....and nothing happened. I was waiting for some kind of side effects...and nothing. Three years later still nothing...
You'll be fine babe...
HUGE HUG going out to you!
I know what you mean Marco. I am sitting still just observing my body. lol. I am pretty sure nothing bad is gonna happen but the body is probably asking itself, "WTF is going on here? who invited these chemicals inside" I feel bad for my body for having to put up with this but I guess I'm the boss. I am heading to bed now. Thanks for your reply. Ciao babes.
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Hi Al,
Sorry I missed the pre-med party! If you were going to imagine all of us there holding your hand, I was thinking you could imagine sitting on my lap surrounded by your friends here while we cheer you on-1 pill at a time!!!
Ok since I missed that, now just pretend we're all in your bed waiting to snuggle up with ya!!
I hope you're in for that letdown. Hopefully , you'll start feeling better and a little more energetic. Convince your mind that you ARE the boss, and you just started the war!!
Love and sweet dreams,
Paul
Edited because you changed your Avatar~ cute little baby pic-
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mmm....thatz odd....i take 2 in the morning & 2 @ night w/ the truvada. might b easier to break it up. just a suggestion.
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Hello there Mr. Starting Meds,
There is nothing tougher than anticipation, especially since we always seem to anticipate the worst. You are not alone on your journey. You have been through a lot recently and looking at those pills is a very concrete reminder of what we all have to live with. You got us on your side. Keep us up-to-date. You are going to do well.
Luv and support,
Drew
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Not to worry, if anything, it'll be minor. Something along the line of gas or bloating or diarrhea. Nothing major; just inconvenient. I sure hope I ain't wrong on this.........
as with this hardass virus & treatments, reactions all over the boards.
(Crying Baby Avatar: what an ugly f**king child! I know you've been experimenting with differing avatars lately but this one is a bust. :D)
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Good luck with it all. Be strong!!
I am not on meds yet ao i can feel your fear of the unknown to a degree. I will pray 4 u/..
Hugs
B
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He bro,,,
How did it go?
For me, I felt nauseous for about 1.5 weeks, and it went away. Now I take my pills in the morning, with my breakfast and multi vitamin.
At night, I take antioxidants and other more specific vitamin pills along with my yellow Mepron.
You look all grown up already =)
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Good morning Al....I hope your night was uneventful
(((HUGS)))
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Al,
To echo what Nadine wrote, I hope your night was uneventful too.
Anyone who is on meds knows how you feel plus one other fact besides:
Pills are not the enemy. HIV is the enemy. These pills are going to help you keep that enemy in check. Please put away the long lists of potential (not guaranteed) side effects, okay?
Daniel
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Alas, I won't hold your hand. If you're lucky, I won't slap you silly and say "Take your medicine!" Maybe, if I sat on your chest and force fed them to you. Grrrrrr! Stop whining and swallow those pills!
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hope it went well for you. i'l probably be joining you soon, waiting on latest labs.
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AI, See you woke up and guess what... The battle is raging and it is in your favor... ;)
Jeff, Kaletra / Truvada or Epzicom have been approved by the FDA as a once a day dosing for treatment naive patients. 2/3 & higher of those on this regimen have successfully achieved <50 suppression in the first two months of therapy and sustained it..
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hi hope,
Wished I could hold you tight and just say : you will be fine.
I started meds in 1995.. still remember how I got mad at the doctor for telling me I had to start.
I felt like I really took a turn for the worse then .
Well, guess what? I am still around and take my meds. And yes, every change of meds brings some incertitude about the side effects.
As a long time survivor, let me tell you this : you may very well feel nothing at all after a couple of days.
My present regime has no side effects whatshowever, so...
Just take a deep breath, look up to the sky and take a dive...
Hermie
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Can't add much to what everyone here has said but you'll do fine. The first week probably will be the worst is over. Soon you'll be slamming those pills down like a pro pill popper.
Tom
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Hope things are going OK with you. Keep us posted, we're here for you.
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We're all sending you good thoughts.
Quit reading the long list of side effects! You'll be waiting for every one of them.
I find that the Truvada keeps me up at night. I try to take it before 1pm then I take the rest of my pills after a big meal in the evening.
I've been taking Truvada with Boosted Reyataz (2 weeks or so) and have had very minor side effects. (only a little yellowing)
Just relax and don't dwell on the negative. ;)
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Thank you folks for your support and concern. It feels a bit surreal having to be on meds when 3 months ago I was dancing drunk at my cousin's wedding, who would have known I was positive and on meds 3 months later. Life is full of surprises. Anyway back to the topic.
Right before I swallowed the pills I got on my knees and said a little prayer. At 9:35 pm I took the first truvada and then the 4 kaletra. I stayed still for about 30 minutes as if I was waiting for something to happen. Then I decided to pop in a DVD (family guy and Ali G show) and watched it while I layed on my bed. 1 hour later I felt a slight headache and my stomach kinna growling and felt very sleepy. I think my body needed rest so I closed my eyes and was knocked out instantly at 2:30 am I woke up and started farting alot, excuse my language and wanted to pee, again at 4:00am wanted to pee, 6:00am wanted to pee and then at 8:00 am I felt like I needed to do the number 2 in the potty and everything looked normal. So I guess the first night went well. I feel a bit of a headache going on now and slightly warm all over my body as if my body went through a war. my legs and chest feel very warm but it doesn't feel like a fever. So it went better than I expected. YAY! hopefully the rest of the week will be the same. The peeing was because I drank so much water with the pills. I must admit that I did felt my body was warm, like a fever was coming on the day before yesterday which made me feel weaker and that is why I decided to start the meds. I think nurses/docs can tell you 2 weeks don't make a difference to start meds but I knew my body needed help fighting so I started. I am glad I made the decision and even if I get minor side effects in the next few days I know I made the right choice. I slept like a baby thinking of all ya'll who wished me happy thoughts naked with me. ;)
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Glad to hear it went ok for you. It's human nature to be fearful of what will happen and the thought of being on something for the rest of your life is incredibly daunting. I started my meds 2 days ago and I sat on my bed with the pills in my hand with a sort of 'this is the first day of the rest of my life' thought in my head. And I've been ok, no side effects to speak of. The Sustiva makes me feel stoned after an hour or so but that's why they recommend taking it before bed I guess. And it's hardly the worst side effect, I've paid good money in the past to get stoned ;)
Good luck and hoping you stay side effect free
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Good for you Al, for overcoming your anxiety!
Fear of the unknown is probably near the top of the list of all fears right after fear of public speaking.
Daniel
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Good luck
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I may have talked to soon. After eating some pizza and chicken i feel nausea and a big headache. Any advice?
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Heya, glad to see you made it through the night in one piece.
Hmm, pizza and chicken? That combo doesn't sound so hot, but I've heard that ginger is commonly used to help prevent nausea! You can buy it at any grocery store in a variety of forms, most popular is the dried sugary candy kind.
So try that! Or maybe some pot? ;)
I'm hoping I get that stoned effect London guy talked about. Hell, maybe I will have to get some good weed ahead of time just so I have some entertainment and it's probably good for preventing nausea. Course, after I get the munchies I'd be wanting to come over for that pizza and chicken ;)
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I may have talked to soon. After eating some pizza and chicken i feel nausea and a big headache. Any advice?
Pot... ice cubes.... mints... pot followed by mint ice cream ... heh
I do have some advice for real. You ARE starting some pretty heavy meds. Your tummy is probably not going to be too cooperative for a bit. Try staying away from the pizza and chicken and maybe eat something a little friendlier to the digestion. You will be able to eat them again... but take it easy my friend.
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Hey mi amigo,
Disculpa de llegar a tu anuncio un poco tarde, pero me alegro que hayas empesado tu tratamiento y que no te sientas tan mal. I am glad to be here for you, and am glad to have your support. You are going to be fine!
Suerte valiente!
rob
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Hey Al,
You've been MIA and I just wanted to check up on ya. We have not had any update since that pizza and I wanted to make sure you are alright?
Well, just thought I'd try once more before I went to bed cause I was thinking bout ya.
Wesley
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I had mild nausea with kaletra but I learned how to manage it (bagels! - bland carbs always settle my stomach).
I'd just tell myself the nausea was my body's way of saying WTF? Give it a few weeks for your body to adjust and see where you're at.
I bet you'll be in a routine - less stressed - and feeling much better by then...
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I'm glad you made it through your first night alright. I really have nothing to add because I am not on meds for hiv yet. Maybe some crackers and ginger ale for the upset tummy. I'm sure it's a side effect that will eventually go away. Hope you're feeling better.
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After eating some pizza and chicken i feel nausea and a big headache.
Al,
Perhaps a touch of mild food poisoning? If the headache and nausea persist, you might want to have yourself checked. Best case scenario, you're over them today.
Daniel
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Al,
It may be of little consolation to you. But when we only had AZT, back in the early nineties, I was nauseated ALL DAY LONG for over a year.
I remember I had to watch TV, get really involved in the plot of a movie and then stuff some food inside of me.
That was the only way to eat.....
Not to talk about the terrible musclepain AZT caused....
Knowing that none of the actual regimes is that harsh on you may ease your mind..
keep posting and drink a lot of water.
Hermie
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good morning sexy peoples
I woke up and feel pretty good. no nausea or diahrea(crossing my fingers) and the nausea for the pizza and chicken was because it was damn greasy and would have happened anyway. lolz. I feel pretty good. I slept last night like a baby and did not wake up once. WOW, I have not slept this good since October. I really hope things don't go downhill from here if things only improve from here on then I had almost no side effects. I think a positive attitude helps ALOT. Last night (day 2) I took them at the same time and felt my body real warm from my feet to my stomach and closed my eyes and went to bed early and said ok meds "i am gonna close my eyes now and go to bed and you do what you have to do, kill the muthafucking virus and kill it good" and didn't wake up till 8:30am. YAY!!!!!!!!!! I woke up and went to the potty and I actually had a nice looking poo. We'll see how it goes. But for those who are thinking about meds, don't worry so much.
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LOL,
Glad to hear your good news. You whole tone sounds better too and I hope the worst of it is over for ya.
Wesley
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I'm glad things are working out with the meds. Since you are being so descriptive on your poo, I have actually developed a visual....Thanks for that!.... :P
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good morning sexy peoples
.... and I actually had a nice looking poo.
I am still amazed at the transition from "sexy peoples" to "nice looking poo"
Seriously, glad you are doing well. :-)
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Hi,
i am new to the forum. Posted for the first time earlier today. I have been reading your posts and wanted to ask how you were doing. Sending positive wishes and all the best.
Lisa (morethanpoz28)
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Hi Lisa
Thanks for your good wishes.
So far I am doing well. The only minor side effect I have had in these past three days is a bit of nausea but it goes away quickly. I hope things continue to be good and better.
Welcome to the website.
Al
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Hey Al,
Glad to hear you are doin' well (as well as well is for us). Keep on truckin' and don't let life bring ya down. You can always take a vacation in Sunny CA if ya want to visit (although we had some rain today).
rob
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You know Al, it took me over a year to get used to taking these things. I'd look at all five pills + my strattera for ADD and loperamide for the diarhea that I experienced and it was all I could do to force it into my mouth.
But you know, I finally realized that I was building an obstacle in my head to continuing my meds. So I talked to another HIV positive friend of mine about how he takes his meds and that helped me to relinquish that "spell of misery and sorrow" I was putting on myself. Next I also figured out that... DAMNIT, I HATE WATER!!!! I know were supposed to have 8 glasses a day, etc, but I was raised on Coca Cola, Hawaiian Punch and the like and forcing myself to drink a full glass of water with these unnatural beasties was just as unnatural to me. So i switched and now take them with juice or some other flavored drink.
All of this has made me much more cool with taking my meds and being adherent at least the target 95%.
Basically, just make it become a more natural thing for yourself to do every day. make it part of your daily "routine". Hang in there, ya just gotsta get used to it! :)
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i know im gonna get in trouble for this....but i vote for weed. would have never made it w/out it!
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lol. i hear ya.
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hey al,
it's weird how human minds think and react to things that happens in their lives.
20 days ago i was browsing the UAE gaydar page to find the hottest and most suitable guy to hook up with. 20 days later here I am browsing and reading stories of people "like me" having something different, having a BURDEN OR A SECRET for the rest of their earthy lives.
There are so many common things between you and me. first we both have the same age and from what i read we are both crying babies ;D . I always considered myself as a baby, and i always managed to make people around me happy.
the way you right is the way you live FREE
I am happy you didn't have any side effects. and i will let you know when the time will come i will be holding those pills in one hand and saying goodbye to my normal life.
Be strong, be wise and welcome to the MANLY land. and keep smiling because from what i am seeing in the pic you have a nice smile :-*
lifechanging2007@hotmail.com
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HI Al, I've been thinking about you and how you were doing while I was away. I'm happy to see you're doing ok. Fight those f**ckers!
me
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hey al,
it's weird how human minds think and react to things that happens in their lives.
20 days ago i was browsing the UAE gaydar page to find the hottest and most suitable guy to hook up with. 20 days later here I am browsing and reading stories of people "like me" having something different, having a BURDEN OR A SECRET for the rest of their earthy lives.
There are so many common things between you and me. first we both have the same age and from what i read we are both crying babies ;D . I always considered myself as a baby, and i always managed to make people around me happy.
the way you right is the way you live FREE
I am happy you didn't have any side effects. and i will let you know when the time will come i will be holding those pills in one hand and saying goodbye to my normal life.
Be strong, be wise and welcome to the MANLY land. and keep smiling because from what i am seeing in the pic you have a nice smile :-*
lifechanging2007@hotmail.com
Hey fellow cry baby
Thanks for reading the thread. Yes I am the biggest wimp in New York but I cover it up very well. Starting meds is a big step, something that you can not turn back to but it will save your life when you need it. Having a CD4 count of 200 and if there were no meds available like the situation in 80's I would probably not expect alive in the next couple of years or less. Thankfully, it's a bittersweet situation, we have good medications that supress the virus but we need to take them for the rest of our lives. I was soooo scared to start meds because of all the things I read online and to be honest I am still scared but since I been on meds for one week and have had no side effects I can tell you that the beginning went better than expected. I am still not singing and dancing and eating sushi and celebrating with a Martini glass my victory but I am confident that it won't be so bad. I was hoping to be on sustiva to have them vivid dreams and feel like I am high but I guess things happen 4 a reason. So if you need to take meds soon try to stay focus on the positive effects of the drugs and keep to a minimum your fears.
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See? I've said this before, this is one of the problems with HIV and the internet combination. People will (naturally) tend to post their negatives, less so with their positives or lack of side effects... or just that they were fairly minimal. We all gravitate to the horror stories.
So you've not even had to pop immodiums at all? That's good. I was taking 10/day when I was on Kaletra, but then I'm the human diarrhea factory.
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See? I've said this before, this is one of the problems with HIV and the internet combination. People will (naturally) tend to post their negatives, less so with their positives or lack of side effects... or just that they were fairly minimal. We all gravitate to the horror stories.
So you've not even had to pop immodiums at all? That's good. I was taking 10/day when I was on Kaletra, but then I'm the human diarrhea factory.
Hey Philly
Yes, I was pushing my doc to give me the darn precription so I could start the medication. For being a wimp I admire myself sometimes because when it comes to making serious decisions or fighting I can be a lion. My doc thought I was being sarcastic but I told her that if I already had an AIDS diagnosis then I have nothing to wait for and I wanted to start NOW.lolz.
My doc then told me "You are the first person I know who wants his prescription now" "You realize there may be side-effects to the meds that can alter your daily routines right? You realize that you have to be on meds for the rest of your life and once you start you can't stop" I told her yes to all and then I told her "You know if you don't give me my prescription soon I will have a nervous breakdown and end up in the hospital" I feared the PCP and OI's than the side effects of the meds. So anway I only suffered from diahrea on the fourth day and it went away. My bowl is a little softer than normal but it isn't diahrea.
I don't fast-food nor at reastaurants and cook my own food fully cooked because I don't trust anyone and left the alcohol in October completely. I am not contributing my success to this but I am sure it is helping just a little. I wouldn't be surprise thought if my cholesterol goes up in my labs because I have been eating alot. I think Nutrition plays an important part in the way your body handle toxicity. Anyway I encourage those people who are doing well on meds with minimum side-effects to write their experiences on the website. Most of the threads I read about meds were negative comments so I was full of fears about it all, but everyone is different. Things can change this week and I can be on Imodium as well but so far the first week has been uneventful. I was more afraid of the diahrea because the nurse told me that those taking kaletra once a day had a 56% chance from suffering from diahrea than those taking the pills twice a day (32%). I drink only water and once in a while some juice. I also make sure I don't have stress and sleep my 8-10 hours.Those of the newbies and those thinking of starting meds need positive experiences so I hope no one takes my thread as me trying to make anyone feel bad if they suffered horrific experiences. I too have had my share of bad news so not all of my HIV experience has been a walk in the park and I have many many years to see what these meds will do to me but so far so good. I hope it stays this way. Good luck to those who are starting soon.
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Hi Al,
I know how you feel. I tried meds many, many years ago and tried them for a short time 10 years ago, now I'm on them again. I know, I know why the gaps?
It seems like my body is able to keep the HIV in check. Though I've been borderline full blown for almost 19 yrs my counts haven't fluctuated much.
I just decided to go on meds again, knowing that this time I'm staying on them. After all these years, dealing with friends taking meds and such, seeing my lover of 10 years getting sick a short time after taking his meds. It scared the hell out of me that I'm going on them again.
I learned one thing many, many years ago DO NOT LOOK AT THE SIDE EFFECTS ON THE PAPER BEFORE TAKING THE MEDS! It can create a psychological problem since every ache, pain or something as routine as sneezing will make you think you are having a problem. THEN if you think you may be having a problem, tell it to your nurse or a friend and have that friend look over the side effects on the patient information leaflet.
Unfortunately for me, I knew what most of the side effects were for the meds I just started this past Friday (2/16/07) since Louie's been on so many of them.
I too just wanted to cry when I first took them. I take them about an hour before going to bed so if I get nauseas it'll happen at night instead of when I'm at the hairsalon working on a customer.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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I remember (only a year ago) when my clinic gave me the prescriptions for my meds. I got them filled and then called the clinic back to make sure I was supposed to start taking them. I guess I was in denial.
By the way, don't worry about the Bactrim; they'll take you off of it when your cd4 cells go up. You're lucky - I have to take my meds TWICE a day!
Sam
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it's good to hear your doing well on your meds. I am not that new here but i dont post often, thanks for all your post and keep up the good attitude.
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Hey Philly
Yes, I was pushing my doc to give me the darn precription so I could start the medication. For being a wimp I admire myself sometimes because when it comes to making serious decisions or fighting I can be a lion. My doc thought I was being sarcastic but I told her that if I already had an AIDS diagnosis then I have nothing to wait for and I wanted to start NOW.lolz.
My doc then told me "You are the first person I know who wants his prescription now" "You realize there may be side-effects to the meds that can alter your daily routines right? You realize that you have to be on meds for the rest of your life and once you start you can't stop" I told her yes to all and then I told her "You know if you don't give me my prescription soon I will have a nervous breakdown and end up in the hospital" I feared the PCP and OI's than the side effects of the meds. So anway I only suffered from diahrea on the fourth day and it went away. My bowl is a little softer than normal but it isn't diahrea.
I don't fast-food nor at reastaurants and cook my own food fully cooked because I don't trust anyone and left the alcohol in October completely. I am not contributing my success to this but I am sure it is helping just a little. I wouldn't be surprise thought if my cholesterol goes up in my labs because I have been eating alot. I think Nutrition plays an important part in the way your body handle toxicity. Anyway I encourage those people who are doing well on meds with minimum side-effects to write their experiences on the website. Most of the threads I read about meds were negative comments so I was full of fears about it all, but everyone is different. Things can change this week and I can be on Imodium as well but so far the first week has been uneventful. I was more afraid of the diahrea because the nurse told me that those taking kaletra once a day had a 56% chance from suffering from diahrea than those taking the pills twice a day (32%). I drink only water and once in a while some juice. I also make sure I don't have stress and sleep my 8-10 hours.Those of the newbies and those thinking of starting meds need positive experiences so I hope no one takes my thread as me trying to make anyone feel bad if they suffered horrific experiences. I too have had my share of bad news so not all of my HIV experience has been a walk in the park and I have many many years to see what these meds will do to me but so far so good. I hope it stays this way. Good luck to those who are starting soon.
Hey Al and Philly,
This commentary is so true. My gut feeling is the VAST majority of those on meds don't come here to share their positive experiences as well. Great Point. With over 1 million in the US, there are only 5000 on here so I don't think there is an accurate representation from those who have no side effects at all.
On a personal note I've been all anxious and haven't even called my doctor yet today because I fear the bad news and now will be facing my own prescription. I wish more would share the good news as well.
Thanks Al for continuing to update on your experiences.
I'm calling to find out now, so glad I read this.
Wesley
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My doc then told me "You are the first person I know who wants his prescription now"
I've read a lot of posts about the horrors some people experienced with early regimens, etc. and can understand that where an individual has a bad reaction to one medicine, they may be hesitant to try another. But, I'm still amazed how pervasive the avoiding meds mentality is.
I'm gonna see my ID specialist tomorrow and will ask more about why his recommendation for me was to start right then. I was in the "offer treatment" range with CD4 385 and VL 30k, but I never really considered NOT starting meds at any time. I was actually somewhat frustrated that all the bloodwork took weeks to process, etc.
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I had the runs last night. It was scary since I never had them b4. I did eat alot of spicy food and fresh cheese along with a ham sandwich maybe it was that. I am surprised that I had the runs 10 days after I started. It was a sad day last night.
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You should definitely avoid very spicy foods. Try a yogurt everday.
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Diet is pretty important with the meds. Really fatty or spicy foods can trigger the nasties.
I really do envy those with zero/diminishing side effects. just like the lipo situation is more or less luck of the genetic draw, so are the side effects and efficacy ofthe meds. All my drug regimen have pounded my virus down instantly, and boosted CD4 count remarkably. But they have also made me bedridden with fevers, chills, constant diarrhea, and the distinct desire to stop breating.
For some of us, these things are just too freaking toxic - and it's not like I am some frail flower to start with. People who suffer few or no side effects, who achieve optimal results, should consider themselves quite fortunate.
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For some of us, these things are just too freaking toxic - and it's not like I am some frail flower to start with. People who suffer few or no side effects, who achieve optimal results, should consider themselves quite fortunate.
Jonathan, believe me, I know I am quite fortunate and I'm truly humbled by my good luck. I wish everyone were as lucky as I have been.
One of the worst aspects of belonging to a "group" like ours is some, like me, sail along with no problems and others, like you, have had nothing but problems. Life is unfair in general but adding HIV makes it downright cruel for too many. I hope emerging therapies hold promise for you but know your health is and has been precarious for too long. You needed a new treatment long before now. I truly hope there is a magic bullet in your future.
Boo