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Author Topic: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....  (Read 116026 times)

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Offline BT65

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Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #150 on: October 28, 2012, 01:23:38 am »
Ray that's good you're having a good experience with the VA.  I have a couple clients who use the VA, and they're not doing as well as you do.  They have to travel over 100 miles to get to the doctor (nearest clinic that handles HIV is in Indy), and for one, the VA won't keep refilling his Plavix so he's on prescription assistance for that with Walgreen's.

That's great about only having to get labs every 4 months. I've been able to get my doctor to agree to every 6 months.  Which I'm happy with; the less sticks, the better, right? :)
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline J.R.E.

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Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #151 on: October 28, 2012, 02:39:17 am »
and for one, the VA won't keep refilling his Plavix so he's on prescription assistance for that with Walgreen's.




That's unfortunate ! I think this individual needs to sit down with his cardiologist, at the VA, get this discussed, and get to bottom of it, and find out precisely why the VA won't cover it,.. because I believe the VA carries Plavix.  I wonder if there is a generic version.  I just don't have that much knowledge on this drug, so it's hard for me to  comment.


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 J.R.E.

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« Last Edit: October 28, 2012, 03:01:16 am by J.R.E. »
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 BT65

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Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #153 on: October 28, 2012, 04:51:50 am »
By the way, I just googled "The VA and Plavix", and came up with some interesting reads on this.  Appears there was some study....

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=The+VA+and+Plavix&oq=The+VA+and+Plavix&gs_l=hp.3...1370548.1376151.0.1376573.17.16.0.1.1.1.1207.3886.5j4j2j2j0j1j0j1.15.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.OnOzypDXXBA&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=92da361fb107ce2f&bpcl=35466521&biw=1440&bih=766


Video:

http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2012-02-02/Veteran-concerned-over-VAs-Plavix-policies#.UIzW1mc1eSo


Ray

That was interesting.  I guess then it's not just my client. 

They just opened a VA clinic in town (South Bend) that covers like basic general medicine, and are supposed to build a VA hospital in town, in the next 6 years.  I know when my clients go to either Indianapolis or Fort Wayne to see their other doctors (HIV, cardiologist etc.), they get mileage.  That's nice. 
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

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Offline J.R.E.

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  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #154 on: November 22, 2012, 04:59:18 pm »
UPDATE 11/22/12

Received my lipid results today.  Overall, it was not as bad as I was expecting, will see what the doctor says next week , when I see her. Total cholesterol went above 200, yet the HDL, LDL, Glucose and Triglycerides, were within range. Chloride was a little low. Some results were at the high end.

Test Name    Result    Units    Reference Range
   
ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE    35    U/L    17-63
   
ALBUMIN                    4.8    g/dL              3.5-4.8
    
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE    87    U/L       32-91
   
ANION GAP    12    mEq/L               4-13    

ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE  28    U/L    12-50
   
BILIRUBIN            0.8                 mg/dL            0.2-1.3
   
CALCIUM            9.8    mg/dL    8.9-10.3    

CARBON DIOXIDE    25    mEq/L    22-32
   
CHLORIDE           99 Low    mEq/L    101-111
   
CHOLESTEROL    206 High    mg/dL    <200
   
CHOLESTEROL.IN HDL    61    mg/dL    >40
   
CHOLESTEROL.IN LDL    119    mg/dL    <130
   
CHOLESTEROL.TOTAL/CHOLESTEROL.IN HDL    3.4
 Range---------      <5.0
   

CREATININE    0.95    mg/dL    .64-1.27    

GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE.PREDICTED    81    mL/min    >60
    
Glucose 91    mg/dL    74-118
   
POTASSIUM    3.8    mEq/L    3.6-5.1

   
PROTEIN    6.8    g/dL    6.3-8.2
   
SODIUM    136    mEq/L    136-144    

TRIGLYCERIDE    130    mg/dL    <150
   
UREA NITROGEN    13    mg/dL    8.0-20.0



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 aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #155 on: November 24, 2012, 07:11:24 pm »
Hey Ray,

I think your lipid numbers are looking great.

I could only wish for such numbers.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #156 on: November 25, 2012, 02:18:59 am »
Hey Ray,

I think your lipid numbers are looking great.

I could only wish for such numbers.

HUGS,

Mark

Hi Mark,..

If I can just lower the triglycerides.  I know the weight is the biggest issue for me, and I definitely need a better exercise routine. If I can just drop 10 - 15 pounds, I am sure I can get the numbers in check. Might even be able to drop the simvastatin. I am just so beat and tired after working all night, I have no time for it.  :P    Ed and I do our mile power walks though, so at least it's something !


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 J.R.E.

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Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #157 on: November 30, 2012, 09:10:51 am »


So,.... yesterday ( Thursday morning) I went down to the VA, and had a full body check done by the dermatologist.

I had 3 areas frozen off, and had a small slice taken out of my nose to be biopsied.

She says it looks very much like Basal Cell. ( that didn't surprise me)  It was very small, so I should get those results back in a week or two. Depending on results, She said an appointment may be made with the cosmetic surgeon. A routine  follow up has been scheduled for 5/29/13.

On my follow up with my primary care doctor earlier in the week, she was pleased with the lipid panel, and not too concerned, about the total chol, being 206.

I had mentioned that the tinnitus seemed to be getting more noticeable, so an audiology exam, has been scheduled for 1/14/13 .

And,...  the doctor was able to move the HIV labs back up to the clinic, instead of driving 23 miles south, to the main hospital. The VA often makes that mistake, and I have to follow through to make sure to get the labs moved. Those labs are scheduled for 12/24/12.

My primary care doctor says she needs to have the HIV doctor coordinate a little better, and have her labs, and the HIV labs drawn at the same time. So, we'll see how that goes in the future.

So other than a few appointments being scheduled, all is going pretty well.


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 aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #158 on: November 30, 2012, 11:06:02 am »
Hey Ray,

Sounds like you have it all in hand. I am now doing monthly body checks at home, as ordered by the doctor.

I will see her annually, unless I notice something out of the ordinary.

I am still envious of your lipids.  ;)

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline AlanBama

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  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #159 on: December 03, 2012, 05:40:18 pm »
I'm glad you are doing well Ray!  Seems that you get very good care with the V.A.
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #160 on: December 05, 2012, 04:27:06 pm »

So,.... yesterday ( Thursday morning) I went down to the VA, and had a full body check done by the dermatologist.

I had 3 areas frozen off, and had a small slice taken out of my nose to be biopsied.

She says it looks very much like Basal Cell. ( that didn't surprise me)  It was very small, so I should get those results back in a week or two. Depending on results, She said an appointment may be made with the cosmetic surgeon. A routine  follow up has been scheduled for 5/29/13.




UPDATE 12/5/12

I received a letter today from the VA, and as suspected, the spot on the left side of my nose was Basal Cell carcinoma.

So, an appointment has been made for Wednesday, January 9th,12 @ 11:00 AM . I just Got off the phone with the ARNP, that saw me on 11/29/12.  She stated the cosmetic surgeon will take some more of my nose off, and it will require several sutures.

While I am there,   I think I will ask for the excess skin on my eyelids to be removed, tummy tuck, breast reduction, and a Butt lift.  ::) :)  I think I will also take off the 9th and 10th from work !

That's it for now,...Pictures to follow on the 9th.


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 aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #161 on: December 05, 2012, 11:43:41 pm »
I empathize with you, Ray.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Fisher

  • Member
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Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #162 on: December 09, 2012, 05:12:16 pm »
Great news Ray!

From what little I know about this stuff, I do not think there is any "real" difference at all between 13% and 14%. Wouldn't give it a second thought.
- fisher
06/15 CD 365 %24 VL<20
01/15 CD 468 %24 VL<20
09/14 CD 385 %22 VL<20
07/14 CD 391 %20 VLUD
04/14 CD 486 %23 VL<20
11/13 CD 351 %21  VL<20
10/13 CD 390 %16  VL<20
06/13 CD 315 %19  VL 22
02/13 CD 396 %14  VL<20
12/12 CD 392 %13  VL320
11/12 CD 428 %13  VL1200
*Started Meds: Atripla
10/12 CD 427 %11  VL 139000 -- 09/12 CD 408 %13 VL 92928
09/11 CD 745 %27 VL CLOT -- 10/10 CD 863 %29 VL 2782
10/09 CD 597 %30 VL 2537 -- 05/08 CD 809 %28 VL 1504
04/07 CD 797 %25 VL 3558 -- 11/06 CD 720 %28 VL 1214
06/05 CD 731 %25 VL 1575 -- 12/04 CD 1176 %30 VL 1329
01/04 CD 959 %26 VL 1011 -- 11/03 CD 1000 %28 VL 1581
12/02 CD 748 %28 -- 10/01 CD 860 %25
08/00 CD 1022 %28 -- 04/99 CD 854 %27
11/98 CD 899 %28 -- 02/97 CD 1400 %37
11/96 CD 1325  VL <500 -- 09/96 – Western Blot
05/83 – 04/98 - Mon - Pa

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #163 on: April 20, 2014, 05:42:04 pm »
UPDATE 4/20/14

Thought I would update this thread and let y'all know whats going on.

Had labs taken on April 14Th,14,...And the results are now coming in, on the VA website.

Current t cells are @ 485  ( were @ 437 in 12/09/13 )

Current % is @ 14 %        ( was @ 16@% 12/09/13

Lymphocytes @ 3477         ( was @ 2702 12/09/13



STILL WAITING ON THE VIRAL LOAD



ALSO Taken:

CALCIDIOL    40    ng/mL    30-100    

   CALCIDIOL    40    ng/mL    Not established    

   CALCIDIOL    < 4    ng/mL    Not established    
=========================================

I have another dermatology appointment set for April 25th,14   I have another spot on my left forearm which seems to be aggressive and growing quickly. It's amazing how fast these things appear and how fast they grow.

I don't think they will be able to just freeze this one off, and it will probably have to be cut out. 

I have some more fasting labs scheduled for Monday May 19th,14,  and will be the lipids/metabolic panel, which are ordered by my primary doctor. So,.... we'll see how those results turn out. I've been taking my blood pressure at home, and BP is normal.

 I am still on Viramune and Epzicom, along with the 40 mg dose of Simvastatin, the 25mg dose of Metoprolol Tartrate,  and the split dose of Hydrochlorothiazide. << I split this in half to 12.5 mg and take daily.

Otherwise, nothing much else to report. I am feeling good, my energy levels seem OK, still sleeping 7-9 hours a night, weight is still not where I would like it to be.  ::) but i will continue to work on that. Appetite is good, got to lay off the sweets though!  :P

 I've found that since I have retired, I don't need that afternoon nap anymore. I get up around 7:00  am, and won't go to bed until 10:00pm or so.

Ed's doing great ! No more issues with his skin cancer.  Still having some issues with his Hips and arthritis, but so far no medication is needed.



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 wolfter

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Re: I know, I know, it's only numbers, but....
« Reply #164 on: April 21, 2014, 11:08:46 am »
Wishing you the best with the skin issues.  Our numbers appear to be very similar so I'm guessing we'll always be on the lower side which is fine with me, as the few CD4's I have kick ass.  :)

Hope you're enjoying your retirement!

have a great day
greg
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

 


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