Question...

[Tar Heel]

Hey folks, long time, no type. 

I gotta question.  I've been poz 3 1/2 years, CD count in April was 943.  VL 8100.  In September, CD4 was 450, VL 21000.  I'm having a lot of diarrhea, want to sleep all the time, have dropped 15 pounds since April and basically just worn out 24/7. 

I go back to the doctor next month... Do you guys think it's time for meds yet or should I hold off as long as I can?? 

I know 350 is usually the cut-off to start meds but if my CD4 is still over 350 next month, I'm thinking of asking the doc to go ahead and start me on them.  There has to be more to life than sleeping and working.

[newt]

Personally

1. Get screened for non-HIV causes of the squits, and treat if needed

2. if nowt better, go on meds, regardless of CD4

HIV attacks the gut. Many UK docs would consider chronic diarrhoea "symptomatic" and therefore qualifies you for meds.

- matt

[Tar Heel]

What's 'squits'? 

[J.R.E.]

Hey,

I think Matt meant the "SQUIRTS". Get check for other possible bacterial digestive issues, that may be causing the diarhea.


Take care----Ray

[newt]

Indeed, SQUIRTS

I mean, to be blunt about it, constant liquid poo

[Tar Heel]

Ah, ok, gotcha. 

I did a few hemocult slides on myself to see if it was positive for blood- it wasn't.  I go back to the doctor on Dec 16th.  I guess I'll need to poop in a cup for him.

But did anyone else just want to go ahead and get started on the meds in hopes it makes them feel human again??

[J.R.E.]

But did anyone else just want to go ahead and get started on the meds in hopes it makes them feel human again??

With 16 t-cells, I didn't have much of a choice. It was start or die. As far as diarrhrea, , I never had this problem 17 years into being positive, and even when I started on meds in 2003, only had mild problems with the squirts for a couple of weeks. Never had the problem again. I don't know, must be something in my diet ! I do have the gas though and the bloating, shortly after taking meds.


Ray

[J.R.E.]

Tar,

Also wanted to ask you. Whats your normal weight, and how much have you lost over what period of time?


Take care----Ray

[Tar Heel]

I'm 6'3", normal weight is 260, I'm down to 245 since April.

[red_Dragon888]

I myself wanted anything but meds in my system for I felt that somehow some mysterious factor will help me to fight if not defeat the AIDS.  It was not so.  Luckily I have found meds that made my viral load undetectable and increased my T-cells.  Get over the fear and start the meds.  Your body is just barely coping and the sooner you start the better.  "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."

[Tar Heel]

Get over the fear and start the meds. 

I'm not afraid of starting them.  I'm ready.  I want to go on them.  I just wonder if anyone else looked forward to starting them?

[red_Dragon888]

me no.  i wanted not to and i did not trust them.