My new life with Sustiva/Truvada

[keyite]

Today I had the first set of results after starting meds a month ago. I had been warned it could take some time before I would see results so I had a really nice surprise; VL dropped to a mere 123 and, according to my consultant, that ought to mean it will be undetectable when we repeat in a months time. More importantly, CD4 has risen by more than a 100. Liver, kidney and lipids all perfectly normal. This combo is obviously doing a good job at nuking the little bugger. I'm so pleased and so very relieved.

The meds have definitely given me more energy and have improved my skin problems noticeably (folliculitis). Everyone have been telling me I look so much better these days. Also starting to gain the weight I'd lost over recent months and not so sure I like that particular side effect!

The first couple of weeks I did have a few side effects; the drunken, dizzy feeling, some pins 'n' needles and a little nausea. Nothing unbearable and none of the sleep problems Sustiva so often seems to cause. Now all I'm left with is a little tinnitus now and again but it looks like it is diminishing so hopefully it will go away completely in due course. I have a suspicion it is caused by an interaction with an antibiotic I'm temporarily on to prevent immune reconstitution causing the skin problems to get worse.

Looking back I feel as if I've been in a bit of a 'war zone' since diagnosis, always hovering in that area where meds needed to be considered, either because of labs or because of symptoms. Having finally started meds, discovered they're not that bad and that they really work, at least for me, I feel I might be able to finally get on with life.. 

[BT65]

That's really great news, Keyite.  Here's to more good days.

[Longislander]

Thnaks for the update on your #''s and general well-being. Very happy to hear it's working well for you. I had my labs drawn today, so I'll know next week how they're working.

I found it very interesting to read that you're on an antibiotic to prevent immune-reconstitution skin problems.

My skin problems have returned since I started Atripla, though I have no other side affects.  I basically assumed it was just from some added stress.  Today my doc told me the skin problems are just a mild reconstitution thing.   I guess the thought of putting me on an antibiotic never occurred to her. Hopefully things will clear up soon!!

Anyway, here's to Atripla!!

[richva]

Congrats!  I'll have blood work done tomorrow, the first time since starting Atripla about one month ago.  I'm feeling much better these days and anticipate better test results, too.  Hopefully as good as yours! 

[AndyArrow]

That's great that your numbers have improved and your spirits are up!  Often the worry over what the meds might do is much worse then the side effects.  Glad to hear you are tolerating yours so well.

All the best
AA

[randym431]

Yes, as much as they talk about the sides from sustiva, sustiva does do a great job. Truvada too.
Its a trade off, pills and sides for more years of living.
Not a hard choice to make...