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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: MilburnCreek on October 10, 2012, 08:04:17 am

Title: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: MilburnCreek on October 10, 2012, 08:04:17 am
Wow...been Poz for 4.5 years.  Been on Meds or 4, and NEVER MISSED a single dose all this time (have had an undetectable VL for the last 3 yrs).....and I've missed 11 times in three weeks?!?!?!?  WHAT?!?!?  Really weird.....Its like my mind gave up on taking meds.  I usually take when I go to bed...I've even remembered when I've been pass-out drunk...but lately i just cant remember...how does THAT happen?!  Just ranting I guess.. >:(
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: brenner on October 10, 2012, 08:43:44 am
Maybe you need to have a reminder ritual...
I cross out the day on my calendar as soon as i take my meds.  That way i know ive taken it.  Works like a charm.
There are also apps available like ,take my pill,.
You could also write the date on your bottle, when you first open it.  That way you can count the pills youve missed.
Pill boxes have worked for a lot of people too.
Good luck.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: Miss Philicia on October 10, 2012, 09:04:15 am
Is it possible you're slipped into some sort of depression that needs to be addressed? There's a high correlation in studies about adherence about this.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: MilburnCreek on October 10, 2012, 09:04:44 am
It's REALLY weird...I actually installed a shelf next to my bed and put nothing but the meds on the shelf: I cant climb into bed without looking at them (then again, I'm not a visual person).  App aint gonna work, I rarely use my phone or have it anywhere near me or charged up.  I could easily live without a phone. This has been so FRUSTRATING to someone like me, who has prided himself in perfect compliance for all this time.  ARGH!
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: MilburnCreek on October 10, 2012, 09:05:54 am
Is it possible you're slipped into some sort of depression that needs to be addressed? There's a high correlation in studies about adherence about this.

Funny you should say that...I am normally 100% upbeat with a positive outlook on life...and I felt totally depressed this morning...my facebook posts were even of the "who gives a sh*t" variety, which is totally unlike me...
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: mecch on October 10, 2012, 02:35:15 pm
Well, get meta about this.  Probably you are depressed and acting out self-destructively, but probably you love yourself and are really that self who was 100% adherent all those years. 

So count those pills out into a daily dose container, so you see what you have taken and not taken.  If you wake up in the morning, and see you screwed yourself the night before, take the dose in the morning!  It would seem odd if the pills are right there, you are looking right through them!  Very odd. I'm sure that is the case, however.  Some psychological block.  So in the meantime, get screened for depression.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: HnyMustard on October 10, 2012, 03:35:31 pm
Well, if at night-time doesn't work for you, how about try taking it in the mornings?

I did it for a long time and never had troubles. You do have to get used to it, but it was something I did before I brushed my teeth every morning. I did it for about a half year and it never bothered me; some people can do it.

In fact, I kinda enjoyed the dreamy morning train rides.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: geobee on October 10, 2012, 04:27:53 pm
I find an alarm watch helps!  And they're cheap.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: jkinatl2 on October 10, 2012, 07:28:01 pm
Getting a pill box really helped me. It has separate AM and PM slots for my twice daily meds, and if I miss a dose it's there to taunt me.

Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: emeraldize on October 10, 2012, 07:49:00 pm
Getting a pill box really helped me. It has separate AM and PM slots for my twice daily meds, and if I miss a dose it's there to taunt me.

Ditto for me, except if I miss a dose it's there to haunt me!!

Hi Milburn
I think you and MissP are on to the key to getting this resolved.
I'll see if I can scare up an adherence article for you.
Em
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: MilburnCreek on October 10, 2012, 10:10:45 pm
Well, my partner (who takes blood pressure meds) keeps his in a 7-day pill box on the kitchen counter, so we're going to move my 7-day pill box there too.  That will provide "two sets of eyes" looking at the box to make sure each day is taken.  I get to nag him, he gets to nag me.  This, hopefully, will work :-)

Thanks all~
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: emeraldize on October 10, 2012, 10:43:16 pm
Well, my partner (who takes blood pressure meds) keeps his in a 7-day pill box on the kitchen counter, so we're going to move my 7-day pill box there too.  That will provide "two sets of eyes" looking at the box to make sure each day is taken.  I get to nag him, he gets to nag me.  This, hopefully, will work :-)

Thanks all~

That's a nice plan -- everyone benefits! I found several articles, but haven't figured out how to upload a .pdf here. If you're interested, let me know and I'll figure it out how to do it.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: jkinatl2 on October 11, 2012, 12:38:23 am
Mutual nagging is perfect! My partner and I manage that pretty well.

Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: gadawg1979 on October 17, 2012, 01:38:47 am
Have my pill box and then have my little 4.99 keychain pill holder that I got at Walgreens with two pills incase I am out and need to take one.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: littleprince on October 20, 2012, 08:13:38 am
Maybe you need to have a reminder ritual...



A ritual is essential even if it is something small. I take my meds in the morning. When I wake up I turn my lamp on and turn the alarm on my phone off. I leave the lamp on and phone on my bedside table. The only time I turn the lamp off or take my phone off the table is after I've taken my tablets. Even if I totally forget my meds I can't leave the house without turning the lights off or getting my phone, both remind me to take my meds. Simple but works well.
Title: Re: From 100% compliance...to total breakdown...WTF?!?!
Post by: kev on October 24, 2012, 10:07:31 pm
You could put the pill bottle in your pillowcase and when your head hits it, it will remind you - just a thought ;)