Meds Options for Pregnancy? HELP PLEASE?!

[WowThatWasLifeChanging]

Hello,

A little about me: My son died in a tragic accident in Jan. In April  I received the second worst news of my life of being HIV+. I have been walking around in a fog since my son died and now haven't really slept since I got my positive HIV result. I went to doc because I got shingles and was told it was from stress of my son dying but CDC requires HIV test and low and behold, it's positive. My CD4 is 486 and my VL is 52,000. I have NO idea where I got it from, my current partner of 2 yrs is negative (as we 90% of the time use condoms) so can only assume from my 3 1/2 yr old daughters father (am eagerly awaiting her results). Otherwise that would leave a dental office I had multiple visits with 6 months ago as the culprit which I find unlikely. A little frustrating not knowing where this came from.

Anyhow....I am SO overwhelmed with MED choices.

Pre POS result me and my boyfriend have gotten new jobs, are moving out of state and were planning to have a baby. My ID doc says I should not change my plans and still proceed to have this potential baby. She doesn't want to start me on the stribild or other one a days since not approved for pregnancy. The choices she has listed are
1. combivir with kaletra, 3 pills twice per day
2. combivir with reyataz and norvir -1 pill twice per day and 2 pills once per day
3. truvada plus reyataz and ritonavir 4 pills total once per day **docs preferred choice*

I am cross eyed from trying to make sense of risks to fetus, effectiveness of making VL go undetectable and side effects. (other than yellow eyes and skin). I am SO scared to start taking meds but want to keep myself and my negative boyfriend safe so I guess I must begin them. I don't understand resistance and how one becomes resistant to meds. I'm scared to start the 3rd option which is the ID doc's preferred pregnancy option, because truvada is also in stribild and I don't want to become resistant. I'm so confused. Any advice would be appreciated. My head is spinning from trying to figure this out.

For days I thought I was going to die in the next few years so I'm at least being more positive that this is not a death sentence and have read so many posts on here that made me feel better about being able to live a long, normal, healthy life. Still quite devastating. Trying to keep telling myself this is "just a chronic disease" but hard to make myself believe. Saddened by all of this but know just like with the death of my beloved son, life must go on....

Thanks for listening. Any med advice would be helpful. I'm SO confused and worried. Thanks

[karry]

Hi,
Welcome to the forums.
Its been a difficult year for you. My condolences on the loss of your son. I pray you feel better soon and that you are surrounded by supportive people. I can't imagine what it feels like losing a child and getting an hiv diagnosis not long after. I am sending my warmest thoughts your way.

I was also facing the issue of pregnancy and hiv meds. I am starting kivexa 1x1 daily  and kaletra 2x2 daily. I spoke to two different docs and to a pharmacist at my hospital. I have read extensively on them. As per the docs, this regiment is ok for pregnant women.

Unfortunately I don't know much as I am a novice to this too.
Hope some more experienced members chip in and share their experiences.
Best regards.
Karry

[WowThatWasLifeChanging]

Ya 2014 has sucked so far. Thnx for the condolences. 5 minutes ago I took my first dose of meds with my dinner. Scared to death of side effects. Wondering if side effects occur how long after beginning meds would they start???

I just went with what my ID doc suggested and started 3. truvada plus reyataz and ritonavir.

I have a lot of support in regards to the loss of my son, only my boyfriend for the HIV dx. Haven't told anyone else. Doc says I should wait until Im more comfortable unless I need additional support.

Definitely feeling a lot better than I did at first about this. It effin sucks but since I cant make it go away I am going into survival mode and making every possible effort to be healthy and live a long happy life.

Best of luck to you with the pregnancy. I was told to wait until my VL is undetectable to get pregnant. Crossing fingers that happens soon. Doc will run labs again in 6 weeks to see.

My new favorite saying: Dear what ever doesn't kill me, Im strong enough now. Thanks
(Mocking the saying 'what doesn't kill me makes me stronger...)