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Main Forums => I Just Tested Poz => Topic started by: badbaby1971 on January 18, 2012, 01:16:49 pm

Title: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 18, 2012, 01:16:49 pm
Hi I just joined this forum a couple days ago, I tested positive a couple weeks before Xmas, wasn't to shocked though knowing that my husband had it when he died from cancer a couple years ago, living in denial and scared I didn't get tested which was a stupid mistake. My first CD4 count is 85, vl 93,000. Cried my eyes out when I found out. My doctor is awesome and started my on Atripla 6 days ago, have next test in another week, hoping to see a big change. Not easy dealing with all this considering I am also Bipolar. I found alot of helpful things on here reading your posts have made me feel a lot better. Thanks to you all.
   My name is Elaine and I am 40 years old I live in California and I have a daughter who is 17, she is taking this all real well, my husband had HIV when I married him and I thought we were so careful but I guess not careful enough. When my husband died he was undetectable and his t-cell was OK, he died from 8 brain tumors  just like his mom a year before.
   I cant wait to go and get my next blood work done to see how well Atripla is working for me. I've had no side affects from it at all. This is the first time I have ever joined any kinda of forum. If there is anything else you guys would like to know about me just ask.
    I am looking forward to hearing from all of you. I do not know anyone else who is HIV positive and going through what I am going through. It will be really nice to have people to talk to who know what I am going through.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 19, 2012, 10:55:06 am
I was hoping to find some people to talk to on here about things seeing i have no one else who knows and feels what I'm going through
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: Ann on January 19, 2012, 11:14:26 am
Sorry BB, I've been meaning to get to this thread for a couple hours now. I really need to eat right now but I'll be back later.

I'm glad you joined. Have you had a look at our Women's forum yet?

Hugs,
Ann
xxx
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 19, 2012, 11:50:11 am
Yes I read a little of the womens forums, thank you for connecting with me it really nice to have someone to talk to about everything
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: leatherman on January 19, 2012, 12:07:34 pm
Hey there BB/Elaine!  ;)
while I'm sorry you had to find us (this forum), I'm glad you did. There's not only a lot of information floating around (like in the Lessons section (http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/Introduction_4702.shtml)), but there are a bunch of nice people here - and plenty that have gone through some of the stuff you've gone through (sadly there's a bunch of us who have lost partners/spouses) and some of the stuff you're going through now ... and come out the other side doing fairly well. So hang in there, I'm sure you'll be finding more people to chat with here soon enough. ;)

Hi I just joined this forum a couple days ago, I tested positive a couple weeks before Xmas,
my 19th "aidsaversary" was the day after Christmas. I only mention that because along with you, I know of a bunch of peeps here and in my local life in SC who were all dx'ed around Christmas. What is it with us getting that kind of present for Christmas?!?!? LOL
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: skeebo1969 on January 19, 2012, 12:13:05 pm

   Hi Elaine,

    Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.  I know how overwhelming it can be in the beginning.  In this regard it's great that you found the forums early on because the people here are a wealth of knowledge in what it takes to live successfully with this disease.  I was diagnosed in 2005 and I don't know exactly what I would have done with myself if not for the support of the people here.

   There truly is life after being diagnosed, not always easy, mind you, but certainly possible.   

   Due to the path all this took me on I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.  I have a great wife and a four year old daughter I strive to make a better life for.  It's good you have your daughter and I am glad to hear she is taking the news well.  I guess at this point the only thing to ask of you is to ask all the questions you can possibly think of.  There are many wise and supportive people here with sage advice that I personally used to get through the hellish beginning of all this.

  I am able to be the asshole I once was because of them and I thank them for this.

  Welcome to the forums, and I am truly sorry for the loss of your husband.

  Thomas
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: TabooPrincess on January 19, 2012, 02:20:31 pm
Welcome from me too!  I'm sorry for the loss of your husband, this is obviously a difficult time for you.  We're all over the world though and you're not alone!!  Like Ann said, have a look through the women's forum - I couldn't have lived without it when I was pregnant.  xx
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: Ann on January 20, 2012, 07:01:35 am
Hi again, Elaine. Welcome to the forums. Sorry I didn't get back to you last night - I ended up doing some unexpected babysitting for a mate who had a family emergency.

I'd like to caution you that Atripla may not be the best fit for you, due to your bipolar issues. One of the meds in Atripla - Sustiva - can cause depression, anxiety and sleep issues. I'm happy to hear you have not had any side-effects thus far, but you need to know that these side effects can show up after taking the med for some time. I just want you to be aware of this so you can do something about it sooner rather than later should the need arise.

If you experience an increase in depression or anxiety, do not be afraid to speak to your doctor about switching meds. There are many other meds you can take instead of Sustiva. Often times doctors seem to be afraid to bring up these possible side-effects of Sustiva - I guess they think they'll be planting the idea in the patient's mind.

You have my sincere condolences over the death of your husband. Do you have support to cope with the grief you're undoubtedly going through?

While living in denial may not have been the smartest thing to do, what's important is that you know now and have started taking steps in the right direction. You will be ok and it will get better as time goes on. That may be difficult to believe right now, but it really does get better.

I hope the initial lack of responses to your thread hasn't put you off coming here. Occasionally threads get accidentally overlooked. Don't take it personally.

Fingers crossed that your numbers are already moving in the right directions. Make sure you keep us posted.

Hang in there! ((((((Elaine))))))

Hugs,
Ann
xxx
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: wolfter on January 20, 2012, 09:09:25 am
Welcome to the forums.  You'll find some great support here and probably make a few friends along the way. 

Wishing you the best

Wolfie
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 20, 2012, 05:00:02 pm
Thank you to you all for making me feel welcome. My doctor did advise me me on the side effects of being bipolar and taking Atripla and we are watching it very close, exspecialy my daughter for she is the one who has to put up with me. I go for more tests in a week and a half and hoping for hate best and I will let you all know as soon as I do.
I keep wondering if the Atripla is working since I have no side effects at all, but I think I may be being stupid because just because I am having no side effects doesn't mean its not working.
I am so happy to have friends on here who understand whats going on because in my family and friends around here no one really understands any of it. thanks again everyone
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: Ann on January 21, 2012, 08:46:19 am
I'm really happy to hear that your doctor DID tell you about the possible Sustiva side-effects and that you're both watching out for them. Far too many doctors (IMO) seem to want to pretend these side-effects don't exist.

I'm also glad to hear you've discussed this with your daughter. I have known several people who didn't realise how much their moods were changing - but people around them definitely did. It's good that your daughter will know why it's happening - if it happens, that is - and will be able to alert you. I'm glad she'll know it's the meds and not you or her causing the moodiness.

Don't worry about Atripla not working because you're not feeling side-effects. I can see where it would be tempting to come to that conclusion, but it just doesn't work like that. I hope you continue to remain side-effect free.

With starting with such a low CD4, while you will see an improvement, try to not be terribly disappointed if it's not a huge improvement. It can take some time when starting so low but you will get there eventually. Your VL isn't really all that terribly high, so you should also see an improvement there too, but it may take a few months to get to UD. Again, you will get there.

Hope for the best for sure, but please know it can take some time and don't let it get you down if your first results are less than what you hoped for.

Hugs,
Ann
xxx
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 21, 2012, 12:58:55 pm
I took motrin last night for cramps and now i am reading that it may be really bad that i did that, can anyone help because now i am scared that i may have done something really bad?
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: emeraldize on January 21, 2012, 01:23:06 pm
Hi Elaine!

Welcome. I like reading you're the type of person who loved and married a man with a virus. I'm sorry he's no longer a part of your life -- I'm sure the past two years haven't been easy.

Great that you have a daughter who's taking your diagnosis in stride and is supportive. I think most of us who have supportive family members can agree it makes a huge difference in one's quality of life and that translates to better mental and physical health.

Just in the last year, I found another positive woman whom I can talk to in person or on the phone if I need to. I'm not much for in-person support groups, but I have always found this site a place that offers support if you need it, or ask for it, as well as lots of important and current information--not all related to HIV.

The best part of this site is the humor shared. Laughter plus ARVs is the best treatment plan and the humor here demands no co-pay (save for your internet access.)

So, welcome. There are plenty of nice, funny and super-smart people on this site--anything you need to know -- someone will have, or find, an answer for you.

Em

I see you posted while I was writing -- I don't think taking Motrin last night is "really bad." I'll post again in a moment.

Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: emeraldize on January 21, 2012, 01:40:20 pm
Hi Elaine,

Here's the drug interaction checker report and I highlighted in red what's important for you to read at the moment. If you're not suffering any renal impairment then you should not be afraid or overly concerned.

Since it's the weekend, and you may still have cramps, call your pharmacist and ask him/her what their recommendation is. They may suggest you continue or suggest something else to use.

Em

ibuprofen
Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir)

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of tenofovir with other nephrotoxic agents may increase the risk and severity of renal impairment due to additive effects on the kidney. Additionally, renal impairment secondary to the use of these agents may reduce the clearance of tenofovir, which is primarily eliminated by renal excretion. The use of tenofovir has been associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome characterized by renal tubular injury with severe hypophosphatemia. Generally, the risk is low in patients with adequate renal function receiving the normally recommended dosage but may increase in patients with underlying renal impairment.MANAGEMENT: The use of tenofovir in patients who have recently received or are receiving treatment with other potentially nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides; polypeptide, glycopeptide, and polymyxin antibiotics; amphotericin B; adefovir; cidofovir; foscarnet; cisplatin; deferasirox; gallium nitrate; lithium; mesalamine; certain immunosuppressants; intravenous bisphosphonates; intravenous pentamidine; high intravenous dosages of methotrexate; high dosages and/or chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) should generally be avoided. Renal function should be evaluated prior to and during therapy with tenofovir. Patients with renal insufficiency at baseline or during treatment may require dosage adjustment in accordance with the manufacturer's product labeling.

Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 21, 2012, 01:56:12 pm
Thank you so much for taking your time to answer my concern "emeraldize" there is no concern of my kidneys being in bad shape, last time I went to the doctors and got all 13 test results back I am very healthy (except for the HIV) my kidneys and live, ect are all in great shape at this point in time.
 
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: emeraldize on January 21, 2012, 02:02:57 pm
You're most welcome! Glad you're in good shape. Hope the cramps uncramp soon.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 21, 2012, 02:05:57 pm
Cramps are gone thank god. I think when I see my doctor on the 1st I will ask him what would be good to take since I also take meds for Bipolar. Thank you for making me feel a lot better today.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: emeraldize on January 21, 2012, 02:09:05 pm
You're welcome, Elaine.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on January 21, 2012, 05:51:17 pm
I forgot to tell you all that back around halloween my old doctor told me that i had hpv but none of the kinds that casued cancer. I was wondering if that could cause my cd4 count to be so low. I talked to my ID doctor and he said that we would be able to take care of it when my old doctor said that she would test me again in like 6 months but this was before i new i had hiv.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on February 01, 2012, 09:28:19 pm
Got my first test results back after being on atripla for 2 weeks my vl went from 93,000 to 1000 and my cd4 went from 85 to 143. Just thought I'd let you all know thanks talk to you all soon
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: wolfter on February 01, 2012, 09:32:16 pm
Got my first test results back after being on atripla for 2 weeks my vl went from 93,000 to 1000 and my cd4 went from 85 to 143. Just thought I'd let you all know thanks talk to you all soon

Great progress in a relatively short period of time.  Certainly expect those trends to continue and hope you're doing well in all aspects. 

Take care

Wolfie
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 01, 2012, 09:37:17 pm
I agree with wolftie -- very good numbers for a 2 week period. Actually they'd be really good numbers over a period of 2 months or even more for someone that started with 85.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: WillyWump on February 01, 2012, 09:42:24 pm
VERY impressive Baby! Keep up the good work  ;)

-Will
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on March 02, 2012, 12:40:31 pm
I know my numbers were good after my first two weeks on meds and for that I am thankful, is it normal to start feeling a little anxious having two wait more then a month for my next tests and doctors visit. I start think what if they stopped working or something has gone wrong?y nest test are on March 26Th and my next doctors visit is two weeks after that. Thanks
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: odyssey on March 02, 2012, 06:00:17 pm
Although I can't speak for everyone, IMO having anxiety about waiting for another test is completely normal. I know when I was first diagnosed I could hardly tolerate the anticipation of waiting for another test up to 3 months down the line. Now that I'm into year three with this bug, I don't sweat it as much.

Welcome to the forums! I'm glad your first recheck came out so well!

odyssey
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on March 02, 2012, 09:10:48 pm
Thank you its nice to know that I am not the only one that feels like this
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: le_liseur on March 06, 2012, 08:36:38 pm
Hello Elaine! Your last numbers were really impressive, seems like it's working well. :) It's normal to be anxious at first, and feel like there's too long between your appointments, but you'll see, the anxiety will move away.

I am not so sure about HPV and if it interacts a lot with your CD4 count. I believe any virus we encounter affects our count, but I wouldn't assume it's dramatic or dangerous in your case. You'll be able to get rid of it in time. :) I also have one of the HPV strain, and many of us here do so (it's extremely common, a whole lot of people do get one at one point in their life). So far, even with the HPV, my CD4 count has been high, so I wouldn't worry about this if I was you. Keep on following your doctor advices and your treatment, you're doing very well. :)
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on March 08, 2012, 01:31:44 pm
Thank you guys so much just reading all your good comments makes me stress a lot less and you guys always make me feel a lot better thanks again everyone
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on March 12, 2012, 04:36:16 pm
I am getting so tired of these bad days, I start thinking things like what if the meds stop working, and what if I have given it to my daughter which I know in my mind that she is negative, she gave blood last year and I know that she was tested for HIV because everyone who gives blood is and they still call her wanting her to donate again so she is negative, it must be the Bipolar and just a bad day coming together once again. I don't have another doctors appointment until the 4Th of next month I cant wait to see how the meds are working for me. I know the first results were very good I can only hope the next results are just as good. Thanks for listening it does make me feel better just being able to talk to you all about these things
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: MarkB on March 14, 2012, 02:16:42 am
I am getting so tired of these bad days, I start thinking things like what if the meds stop working, and what if I have given it to my daughter which I know in my mind that she is negative, she gave blood last year and I know that she was tested for HIV because everyone who gives blood is and they still call her wanting her to donate again so she is negative, it must be the Bipolar and just a bad day coming together once again. I don't have another doctors appointment until the 4Th of next month I cant wait to see how the meds are working for me. I know the first results were very good I can only hope the next results are just as good. Thanks for listening it does make me feel better just being able to talk to you all about these things

Hi BB1971

Firstly, we are listening, and I'm glad you've found you way to this forum. I think many if not most of us can resonate with your feelings of tiredness and worry: it's early days, and there are probably still many questions which haunt you in the middle of the night. Don't hesitate to ask whatever is on your mind.

I'm not the most informed member of this forum, but I can tell you that while it's natural to ask "what if the meds stop working?", the short answer is that there is no reason why they should. The treatments available to you are very effective, and it looks as if they are already helping. Your clinic will have stressed the importance of adherence (taking your meds without fail): if you do this, and look after yourself, there is every chance that your medication regime will continue to do its stuff, and that the results will continue to be good.

It's also perfectly natural that you would worry about having passed on your infection to your daughter, but I think you have already answered your own question - she would not be allowed to continue as a blood doner if she were HIV+.

The "bad days" will happen, and it's no surprise that they are wearing you out, but a good way forward is to meet your fears with facts, starting with the fact that, as Wolfter and Miss Philicia have told you, your results are good ones. And don't forget, you are not alone: the women's forum in particular is a great place for you to air your concerns.

Kind wishes,

Mark

Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on March 15, 2012, 01:05:49 pm
Thanks markB just reading what you wrote has made me feel lots better.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: MarkB on March 15, 2012, 07:06:33 pm
Hi BB1971

When the tiredness and the bad days come (and they probably will), never forget your unique worth. There will always be someone here to listen; what you bring here will always be heard, and we will try to answer to the best of our ability. You are important. You matter.

Keep us posted.

Mark

Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on April 04, 2012, 02:02:03 pm
Hi everyone just got back from my doctors appointment just thought I'd let you all know how it went. My CDR4 count is 135 and my viral load is now 23. My Doctor said that my labs were great for only being on the meds as long as I have. Also got another pap smear test to see how my HPV is doing (always a fun thing to have to go through). My doctor seems to think I am doing really good and I feel good so all the stressing I was doing seems silly now. Thanks for all your help and thoughts when I am feeling down or stressing you guys always know how to bring my spirits up.
Title: Re: I just test positive and told I have aides
Post by: badbaby1971 on April 17, 2012, 02:37:05 pm
I can't seem to stop thinking about or stressing about my test results that I am still waiting for from the pap smear and anal smear I had about 2 weeks ago. I really still don't understand much about them. What if the anal smear comes back and there is hpv present how serious is it if anyone knows please let me know K? Also can our body's get rid of hpv like someone who doesn't have HIV or aides? I have been reading many diffrent things and I figured if anybody can tell me it would be you guys so please help me out and let me know k. Thanks and love to all.