tested positive on top of chronic Hep B

[tealeaf]

Hi all,

Thank you for a great forum. It's a great source of information and support. I've figured it's my turn to tell my story.

I've known for a while I have chronic hepatitis B. Doctor suggested I got it since birth. It's very prevalence in Southeast Asia. It's where I'm originally from, living in California at the moment. I'm not in treatment for it since doctor still thinks my Hep B VL is still very low and there's no damage to my liver. I've been doing blood work every 4 months and ultrasound twice a year.

And then I tested positive for HIV on Dec 5th 2011.

I was devastated. My partner is thankfully is negative because we're always practicing safe sex (we've been together for more than 5 years). We're occasionally play together and/or separately, safe only or so I thought. I did get 2 dental implants done a couple months ago where they drilled into your jaw and placed 2 screws into it to make the root. During this time, I did play with some guys and came in contact of semen. I guess my implants weren't completely healed (it was still healing and sore but not unbearable or anything). Doctor thinks this could be how I was infected.

My partner has been very supportive. I'm thankful for his love and support to move us forward. I've just received my first blood work and it's not too terrible, nor it's great either. CD4 count is 376, VL is 45734. I have an appointment with a ID doctor on Jan 5th of next year.

I've been having good days and bad days since the news. The double whammy of Hep B virus on top of HIV is my nightmare. I've read so many reports saying it's a bad combo. I wish those 2 virus would just fight and kill each other off instead of attacking me!

I've been goooling and reading all about HIV like a mad woman. I hope the virus hasn't got to brain and caused dementia or something.

Thanks for reading.












 

[nvhorseman]

TL:  Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but your doctor seems to have your infections well in hand. I would start HIV meds as soon as possible as you have a low but good viral load to start treatment. Don't delay taking action on your HIV when your doctor tells you to do so. Should your Hep.B. infection flare and you are not on HIV meds. your T-cell # will drop and that won't be good for you at all. So get on an HIV regimen ASAP honey. There are new and better drugs coming out for Hep. virus control and even eradication. It will take some time but it sounds like you are on the good side of that parameter. So chin up, practice safe sex (lady lots of new and exciting things to do with your partner now that are completely safe and fun) and protect your partner. Best to you. Thanks for the story....it could help someone else avoid making the same innocent mistake.

[tealeaf]

Thank you for your support nvhorseman. I'm waiting patiently for my first exam with the ID specialist. In the mean time, my partner has put me on daily selenium, coq10 and multivitamin. There are good research and reports about them boosting your CD4 count.

PS. I'm a gay man by the way

[Andy Velez]

Hello, Tea. Welcome.

Whatever the source of your HIV status, it's a reality now and now dealing with it is the main thing. It's good to read that your partner is being very supportive. And that you have an appointment with an ID specialist. Developing a good working partnership with your doctor is one of the best tools for keeping you healthy.

Here you can always talk about anything that's on your mind and of course ask questions. Gradually you are going to come to see that HIV is an important part of your life but only a part. There's a world of support here so draw upon it. And by sharing you will in turn be helpful to others.

Welcome. 

[tealeaf]

I met with my ID doc yesterday Jan 05 and we came to conclusion that I'd start with Complera, which has tenofovir and emtricitabine that would also suppress HBV. So one pill to kill them all!

I took my first pill last night with meal and felt a little dizzy, the same feeling like your first time on a boat but it passed quickly. Other than that, no diarrhea or bad dreams.

One other good thing is that my copay is only 35 bucks for 1 month supply of Complera.

I'll also do the virus genotype test today to find out about drug resistance of the strand of virus I'm carrying. The doc said we could always alter course if my strand is resistant against Complera

[buginme2]

Sounds like you and your doctor are on top of things.  Welcome and keep up posted.

[Assurbanipal]

One other good thing is that my copay is only 35 bucks for 1 month supply of Complera.

Howdy Tealeaf

Late to this thread, but just wondered if anyone had mentioned the co-pay assistance programs to you yet?

Over the last couple of years the drug companies have started picking up the co-pays for a lot of drugs.  Often there are no income or other restrictions for you; this is just part of the drug company marketing budget.

There's an "800" number you can call to see if they will pick up the $35 a month for Complera.  The number listed is 877-505-6986

More at this link http://positivelyaware.com/2011/11_02/copay_chart.shtml

Best
A

[tealeaf]

A,

Thanks for the tip. I've applied for it and got approved. I'll get the card soon, in the mean time, I can use the info they gave me over the phone to start saving immediately.

T.