ISO a mentor

[madstar5]

Hi,
I am looking to become on-line buddies with someone (or more than one) who can provide me with advise, suggestions, and their experiences. I am not a newbie to HIV, but have just recently become proactive in my treatment and overall health due to a few major problems over the past couple of years from lack of eating well/healthy, and not taking meds on a regular basis. (on again, off again) Recently, I had a huge weight decline, mainly from not eating regularly, which in turn caused a few other problems. I finally started on a regular med schedule, which started out with Sustiva and Truvada. After refusing to continue the Sustiva due to horrible side effects, my doctor switched the Sustiva to Kaletra. After bad side effects with that, I was switched to Reyataz and Norvir, and still continuing the Truvada. This combination has worked well for me so far. It has been 2 months with no known side effects from the meds. The problems I am experiencing now are from malnutrition. Oh, and I have started to get these bumps, mostly purplish, some reddish, all over my body. I thought it was just a side effect from the medicine, but my DR informs me it may be KS. I will have a biopsy done later this week to find out for sure - which I already suspect this is the case. A little freaked out about that, to say the least. I have tried to read up on the subject but have only found confusing info on the net so far. So, this is basically it.....have been + for awhile, but never really took it seriously until the HUGE weight lose, which is climbing back up again, thankfully. Putting my stubbornness aside, I have finally accepted the responsibility and realized the importance of taking my meds on a regular basis and not skipping doses, or doing the on again, off again thing. Last labs were CD4 = 47, VL = 795. The month before it was CD4 = 23, VL = 187,510. Things do seem to be looking up. But still would appreciate an email/ IM buddy to share with, and possibly maybe someone close enough to actually meet with. BTW, does anyone know of a good site/organization to find local support buddies? I am not one for support groups, so that is not an option. I have gone thru my local AIDS office, but they do not currently have anyone to pare me up with.
Any info, advise is appreciated.

[sadman44]

Madstar,
Good luck with the Biopsy, with numbers like yours being 23 cd4 and vl +100k The spots could be many things My wife had spots similar to what you described but they would itch and bleed from her scratching, We thought it was KS also but the Biopsy could not determine the cause, Her immune system was very low cd4 2 and viral 800k+ with highly resistant HIV strain. Started on The isentress expanded access program and numbers recovered with above 200 cd4 and viral undetectable and the spots disappeared,( though purplish scars remain) along with immune reconstitution. I don't think I could mentor you but am willing to communicate online and give you some support we all need the support.

Good Luck

Ken

[BT65]

Mad, though I am not in a position to be a mentor, I just wanted to welcome you.  I'm sending good wishes your way regarding your biopsy.  Please keep us informed.  You've found a great place.
Peace~
Betty

[Brad]

Hello Madstar...I have been postive for 20 years and can identify with where you are.  Today I'm pretty healthy though it has not been a bed of roses.  Keep a healthy attitude.  I will keep you in my prayers.  Please feel free to contact me....Brad