Another new med

[aztecan]

Saw the doc today. Things went pretty much as I expected.

I will be dropping the Niaspan and replacing it with Provachol, thanks to our Little Steve and Ray. See, AIDSMeds to the rescue again!

I have to do another blood check in about six weeks to see if the Provachol is working and make sure it isn't killing me in the process. I really hate fasting tests.

The doc also wants me to do labs again (CD4/viral load) in about three months rather than wait the usual six months. He said he wants ot make sure my detectable viral load was a blip and not my beginning to "drift," as he put it.

I couldn't agree more.

The last two tests, done 12/19/05 and 6/22/06, both had undetectable viral loads. The last done, done 12/20/06, was 61. 

The CD4s have also dropped some.

On 12/19/05, they were 1.462 (43 percent)
On 6/22/06, they were 1,170 (39 percent)
On 12/20/06, they were 943 (38 percent)

I agree with my doc. I think it wise not to wait six months before I test again. If my regimin is failing, I would rather find out sooner than later.

I am switching to Combivir though. I have been taking the AZT and 3TC seperately up until now. It will decrease the number of pills I take each day to 20 rather than 22, which is a positive step, pardon the expression.

So see, there is a good side to everything.

HUGS,

Mark

[Iggy]

.

[Life]

Mark - Everything you do just "feels right."   I don't want you to utter that "F" word....  Your going to be fine..

Love & Hugs

[Jeffreyj]

Though things may not be trending so well in your mind, I still would like to point out that your percentages and cd4's are off the hook(fantastic). Mine have not been over 600 since I have had labs done, and that's 22 years worth so quit a few!

You are still in great shape, I hope you can keep up a positive attitude and not stress too much.

Love ya man!

Jeff

[Lou-ah-vull]

Mark,

Hang in there!  I always wondered why you took AZT and 3TC seperately instead of together as Combivir.  It will help a bit with the pill burden as you say.  I know you dislike fasting blood tests...in my case, I need about two months of fasting to get rid of the extra weight I added in the past year (ugh!)  I know you will stay on top (pardon the pun) of this situation regarding your regimen.  Best wishes.

Gary

[Longislander]

Mark, , Hope the new stuff works perfectly for ya! Such a sensible attitude-love it!

Paul

[RapidRod]

Mark, I wish you all the luck in the world. I have to go today and have blood drawn.  It's only 18 tubes this time and oh I can't forget about the urine test. I studied all night for that.  These tests will tell me if I need to go to plan C, whatever the hell that is. Mark you know that we are so bad that one of these drugs are going to work. What's the saying, "If at first you don't succeed, FUCK IT." No, I don't think that was the saying I was looking for.  Oh yeah, "Try, try again."

[aztecan]

Hey all, thanks for the replies. I'm really not stressing too much about the numbers. They are, after all, just numbers and they are still pretty good.

Gary, when I started taking AZT and 3TC, Combivir hadn't been developed yet and I just never got around to switching. My doc recommended it just to save space in my pill box.

It also saves a copay - something that hadn't occurred to me until this morning. 

I am starting the Pravachol, or is that Provachol?, today. Keep your fingers crossed. Everything I have researched and the doc has researched indicate it should be OK with the Crix.

Right now, its snowing like crazy. They are predicting 2 to 4 inches on top of what's already on the ground. It usually doesn't snow like this here. The mail has been delayed, shipments of meds have been late, my clients are cranky as a result, so, all is normal.

Is it too late to learn to ski, I wonder? 

HUGS,

Mark

[Javicho]

Mark, you will be OK, just think is a New Year with new medication and better numbers take care

J.

[fearless]

hey Mark,
hope all goes well with the new pills. you must positively rattle after all those pills.
stephen

[J.R.E.]

Hello Mark,

I only now,just read this thread. I am not as alert as I used to be. 


Anyway, wishing you the best on the Pravachol. I also believe a recheck in three months instead of 6 is a good decision.

Hope some of theat snow melted !!


Take care------Ray