Author Topic: Newly POZ and still a bit confused... (Read 16102 times)

Hito · « **on:** October 19, 2016, 07:41:01 am »

Hello everyone and thank you all for taking the time to read my post. I don't know why I am so unsure about writing this, but I still find it a tad bit difficult to express with words. I guess I should start at the beginning, eh?

I am 29. I seroconverted in the last week of June (the 24th was the first day I felt symptoms) this year and it lasted until around July 6th. It was an absolutely miserable experience. Strep throat, thrush, fever and extreme fatigue. Even holding my phone was trying. I did not lose any weight though. I have always had a hardy appetite. The first 4 days were the worst, but buy the fifth day I was mobile and able to drive myself around with my trouble. I'd say of all the symptoms, my throat was by far the worst. It hurt to drink anything other than sparking water.

After my initial visit to the otolaryngologist I was diagnosed with strep throat and was given antibiotics, but they did not help. I decided to go to the city hospital and I was then given a good deal of blood tests. The test came back indicating that I had mono and so I was told I would just need to rest until it went away. I was given some other antibiotics for my throat and then put on IV drip twice. After that I felt just fine and have continued to feel just fine since.

Lying in bed one night I noticed that the lymph nodes in my groin were pretty swollen. Not so swollen that they just out, but still completely noticeable upon touch (not painful to the touch). I initially thought that perhaps I had a hernia in the groin, because I love to do squats at the gym, but then I noticed that the two nodes on the side of my neck were also swollen (again not huge but enough to feel). I then started doing research on the web and HIV came out along many MONO searches I did. I then remember a sexual encounter I had about two weeks prior to getting sick and started connecting the dots. Four weeks ago I went down to the clinic in Sendai (I live and work in Japan and Sendai is the largest city I am close too) and had a test. The first test came back reactive and I was told I would need to retest. I was absolutely horrified. The train ride home was a complete blur. The next three days I spent in my bed waiting for death (stupid now that I have done my research but still the stigma was there) and running through every terrible scenario. After collecting information and arming myself with knowledge I started to feel better. By the time I went to get my results from the confirmation test I was not shocked when it came back positive. In Japan, the healthcare system here is pretty amazing and they had a doctor, a nurse and a prefectural social worker there to help me with any questions I had. All of the information they gave me though I had already looked up. They were still very supportive and the social worker is going to go with me to the the hospital next week when I get my first blood work and examination. I will be going to an HIV specialist with one of the newest facilities in Japan. I feel extremely fortunate. This is helping me keep a cool head through all of this.

So, with that out of the way I am strangely not as worried or frightened as I though I would be (or should be perhaps?). No where near compared to when I first had the test. I am well aware of how serious this is and what starting treatment means, please don't think that I am brushing this off, but I realized that I hadn't changed and that my life hadn't. I was expecting to just lay down and die after the first test, but as the days have gone by I have seen that I am still myself. I have a great attitude and am still going to work and loving everyday. I do sometimes feel a little confused and down, but for the most part it's life as usual.

I still have my blood work from when I was first diagnosed with MONO back in July, and on that report my CD4 count was well within acceptable parameters. The print out doesn't include an exact number, but it gives me a range and I was slightly above the middle mark. I realize that I caught this very early and that I am lucky for that, but I hope my CD4 count has stayed relatively stable since July. I know it is probably falling though.

I do have a few concerns though.

I have been reading about drug resistant strains of HIV. I don't know how common this is, so if anyone has any experience for this or information I would really appreciate this. I know I will receive a resistance test, but if anyone knows how common this is I would appreciate any information you can give.

I intend to stay and work in Japan and as such I am covered by Japan's national healthcare which covers a great deal of the medication costs along with other optional aid programs. What scares me is if I ever have to return the the USA. I have worked in Japan since I graduated from college and have never had to deal with health insurance in the USA. I hear it is a nightmare, but I have to consider that I may have to go back someday (not anywhere in the immediate future, probably not for 10 or more years) and that worries me. I know that I may have to go off of whatever medication I wind up choosing until I can find a job and get health insurance, and I have heard that health insurance in the USA can be quite a commotion. I don't want to develop any type of drug resistance by doing so. This is probably my biggest concern. I realize it is a long way off and may never happen, but if it does I need to be prepared. This is just how I am.

I am so sorry for the gigantic wall of text, but I didn't really know how to sum all of this up in a very coherent fashion.

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2016, 08:38:33 am »

Greetings Hito: sorry about your diagnosis but glad you found these Forums, glad you are within a supportive and proactive medical system, and glad you have an optimistic attitude about your future and are going about living your life, which will be long and healthy.

In regard to your long-range concern about the possibility of eventually returning to the United States and dealing with a new insurance regimen, 10 years is a long time, so it's far too speculative to know what insurance schemes will be available to you then and what (new?) treatment will be available or people who are HIV positive. Don't fret about it now: you will deal with it when you have to.

In terms of drug resistance, not many people are faced with that these days, since there are so many drugs and combinations of drugs that are available to treat HIV infection. Drug resistance is not at all common. Just keep a good attitude, work with your medical team, and be confident that the best medication will be found to keep you active and healthy.

Welcome to the Forums, and do keep us informed of your progress.

Hito · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2016, 10:28:20 pm »

Thank you so much for the speedy reply Ptrk3. Yeah, I figured I was jumping the gun pretty hard with the returning to the US bit, but I have always been like that.

Thanks for the encouragement about drug resistance. I wasn't really sure about how common it was, and most of the information I was able to dig up by myself was about most of the older drugs that were first introduced in the late 90's.

I will of course be updating my profile upon each session of blood work.

The 24th is my first examination. I will be checked for co-infections and opportunistic infections and have my blood drawn. The case worker informed me that the result of the blood work will take about 3 hours to process, but that it won't be discussed until our next appointment which is three to four weeks after.

I guess the next question I have is since I was able to detect this within 4 months of contracting this, do you think my CD 4 count will be OK right now? I know that everyone progresses differently, but I've read that your count goes up a bit after acute infection. I know that viral load is also important, but there is no way to determine that, at least in comparison baseline CD4 statistics.

I am looking forward to meeting the doctors and am eager to start treatment options. I have printed out a list of approved drugs in Japan and it seems that a good majority of them are available here and are within what I can afford. Feeling more and more at ease with each day.

I will update my profile ASAP.

gorka · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2016, 10:43:34 pm »

I was in similar boat as you. Tested neg in Dec seroconverted in Jan and had similar symptoms to yours except I did not go to the hospital or saw a Dr(I thought I had a flu). Tested poz in May and then started therapy June. My CD number were still high 800s and my viral load was only 300 copies. Currently I am UD and my CD are 1200+ so I think you will do great since you are starting out very soon after infection as well. Keep us posted.

terrymoore · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:24:33 pm »

Hi Hito,
Welcome top the forum - you will find this a great place to get info and to get support. We are lucky to have this as a "crutch" - i know it helped me in the beginning.
My story is similar to yours - felt like crap during sero, doc prescribed anti-biotics. No change. tests, BINGO! shock,"what now? is this the end?" etc.
My initial numbers were CD4 465 and VL of 6MILLION(!!!). My doctors eyes nearly fell out of her head when she saw my VL.
I started meds immediately - an old-school regiment - 9 pills a day.
Was UD within 3-4months. Changed meds to Complera and almost 2 years later i am still UD and my CD4 is over 1200.
I feel great, life is back in track, i still do stupid things, laugh, cry etc - life, plain old normal life. The only exception is that now i take a pill in the AM after breakfast along with my fish oil pills...no biggie!
10 years from now? HAHAHA - brother, will we even be alive? Global warming? Nuclear war? Alien invasion!? hahaha
or...dare i say, maybe a cure by then?
10 years is a long time. that bridge should be crossed then. Right now you should focus on getting on meds, staying healthy, living a good life.
Tale care and good luck!

Hito · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:37:32 pm »

Thanks so much Terrymoore. My next step is to wait for my first blood results. I heard the viral load is biggest during seroconversion and then steadily decreases within the first half year. This is according to all of the studies I have been reading.

I have been reading about the various medications and since I take so many supplements everyday already (fish oil, amino acid tablets, protein, multi vitamins and minerals) I see no issue with adding another pill, or hell even 9 more if need be. I am most interested in complera out of the one pill a day regimens, but I hear it is not for everyone, especially those with a high viral load. I know atripla is older, but popular and another newer pill is also popular, Trumieq<-----spelling?
I think that's what it's called. Like I said, I have no issues with taking multiple pills if need be.

I just felt so alone when I first found out. Then with research and after finding this forums... and lurking for a while... I truly feel empowered. I will fight this and I will win. I have to.

Thank you all so much for your support.

Hito · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:43:10 pm »

Thank you to you too Gorka. That really puts my mind at ease. I have never been so psyched to get my butt into the doctors office before... strange.

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:43:23 pm »

It sounds like your CD4's were in decent shape in July, according to your initial posting and you are not ill now, which is a good thing. You'll need to wait until your most recent blood test, of course, before you'll know the exact number, but once you are on antiretroviral medication, your viral load will drop allowing your CD4's to improve further.

If you did, in fact, contract the HIV just four months ago, it is likely that your immune system will rebound quickly. You'll be fine, once you begin treatment.

awakening · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:43:38 pm »

Hito,

One of the initial blood tests commonly done is a drug resistance test. They can actually test the strand of virus you are infected with against all the most common ART drugs. So the doctors will know off the bat if there are any resistance issues for you. Once you start, as long as you are adherent (which will bring you quickly to undetectable), there's no opportunity for the virus to mutate. As an example of the power of modern meds: doulteagravir, (an ingredient in Triumeq which you mentioned) one of the newer drugs (an integrase inhibitor) has shown very strong barrier to resistance, in fact as of last year no one had been clinically documented to have developed resistance. There is a genetic test required due to rare predispositions to an allergic reaction to one of the other meds in the combo.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4413831/

Quote

More interestingly, clinical resistance mutations to DTG in treatment-naive patents have not been observed to this date.

Your doctor will guide you toward the right combo for your situation as there are pros and cons to them all. Best wishes for easy adjustment to the whole situation and the meds. I'm sure your CD4 is in a safe range since you are catching it early.

terrymoore · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:55:02 pm »

Hito,
You sound like you are in good shape! One thing to note, you mentioned that you take many supplements. You should tell your doc what you take and make sure it does not interact with the meds they recommend for you. Besides that, it sounds like you are good to go! Keep on squatting!

Hito · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:59:13 pm »

Quote from: terrymoore on October 19, 2016, 11:55:02 pm

Hito,
You sound like you are in good shape! One thing to note, you mentioned that you take many supplements. You should tell your doc what you take and make sure it does not interact with the meds they recommend for you. Besides that, it sounds like you are good to go! Keep on squatting!

I'll make sure to do that. I don't take anything complex, just basic stuff. I guess that weirdest thing I take are amino acids, but who knows. Thanks for the advice!

Jim Allen · « **Reply #11 on:** October 20, 2016, 01:31:41 am »

Hi Hito,

Welcome to the forum.

Quote from: Hito on October 19, 2016, 11:37:32 pm

I have been reading about the various medications and since I take so many supplements everyday already (fish oil, amino acid tablets, protein, multi vitamins and minerals) I see no issue with adding another pill, or hell even 9 more if need be.

Just to echo what terrymoore said, because your basics as you call it, could be a problem.

They are exactly the type of supplements you need to avoid and/or should be checked first with the doctor prescribing the meds when you start treatment.

For example dolutegravir (Part of Triumeq) it has a major interaction warning for "multivitamin with minerals" - Products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium and/or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of dolutegravir and reduce its effectiveness in treating HIV infection.

Jim

*
https://www.poz.com/drug/tivicay
https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/dam/GlaxoSmithKline/US/en/Prescribing_Information/Tivicay/pdf/TIVICAY-PI-PIL.PDF
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1507-0,1665-0,3557-16866

Hito · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2016, 07:38:38 am »

If the minerals are an issue and I am prescribed triumeq I will stop them post haste. I will just implement foods with more minerals into my diet instead. I will be sure to tell my doctor everything.

Thank you for looking out for me.

CaveyUK · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2016, 04:27:17 pm »

Hi Hito. Sounds like you are in good shape, comparatively

As for multivits/minerals and potential interactions, you certainly do need to discuss what you take with your doctor - but it may just mean you have to ensure such supplements are taken at a different time of day (for example, with Dolutegravir, you should never take within a few hours - so taking multivits in the morning and the HIV meds in the evening, for example, is fine). Your doc will be able to explain.

There are drug interaction databases available where you can also double check any other med or supplement against your regimen. Even drugs like Dolutegravir, which interact with very few other drugs, have some no-nos. For instance, some herbal remedies like St Johns Wort is completely out.

Anyway, aside from all that it sounds like you have the right mental attitude which will serve you well. You discovered the problem shortly after seroconversion it seems, which will have limited any damage and mean that you will undoubtedly live a long and healthy life.

Don't worry about moving back to the US in years to come or drug provision. It's just not something to concern yourself with right now.

All the best

TheNormalLife · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2016, 01:41:22 am »

Hito:

Welcome to the forums; great that you are active here and already finding answers. I'd discuss with the doctor about the supplements because of possible interference with your medications and because it is not advisable to put more pressure on the liver or kidneys. A normal, balanced diet should make it for you just like it is making it for the majority of us.

Eat for your health, do not eat for your sickness.

Ray.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #15 on:** October 22, 2016, 01:39:19 pm »

Hito, here's a belated welcome to our site. Sounds to me like you are making a very good adjustment to your new status.

You may find lots of questions for your doctor coming to mind as you go about your daily life. I recommend keeping a little notebook handy so when you see your doctor you don't have to depend on your memory.

You are always welcome here to discuss anything that is on your mind. This is another aspect of life when it is good to have company.

As you are beginning to see, life is going to go on and you will be doing fine.

Welcome.

Hito · « **Reply #16 on:** October 23, 2016, 08:48:46 am »

Thank you everyone so much for your encouragement and advice. I am still feeling completely fine and still go to the gym and go out with friends and co-workers. No fevers or other strange things. Life hasn't really changed. I do sometimes get a little worried and uneasy about complications such as lymphoma and hepatitis co infections, those worry me most of all. Really, those frighten me.
My lymph nodes in my groin are swollen (no pain) and the lymph nodes on the sides of my neck and behind my ear are also swollen. (again no pain) None of them are noticeable or jut out.

Tomorrow morning is my first official appointment to have my first CD4 and viral count test, and I guess they will examine me for other symptoms. I am a little nervous, but I should be OK. The social worker coming with me is very kind.

I am just hoping that since it is only 4 months and 3 weeks since my seroconversion that my CD4 count will be somewhat normal and that my viral load won't be too high. I also hope the results don't take too long.

I will post again after my appointment tomorrow with any updates.

Wade · « **Reply #17 on:** October 23, 2016, 08:56:37 am »

Good Luck tomorrow Hito and keep us posted

Best, Wade

Hito · « **Reply #18 on:** October 23, 2016, 05:40:49 pm »

Currently on the train to the hospital. I feel OK, just a bit nervous.

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 23, 2016, 05:51:49 pm »

Good luck! Everything will work out fine, I'm sure

Hito · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2016, 09:39:16 pm »

Currently awaiting my blood work. It will be about 2 hours.

Had a full body check and also discussed treatment a bit.

terrymoore · « **Reply #21 on:** October 23, 2016, 09:45:57 pm »

Keep us updated!

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 23, 2016, 10:33:48 pm »

It's great that you get the blood test results so quickly! Keep us posted.

Hito · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2016, 12:26:08 am »

I just got my results.

My CD4 vount is 283. My viral load won't be known until next time I go in which will be November 21st. I'm guessing it's high though.

I'll admit it's lower than I was hoping for, but I guess it can't be helped.

The doctor said I can start treatment around December 15th.

I will also be getting started on filling out paperwork for an assistance program for paying for meds. I told them I could do it on my own, but with the assistance I can buy 3 months of whatever meds I am prescribed for 100 dollars. If not it's much more, but I don't care. I will pay whatever I need to to fight this thing. I want to start as soon as they have established a baseline viral load. They said I should wait for that.

I was also checked for hep B and C, I have neither.

I need some time to think. Not sure how I fell right now. I guess I feel OK comparitively.

harleymc · « **Reply #24 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:30:42 am »

Good news on the Hepatitis, that makes treatment decisions simpler.

I'm sure that once you get your viral load under control you'll get a good bounce in your cd4 count. You've got double my count (140 up from 10) and I'm doing fine. You'll hit the ball out of the park.

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 24, 2016, 09:12:56 am »

It's great that your CD4's are above 200, so you won't need to worry about serious opportunistic infections (OI's).

Of course, you'll have to wait for further genotype testing, but I would check back with the doctor to see if there's a chance you could start on antiretroviral medication sooner than December 15. If not, ask him or her if there are any precautions you may need to take before then (such as taking any prophylactic medications to ward off any potential OI's). I'm not trying to cause you any worry, but I just want to make sure you remain fit and healthy.

Best wishes.

Wade · « **Reply #26 on:** October 24, 2016, 09:27:07 am »

I was wondering about the December date to start on treatment as well ?

Hito · « **Reply #27 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:13:32 pm »

Quote from: Ptrk3 on October 24, 2016, 09:12:56 am

It's great that your CD4's are above 200, so you won't need to worry about serious opportunistic infections (OI's).

Of course, you'll have to wait for further genotype testing, but I would check back with the doctor to see if there's a chance you could start on antiretroviral medication sooner than December 15. If not, ask him or her if there are any precautions you may need to take before then (such as taking any prophylactic medications to ward off any potential OI's). I'm not trying to cause you any worry, but I just want to make sure you remain fit and healthy.

Best wishes.

To Ptrk3 and Wade.

The doctor said that I may be able to start treatment as soon as November 21st. His and the nurses advice to start treatment around December 5th-15th was based on the following:

1. In order to apply for the assistance here I must wait until two Viral load test have established a base line viral load. The viral load tests take roughly two weeks to complete. The viral load is needed in order for him to write up his official statement for my receiving assistance for treatment. This correlates into the following.

2. If before applying for assistance in Japan for HIV at anytime before submitting paper work my CD4 count goes above 500 there is almost a guaranteed chance I will be denied assistance for medication. Japan breaks its assistance for HIV into 4 tiers based on CD4 count and anything higher than 500 is considered within perfectly livable healthy parameters. The doctor believes that by starting treatment before the second test to determine a baseline, there is a high possibility I will not qualify for assistance. Also, the base line viral load must be established before I can get the doctors note for applying. The difference between receiving assistance and not is a very large amount.

3. Since I have expressed my sincere intent to start treatment with or without receiving the assistance, the doctor wants me to meet with the pharmacist during my next visit after my second CD4 count test is given. He has seen people start without assistance and then stop once their viral load was UD, so he is worried I will do the same. (Um, no) The pharmacist will talk about treatment in detail with me while looking over my resistance test. If at that time I decide to start treatment that very day (which I FULLY intend to do) I don't think they will stop me in the slightest since the will have round two of my viral load count test prepped and already shipped off for testing.

I still feel great and after a good night sleep my head is back in order. Thank you both so much for your concerns. I am scared of opportunistic infections too, and I think I will call the clinic to see about taking prophylactics while I wait these next 26 days.

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 24, 2016, 09:53:50 pm »

Excellent news! Starting November 21 is much better than starting December 15, so that's a good thing. It's also good that you are empowering yourself in the decision-making process, especially as far as prophylactics are concerned. Knowledge is, indeed, power.

This is a great start for you. Lesson learned: always be engaged in your treatment. Always be proactive. Always ask questions and understand each and every decision your health-care providers makes. No one cares about your health as much as you do.

Best wishes to you on your ongoing journey to continued good health and a long, productive life. Keep us informed of your progress and always feel welcome to seek advice.

Hito · « **Reply #29 on:** October 25, 2016, 12:18:53 am »

I have 1 quick question. Has anyone had exoerience with swollen lymph nodes and HIV? I hear swollen lymph nodes are quite common.

I was wondering if after starting treatment they will go down a bit.

If anyone has had experience with this, please let me know.

life2 · « **Reply #30 on:** October 27, 2016, 08:46:10 pm »

Yes, I had severely swollen lymph nodes and they began subsiding immediately after starting meds. By day 4 the swelling was completely gone.

Hito · « **Reply #31 on:** October 28, 2016, 12:09:01 am »

Quote from: life2 on October 27, 2016, 08:46:10 pm

Yes, I had severely swollen lymph nodes and they began subsiding immediately after starting meds. By day 4 the swelling was completely gone.

Thanks. I guess I should be happy they are working so hard to try and fight this virus. I know it's ultimately futile, but I still feel a bit better knowing they are working.

CaveyUK · « **Reply #32 on:** October 28, 2016, 11:15:36 am »

We had another poster from Japan earlier this year who had the same experience in terms of baseline VL and how the whole Insurance process itself was delaying the meds start. I thought it a bit mad back then, and think the same now - but it is what it is I guess!

Good news on the numbers Hito. You'll be back in normal range in no time once meds have started.

Hito · « **Reply #33 on:** October 28, 2016, 11:39:02 am »

Quote from: CaveyUK on October 28, 2016, 11:15:36 am

We had another poster from Japan earlier this year who had the same experience in terms of baseline VL and how the whole Insurance process itself was delaying the meds start. I thought it a bit mad back then, and think the same now - but it is what it is I guess!

Good news on the numbers Hito. You'll be back in normal range in no time once meds have started.

The thing with it in Japan is, with national health coverage you are responsible for paying 30 percent of all medical expenses. This includes the medication. WIthout assistance the cost for a one month supply of Triumeq is approximately 640 US dollars. A bit less for Atripla and Genvoya, and about 480 for a months worth of complera. With assistance that falls to 100 US for a 3 month supply. I wasn't kidding when I said there was a huge difference.

This amount is probably something most people can not afford without assistance, so they are forced to wait. The whole process takes around 11 weeks to complete.

I feel incredibly fortunate that I can afford the medicine without assistance, but I still will apply to lighten the durden.

Again, Ill be getting my first round of meds on the 21st of November. I will also know my viral load at that time.

Expat1 · « **Reply #34 on:** November 03, 2016, 10:06:40 pm »

Hi. I wish to offer you encouragement. It is incredible that 'developed' countries like Japan, have so many hoops to jump through to get treatment. In the US I looked at applying for the government assistance to buy ARVs and just decided to get back on a plane to Thailand where this week I bought a 3 month supply of RPV and generic Truvada for $261 at a private hospital.

Hito · « **Reply #35 on:** November 20, 2016, 10:47:57 pm »

Hello everyone I just wanted to give an update. I just got the results back from my second test with my CD4 count and virus count. The results on the 2nd test were much better than I expected. My CD4 count went up to 431 and I found out that my viral load is just under 40000. I also got 2 months worth of prophylactics as I have selected to start Triumeq at the end of January after I have applied for assistance. I will be going back to the hospital in 2 weeks to get my resistance test and then I can start applying for assistance and I should be able to take advantage of that by January of next year.

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #36 on:** November 20, 2016, 11:10:34 pm »

Very good news. I'm glad you remain on top of things are on track to maintain a long and healthy life. Congratulations on your ongoing progress! Keep up the good work.

Hito · « **Reply #37 on:** December 04, 2016, 05:27:57 pm »

On my way to get my resistance test and pick a treatment.
I think I'll also have my CD4 measured again and my viral load.

Hito · « **Reply #38 on:** December 04, 2016, 11:15:48 pm »

My resistance test came back. My doctor said that my virus typing is (feral) I'm translating this directly from Japanese mind you.

It has no resistances, so I have decided to start Genvoya. Apparently it is super sensitive to every drug.

There was a doctor there from the phillipenes studying examination techniques and from what she told me, in the Phillipenes drug resistant strains are very common and many people have started to rely rwly on entry inhibitors. I had to translate everything for her and the staff, but the doctors were shocked to find that in the Phillipenes some common medications are unavailable or not common.

I am on my way to apply for drug assistance and get this ball rolling.

DANIELtakashi · « **Reply #39 on:** December 04, 2016, 11:38:20 pm »

A Japanese national here.
In TOKYO.

厚生医療手続きですか。

Hito · « **Reply #40 on:** December 05, 2016, 12:40:41 am »

Quote from: DANIELtakashi on December 04, 2016, 11:38:20 pm

A Japanese national here.
In TOKYO.

厚生医療手続きですか。

そうです。年明けの頃に届くと言われてあれまでは医師によっては今の状態と白血球の数で大丈夫そうです。トーリメクのアレルギ反応検査も受けて駄目じゃなければトーリメクにすると思っていますが。

早く届くといい、とは言え緊急の場合なら薬を購入為の二ヶ月文のお金を貯金しておきました。

宜しくお願いします

DANIELtakashi · « **Reply #41 on:** December 05, 2016, 12:53:34 am »

Hi, Hito.

Thank you for your quick reply.
It sounds like your hospital is the one on theTOEI Oedo line.
Am l correct?

私も発覚して三年です。
医師を頼りにがんばりましょう。

よろしくお願いいたします。

Hito · « **Reply #42 on:** December 05, 2016, 12:59:27 am »

Quote from: DANIELtakashi on December 05, 2016, 12:53:34 am

Hi, Hito.

Thank you for your quick reply.
It sounds like your hospital is the one on theTOEI Oedo line.
Am l correct?

私も発覚して三年です。
医師を頼りにがんばりましょう。

よろしくお願いいたします。

僕は東北の仙台の郊外住みです。

頑張ります。

DANIELtakashi · « **Reply #43 on:** December 05, 2016, 10:16:35 pm »

Good afternoon.

Please feel free to contact me any time.
Sorry l cannot go to UENO and get on the SHINKANSENN but we can communicate with each other through this forum.

よろしくお願いいたします。

Hito · « **Reply #44 on:** January 29, 2017, 11:39:38 pm »

I vust got back from the hospital anf I am staring at the bottle of Triumeq in my hand. It took about three months to finally get it and now that I have it, I am a bit aprehensive. Once I start I have to take it forever.

I feel kind of strange right now. Happy that I finally have it, and kind of unnerved by it too. I think I'll start my first dose February first. It seems a good date to start.

Sorry, I don't really know what this post was supposed to be. $:-\$

Ptrk3 · « **Reply #45 on:** January 29, 2017, 11:51:08 pm »

Hito: I've moved your topic to "Living with HIV" now that you have been prescribed medications and will soon start your regimen.

Don't worry. You will be fine. Once you start, the battle begins and it will be the first day of the next day of your long and healthy life.

Hito · « **Reply #46 on:** January 30, 2017, 12:09:39 am »

Quote from: Ptrk3 on January 29, 2017, 11:51:08 pm

Hito: I've moved your topic to "Living with HIV" now that you have been prescribed medications and will soon start your regimen.

Don't worry. You will be fine. Once you start, the battle begins and it will be the first day of the next day of your long and healthy life.

Thank you, I don't know why I'm so nervous

DANIELtakashi · « **Reply #47 on:** January 30, 2017, 01:40:58 am »

三年目、私も服薬を始めて毎日、不安でした。
日本の感染者のSNS もあります。私も参加しています。

I felt the same when l started taking medicine three years ago.
If you are interested in joining the local SNS for those living with HIV, please let me know.

Hito · « **Reply #48 on:** January 30, 2017, 01:58:49 am »

Quote from: DANIELtakashi on January 30, 2017, 01:40:58 am

三年目、私も服薬を始めて毎日、不安でした。
日本の感染者のSNS もあります。私も参加しています。

I felt the same when l started taking medicine three years ago.
If you are interested in joining the local SNS for those living with HIV, please let me know.

ぜひその sns の情報を教えてください同じ経験のある人がいると知ってちょっと安心してきました

DANIELtakashi · « **Reply #49 on:** January 30, 2017, 04:06:56 am »

By the way, your Japanese is perfect.
Good work

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