I regretfully inform you that I have recently been diagnosed with HIV. My viral load was 64,000 and my CD4 count is 406.
I am 38 years old with no medical conditions apart from having contracted hepatitis A when I was 14.
Mentally, I feel terrible. I feel like I have let down everyone around me, especially my son. I worry that I won't be there for him as he grows up, and this thought is very scary and depressing.
I started taking Vitarkby on December 14, and my next blood work is scheduled for next week.
My doctor has assured me that I can live a long and healthy life as long as I adhere to taking my medication once a day. I am diligent in taking it every day at 1 pm, sometimes within a 5-minute window.
I have been reading a lot online, and it's making me question everything. For example,
What if Vitarkby doesn’t work for me to achieve undetectable status?
Can we remain undetectable for 30-40 years without needing to switch medications?
My doctor asked me if I want to try the injection treatment every 2 months after undetectable for 6 months. Any thoughts on this? Risky?
Will I experience any physical changes?
Does HIV continue to cause damage to our bodies even when we are undetectable?
Am I at a higher risk of developing cancer (liver blood, etc) due to the treatment or having a weakened immune system?
I have had the flu since December 18. Initially, I had a fever for 3 days, then my sinuses were completely congested, and now I am still dealing with a cough. I have never been sick for this long. Are people with HIV more susceptible to getting worse illnesses than others?
What are the chances of there being a cure in the near future?
I apologize for all the questions. I honestly feel very depressed, and I can't even bear to look at myself in the mirror. I am a victim of my own stigma.
leatherman:
--- Quote from: Hope4cure38 on January 14, 2024, 06:36:25 pm ---My doctor has assured me that I can live a long and healthy life as long as I adhere to taking my medication once a day.
--- End quote --- Your doctor is completely right. Take your daily HIV meds and you'll live as long as others in your family.
----What if Biktarvy doesn’t work for me to achieve undetectable status? It will work. All modern HIV meds work as long as they are taken every day.
----Can we remain undetectable for 30-40 years without needing to switch medications? sure can!
----My doctor asked me if I want to try the injection treatment every 2 months after undetectable for 6 months. Any thoughts on this? Risky? It's not risky and it only depends on if a 2mo injectable is easier for you.
I prefer not having to travel to my doctor every two months for the shot. It's easier for me to take daily pills and only see the doctor a few times a year.
----Will I experience any physical changes? Nope.
----Does HIV continue to cause damage to our bodies even when we are undetectable? Some; but not enough to you to worry about.
----Am I at a higher risk of developing cancer (liver blood, etc) due to the treatment or having a weakened immune system?
----Are people with HIV more susceptible to getting worse illnesses than others? Nope.
----What are the chances of there being a cure in the near future? the chances are slim to none; however with only having to take 1 pill a day, a cure isn't that big a deal
--- Quote from: Hope4cure38 on January 14, 2024, 06:36:25 pm ---I honestly feel very depressed, and I can't even bear to look at myself in the mirror. I am a victim of my own stigma. --- End quote --- I hate that you feel that way right now; but you won't always feel this way. As some time goes by you'll see that this is a one of a million diseases you could have gotten infected with, and thankfully here in 2023 it's an easily managed disease. Trust me, when you've been on meds for 25 years (like me) and are into your 60s (like me), these beginning days will be an almost forgotten distant memory. ;)
Take your meds, get on with your life, and enjoy life!
Hope4cure38:
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, I’m sure some of my questions are annoying because the answer is on google however I’m just very nervous.
Do you think my CD4 count was low? 406 I tested negative in October 1 so we could say I found out I had it in the early stage… but my CD4 doesn’t seem to be high (judging it could be 1500) and my virus load is 60k
I have been sick for almost a month with what it seems to be a flu, do you think this is related to HIV?
Again I’m sorry for asking too many questions I feel stupid but very depressed at the same time
Jim Allen:
--- Quote ---Do you think my CD4 count was low? --- End quote ---
No.
--- Quote ---I tested negative in October 1 so we could say I found out I had it in the early stage --- End quote ---
Well, the good thing is you started treatment within four to five months of acquiring HIV, so before any serious damage occurred. That's the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment.
--- Quote ---I have been sick for almost a month with what it seems to be a flu, do you think this is related to HIV? --- End quote ---
No, it sounds like recovering from the Flu or RSV virus. If you are still feeling unwell and concerned, contact your healthcare provider.
--- Quote ---Will I experience any physical changes? --- End quote ---
--- Quote ---My doctor has assured me that I can live a long and healthy life as long as I adhere to taking my medication once a day. --- End quote ---
Yeah, thanks to the meds, you are not going to die. As a result, you will continue to live and age and, at some point, experience age-related issues like hair loss, weight changes, hearing and eyesight changes, wrinkles, sore joints, etc.
If you are concerned about your health, then focus on what you can do, not what you can't do or change. So you can exercise, drink less alcohol, don't smoke, get rest & sleep, and eat healthier.
When do you have your next appointment? Prehaps write down any questions you have for the doctor so you don't forget to ask them during your next visit.
Tonny2:
ojo. @hopefir thecure38… welcome to the forum, and I’m sorry for your diagnosis, but now that you know that you have the virus, you treat it. I’ve been waiting for the cure for 29 years, so, if I can give you some advice, just concentrate on taking your one pill a day lifesaving treatment… you are not alone we are here for you, any questions you may have of you just want to rent. We are here for you… your Cd4 level is skirt, and it’s gonna be better on your next bloodwork results. Start making plans for the future because you are going to be around to see your child grow with you… again, we are here for you; please keep us posted and good luck…hugs