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Author Topic: Me and my big mouth! Update  (Read 23243 times)

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Offline racingmind

  • Member
  • Posts: 236
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #50 on: February 06, 2007, 12:32:25 pm »
GREAT Mark!

Keep up the good work....tomorrow is the 3 week marker for me! 

 ::)
Tested Negative: 5/06
Tested Positive: 9/06 
9/06: CD4: 442 (28%) VL: +100,000
10/06: CD4: 323 (25%) VL: 243,440
11/06: CD4: 405 (28%) VL: 124,324
12/06: CD4: 450 (29%) VL: 114,600
1/07: CD4: 440 (27%) VL: 75,286
3/07: CD4: 459 (30%) VL: 44,860
5/07: CD4: 353 (24%) VL: 50,852
7/07: CD4: 437 (29%) VL: 39,475
9/07: CD4: 237 (32%) VL: 372,774
10/07: CD4: 324 (27%) VL: 115,454 
Started Atripla: 10/07
11/07: CD4: 524 (?%) VL: Undetectable!
2/08: CD4: 653 (35%) VL: undetectable
5/08: CD4: 822 (40%) VL: undetectable
8/08: CD4: 626 (35%) VL: undetectable
12/08: CD4: 619 (36%) VL: undetectable
3/09: CD4: 802 (38%) VL: undetectable
7/09: CD4: 1027 (43%) VL: not tested
10/09: CD4: 1045 (43%) VL: undetectable

Offline Queen Tokelove

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,031
  • Smokey the Smurf
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #51 on: February 06, 2007, 01:33:23 pm »
Good Job, Mark. I wish I could afford the stuff, 118 a month, that's out of my range. I wonder why insurance won't cover quit smoking aids, it doesn't make sense to me. Can someone explain this?
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #52 on: February 06, 2007, 02:10:56 pm »
Well, its been 10 days since I started taking Chantix.

I've done pretty well. The cravings are not nearly so pronounced as they have been in earlier attempts.

The way Chantix works is quite subtle. You just don't get the cravings as often or as forcefully. So far, its working.

Interestingly, I think it also blocks the satisfaction of smoking. Even before graduating up to the full dose, I noticed I didn't get the feeling of relief or satisfaction when I had a ciggie.

It was like, "So why bother smoking with I don't feel any different from it?"

I have been eating a bit more, but nothing like the last time.

Anyway, just an update.

HUGS,

Mark


Hey Mark,

I wish you all the luck.   I know I tried those damn patches in the past and they didn't do anything but give me an extra boost ;)

My doctors hassle me about it all the time.    I'd never even heard of Chantix until now, so maybe I'll give it a whirl.   I was thinking if I could find those candy cigarettes I'd stock up on those just to help get me out of the habbit of it.

The physical addiction isn't my biggest hurtle though.  It's that mental addiction.   I hate to give up one of my hobbies and for all the negative things people say about smoking I have some rather fond memories and even met some of the best friends of my life because we shared the same bad hobby ; )

Well, now I'm wondering if perhaps Chantix is covered under my own insurance.   I've got my apt. on the 9th so I guess I will ask my doctor bout it and maybe I'll join ya guys.

Just a question, the doctor I just left claimed that quiting smoking would boost up my CD4 count.   I don't think it could hurt, but surely there are some studies that might be ought there that'd give us all some extra incentive?

Good luck Mark!

Wesley
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #53 on: February 06, 2007, 02:16:58 pm »
Hey Akasha,
I don't know why either. There apparently are a few that do cover it, but most don't. Yep, its expensive all right.

Hey Thomas and Racing,

Thanks guys. I'm hanging in there.

One thing I forgot to mention, the Chantix gives you vivid and, more often than not, weird dreams. I guess its sorta like Sustive-light.

It is strange though. I dreamed someone was admiring my toenail fungus. WEIRD!  ???

Anyway, its been interesting, to say the least.

Hey Wesley,

I have heard that quitting smoking can boost your CD4s, but I've never seen any science to back it up. I do know it can help improve your HDL levels (the good cholesterol), which is the one I have had the most trouble with.

Give it a whirl. I have to say, the Chantix really does help. I still get the urges, but, like I said, not nearly like I used to when I quit.

I also tried the patches. They didn't help me at all. I ended up smoking while wearing them, which isn't a good idea.

I'll keep y'all posted.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline fondeveau

  • Member
  • Posts: 425
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #54 on: February 06, 2007, 05:53:18 pm »
Good Job, Mark. I wish I could afford the stuff, 118 a month, that's out of my range. I wonder why insurance won't cover quit smoking aids, it doesn't make sense to me. Can someone explain this?

Gee, whiz, smokes are $4-5 per pack here.  So, I figured one month of Chantix is about the same cost?

Offline fondeveau

  • Member
  • Posts: 425
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #55 on: February 06, 2007, 05:56:58 pm »
Hey Akasha,
I don't know why either. There apparently are a few that do cover it, but most don't. Yep, its expensive all right.

Hey Thomas and Racing,

Thanks guys. I'm hanging in there.

One thing I forgot to mention, the Chantix gives you vivid and, more often than not, weird dreams. I guess its sorta like Sustive-light.

It is strange though. I dreamed someone was admiring my toenail fungus. WEIRD!  ???

Anyway, its been interesting, to say the least.

During the premarketing development of CHANTIX, over 4500 individuals were exposed to CHANTIX, with over 450 treated for at least 24 weeks and approximately 100 for a year. Most study participants were treated for 12 weeks or less.

In Phase 2 and 3 placebo-controlled studies, the treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events in patients dosed with 1 mg BID was 12% for CHANTIX compared to 10% for placebo in studies of three months’ treatment. In this group, the discontinuation rates for the most common adverse events in CHANTIX treated patients were as follows: nausea (3% vs. 0.5% for placebo), headache (0.6% vs. 0.9% for placebo), insomnia (1.2% vs. 1.1% for placebo), and abnormal dreams (0.3% vs. 0.2% for placebo)

Aren't you lucky to be in that .3% elite!  I was so disappointed with Atripla because I was looking forward to vivid dreams.  To find out now that I missed vivid dreams with Chantix, is just too much.  Do they have prescription LSD?

Offline bear60

  • Member
  • Posts: 4,105
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #56 on: February 06, 2007, 06:03:08 pm »
Mark
I just want to congratulate you on your progress.  Good going!!
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline Teresa

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,755
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #57 on: February 06, 2007, 06:11:49 pm »
Hubby went to the Dr yesterday for his checkup. The Dr. gave us some brochures on Chantix. We are using the patch and doing ok on it. She said if the patch didn't work to let her know and she prescribe us Chantix. She said she was impressed with it. So far the patch is working.

Keep up the not smoking Mark. I'm on day 3 and so far so good.

Hugs
Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline dtwpuck

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,013
  • дано мне тело, что мне делать с ним?
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #58 on: February 06, 2007, 06:31:10 pm »
Having quit several times in my life...  I feel for you.  It's one of the best decisions you could ever make.
Just so I could stop people from thinking I was a complete asshole, I decided to quit while I was on the road for work for a week.  then, only a really icky customer had to face my moodiness.  I sat in my hotel room in the evenings and actively hated everything I could think of.  It passed, but it's definitely amazing how much tobacco (and its absence) effects you.
Floating through the void in the caress of two giant pink lobsters named Esmerelda and Keith.

Offline poet

  • Member
  • Posts: 934
  • Poet living and working in Central Maine
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #59 on: February 06, 2007, 07:04:10 pm »
Congratulations to all of you in this forum shared smokeout!  Best, Win
Winthrop Smith has published three collections of poetry: Ghetto: From The First Five; The Weigh-In: Collected Poems; Skin Check: New York Poems.  The last was published in December 2006.  He has a work-in-progress underway titled Starting Positions.

Offline Longislander

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,489
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #60 on: February 06, 2007, 08:39:43 pm »
I hadn't heard anything about Chantix and dreams. Now it makes sense. Last few weeks, my dreaming has been so clear and detailed, as if I'm watching a movie. Nothing scary or outrageous, and always stars people I know. :D

When will I get to the sex dreams of Chantix!!??
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline koi1

  • Member
  • Posts: 713
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #61 on: February 06, 2007, 10:42:11 pm »
Well I never got the sex sustiva dreams, but then I never did go to bed wathin' porn like it is recommended. Aztecan, keep it up. Smoking, bad... I hope it keeps workin' for ya.

rob
diagnosed on 11/20/06 viral load 23,000  cd4 97    8%
01/04/07 six weeks after diagnosis vl 53,000 cd4 cd4 70    6%
Began sustiva truvada 01/04/07
newest labs  drawn on 01/15/07  vl 1,100    cd4 119    7%
Drawn 02/10/07
cd4=160 viral load= 131 percentage= 8%
New labs 3/10/07 (two months on sustiva truvada
cd4 count 292  percentage 14 viral load undetectable

Offline RAB

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • Joined March 2003
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #62 on: February 07, 2007, 10:32:32 am »
Mark

Just wanted to echo the others and say keep up the good work on the smoking cessation.  I'm proud of you my friend, you are an inspiration.

RAB

Offline AustinWesley

  • Member
  • Posts: 815
    • HIV Discussion Group on Myspace!
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #63 on: February 09, 2007, 07:11:57 pm »
Heya Mark,

Well, your chain here got me a little more motivated to consider dropping the cancer sticks.   Anyways, my doctor had pretty good things to say about Chantix and wrote out a 3 month prescription.

I wasn't gona buy it at first cause I was like hmm, I could smoke for a whole month for the cost of those pills.   Anyways, I thought that was what was gona happen, but my pharmacist told me that shockingly my insurance covered it with a $20 copay.   

He hadn't gotten em ready yet so I told him no problem cause I was gonna have a little smoke out tonite ;)  Funny thing was the cashier gal who knows I'm always in there for my Marlboro lights quit 3 weeks ago and is still on Chantix.   She claims it's the best deal so far in all of her attempts.

So, thank you for starting up your little smoke out thread.  Looks like you've been an inspiration to more than a few.   I guess I'll be starting on them tomorrow.   I will have to see what I have in the way of porn from Rob's suggestion ;)

Hope you are doing well!

Wesley
Diag. 3/06  Infected aprx. 2 mo. Prior
Date        CD4   %      VL
4/6/06     627    32    36,500     NO MEDS YET!
6/7/06     409    27    36,100
8/23/06   408    25     22,300
1/2/07     354    23     28,700
2/9/07     139    30     23,000  Hep A Vaccine same day???
2/21/07   274    26     18,500 
3/3/07    RX of Truvada/Sustiva Started.
4/5/07    321     27      Undectable 1st mo.  
5/16/07  383     28    Undectable 2nd mo.
8/10/07  422     32   UD <48 on new scale!

Offline dtwpuck

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,013
  • дано мне тело, что мне делать с ним?
Re: Me and my big mouth! Update
« Reply #64 on: February 09, 2007, 07:15:10 pm »
Good luck there Wes... when I quit it was cold turkey.  Boy, was I nice to be around.
Floating through the void in the caress of two giant pink lobsters named Esmerelda and Keith.

 


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