Tested poz 12/16 started Complera 1/04...

[heretolearn]

I'm 22 weeks pregnant. I tested positive last month and had my bloodwork done. Cd4 902 and vl 700. I started Complera on January 4. I feel a lot better already. I gained 5 pounds after not gaining ANY since becoming pregnant. I had all these sore knots in my back that seem to have gone away. They hurt really badly and the doctor claimed not to have seen those particular lymph nodes swell before. The only side effects I seem to have are crazy dreams and being super tired all the time. What side effects did you have and can I expect to see mine go away in the near future? I just want to sleep constantly but that isn't possible.

[YoungNScared]

Hello, Welcome to the forums, here you will find and abundance of information about HIV. I am sorry you have tested poz but this is an amazing place with alot of helpful people, im sure all of them will chime in soon!

As for complera, i take it and you are right i do notice extreme tiredness about my first months using it, Now i experience just a tad bit on and off, it means the medicine is working my doctor told me  . He also told me it should wear off

Give us some updates on how you are doing and welcome to the forums  

[lioness]

Hello Heretolearn,
Sorry about your diagnosis. I have no experience about the meds you taking but just want to welcome to this forum. I wish you all the best

[Tonny2]

          ojo         Hello...welcome and I'm sorry for your dx, but I guess, as long as you take your med, you will be fine, ...pl3ease keep us posted...good luck...hugs       ojo

[heretolearn]

Thanks for your reply! I am really hopeful that the fatigue will wear off. I have gained 10 pounds in the two weeks or so since I started medication. That might worry me if I wasn't pregnant and had been gaining weight before now. I am really excited about the weight gain! I also have a fair bit more color in my cheeks and all over and look 5 years younger. I didn't realize I looked sick before I started doing better. I am going to have my blood drawn on the 25th and can't wait to see that the medication is working.
I have read online that they usually give AZT to women who are pregnant along with HAART and I wonder why they have said they will only give it to me IV when I go to have the baby. Do you think this treatment will be just as good or is there some reason I should have the AZT along with it? I just want the baby to be healthy. I know I will be fine now.
I really feel stupid that I didn't realize how sick I was. The signs were EVERYWHERE. Luckily, my body has been doing its job to protect me.
Did I mention that my husband found out he is negative (will retest in a few months)? He never had an inclination to leave. I caught it right before we got together so it isn't a betrayal but I think that is really wonderful of him not to be scared.  He has been helping me so much to eat right and take my medicine everyday at the same time.
We are really a lot happier now than we were before the diagnosis. Appreciating life is the only way to be happy. The only thing I am really worried about is the risk to the baby.

[YoungNScared]

Hello heretolearn,

Hope everything is going well with you, stay positive about the situation.  And im not sure about which drugs they give you while you are pregnant but it could be a combo of things im guessing. i believe it is something like 99% chance you wont infect the baby. So your in good hands now that you have caught this

Also you have a great Cd4 count and a low viral load so your body is doing well to fight it

Good luck! post an update!

[heretolearn]

I got my vL test back from 1/25 today!!! It was 30!!! I'm stoked. Also found out I have the hla b5701 gene which is found in many long term non progressors! The nurse told me that since the vL was 30 Monday then it is likely undetectable by now. She said she hadn't seen such good numbers at diagnosis in all 17 years she has worked with infectious disease. I think the baby has a lot of protection against the disease already. They have also gotten my blood pressure to the lowest it has been in 5 years so I think she will be born right when we need her to be. Ready for the first of May to hold her in my arms! I'm really excited about all this news.