PLHIV-Pakistan

[aki-pk]

I am hiv +ve from Pakistan where discussion on this topic is almost nil. I am very much depressed and there is no forum to discuss issues facing due to my treatment except my doctor. I am on treatment (Efavirenz,Lamivudine &Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 600+600+300mg) one pill per day since 30th March 2016 i.e.19days have been passed and I remained under great depression,weakness and tired all the time. I start weeping loudly and sometimes just want death instead of life. So I requested my doctor to reconsider my medicine. Now he is changing medicine from tonight. I do not know what will be the effect of new regimen. I am being treated from Shukat Khanum Hospital Lahore. Is there anyone from pakistan to share his views. My CD4 on 17th March 2016 was 359,viral load not tested.
My brain seems foggy and I feel dizziness.Said medicine seems bad effect on brain. Is someone here from Pakistan?

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you having problems and glad you found us. We have members from all over the world.  It can be a shock and take time to digest a diagnosis, but it's great to hear you have started treatment and things do get better, I am also sorry to hear your feeling depressed but good to hear that you are engaging with you Doctor on this. Do you already know what medication you are switching to tonight ?

I'm sure other members will also chime in on your thread so do keep us posted.

Jim.

[harleymc]

Hello Aki
 I'm sorry you have been feeling depressed, changing the medication should help.

I saw a documentary on Pakistan and know there's at least one community based support centre in Islamabad, but can not remember it's name. So maybe there's something in Lahore. Maybe someone at the hospital might be able to help to find a support group.

I'm not sure if there are and Pakistanis on this forum, but you can come here anytime and know that someone cares.
Good luck

[Basquo]

Hello Aki, and welcome to the Forums. I hope you find some friends were you are, and you will certainly find friends and support here.

Best,
Creighton

[Since2005]

Hello Aki,

Welcome to the forum. I am South Asian myself though living in the US  for a while. I understand what you are going through. It is very hard living with HIV disease in such socially conservative place. I am not sure what the resources available but I am sure your hospital / Doctor can provide you some information. It may not be easy but it can help out you a lot while you can talk to a group. If that's not an option and you are not comfortable then I would suggest to reach people online, watch videos, and use other resources if you can.

Everyone handles HIV differently but I am sure came to the right place. I can assure you that what your are feeling is normal. Everyone goes through this, I know I have. Please keep connecting with people here. Wish you the best and hope it gets better for you.

[BT65]

Hi Aki,
I am so sorry you are living in such oppresive  conditions but I do know you are. Please check out the info that the other members provided.

You are certainly welcome here to post and share.  Whatever you do, we are here.  We will reply.  And you will have support, at least here.  Please take care of yourself and don't let the oppression keep you down.

Betty

[aki-pk]

Thanks to all who response me here. My doctor has switched my regimen. Now I am taking (Lopinavir200mg+Ritonavir50mg) 2pills two times a day,(Avolam150mg) 2pills at night,(Tenofovir disproxil fumarate300mg) 1pill at night. Although this regimen has not so much bad effect as compared with the previous one with Efavirenz but still I am in crises. It seems as living with treatment is bad than without treatment. I am very much confused whether I should leave all such treatments and let me on the fate.What should I do?
Daily I make courage and daily it breaks. It seems neither I am living life nor die. Its not the life.Its curse. Neither I am comfortable at home nor on job. If I remained at home I face depression issues.If I come on job I feel to much tired and try to find some place to lay down on some bench or on floor.Its very terrible condition.

[Jim Allen]

Hi

So glad you switched and that you are finding this combination better, now you only just switched medication and need to give yourself time to settle into it this. Most if any side effects are only mild and temporary. I appreciate you are still digesting the fact that you are Living with HIV.

Having to take the pills daily I understand your just starting off and that it seems/feels like a big hurdle, however with time this feeling will pass as you get use to this, so stick with it and take your meds. Now I appreciate there is not a huge amount of support where you are located but stick with this and try to talk to someone like your Doc regarding your feelings of depression.

However to be blunt not taking you meds simply means death, and not a fast one but a nasty slow and sick decline, it will be filled with horrors and pain along the way. I don't say this to scare you but I'm not going to lie about it either. 

Jim   

[BT65]

Aki, I echo what Jim said.  Dying from AIDS is no joke.  I've been living with this for over 25 years and have seen many deaths. It's slow and totally miserable.  Any discomfort you are feeling right now may well be related to your depression.  If it's side effects from the meds, that should go away. 

I also agree you should talk to your doctor about your depression. Do they have counselors there you could perhaps talk to?  I urge you to continue with your meds and don't give up.  It sounds easy to do (to give up), but that's a horrible road to go down.  Hang in there and continue to talk to us!

Betty

[aki-pk]

Dear JimDublin & BT65!
Thanks a lot to respond my messages. Its really give me support,courage and re-sum-up myself. This forum is indeed a great help for us (people living with this shit-hiv).
Pray for me and my wife to face the reality and courage to fight with this disease.
Thanks a lot

[harleymc]

Hi Aki,
I'm glad you got the change in medications. Your new combination will work very well. The fact that your doctor changed your medications so quickly tells me you have a great doctor. you are in good hands.

At the moment HIV is the new big thing in your life, it is natural to be thinking about it a lot.
With time and medications it just becomes something in the background, it will still be there, but it won't dominate things.

I count some good things from HIV, it is not all bad.
I've learned humility, I've learned compassion for other people and I've learned to ask for help if and when I need it.

I wish you well on your journey through life.