Introduction Prince_Bernhard

[Prince_Bernhard]

As a new member its can you please open a introduction thread in the "I just tested positive" section and please introduce yourself to the other members of the forum, things like. How you are getting on? What treatment are you taking, how is that going? What your labs are like etc etc

After a urinary tract infection, the GP advised a full STD panel, which I (M, 31 y/o) ordered at the lab. When the lab called me the next day, they told me that they cannot share my results and that I have to call my GP. At that time, I had a very bad feeling, knowing that the only purpose of not disclosing lab results to the patient, was for something very serious that only can be discussed between patient and GP.

The GP told me the same day that I have been tested positive for HIV. My world fell apart. My girlfriend (30 y/o) was also tested positive. We are in a relationship of 4 years. We don't know where we got it. I cannot remember a single high risk exposure, neither can she. We got it and we have to live with it, simple as that.

My CD4 count was in Mid August in the 270 range and the VL was around 4000 c/mL . Girlfriend CD4 count was around 500 and VL around 3600 c/mL. (i don't have the exact numbers).

Since then we have been visiting an ID specialist who put us both on (generic) Atripla. We are both lucky that we don't have any side effects (except for the first two weeks). We can even take the meds with food, doesn't matter at all.

I'm only afraid for the TDF component in Atripla, which, as I understand, has the potential to damage kidney functions and bone strength.

The next lab tests will be done end of this month.

In addition to taking 1 pill of generic Atripla each evening, in the morning I take zinc,  spirulina and selenium supplements to boost the immune system recovery.

[Jim Allen]

Welcome to the forum, sorry to hear about the diagnosis but glad you started treatment.

We don't know where we got it. I cannot remember a single high risk exposure, neither can she. We got it and we have to live with it, simple as that.

Not sure what your idea of high risk is, but most common transmission route is sex, however as you correctly point out the focus is moving on and it seems your doing just that with treatment.

Atripla is no longer considered first-line medication in many locations but if your doing well on it that's good, plenty of members here who are and have been talking Atripla successfully for years.

Take it easy.

Jim

[CaveyUK]

Welcome, and don't worry unduly about effects on kidneys of TDF. You get bloods monitored periodically, and if anything looks like it is causing a problem you'll get drugs switched out to resolve the problem.

I'm on a TDF based regimen btw, and it's fine.

[Prince_Bernhard]

Thanks guys for your replies. Jim, you are right, high-risk was not the right wording.

Unfortunately, Atripla is the first line medication available in this location.  However, since I do not experience any side effects, I do not worry so much about this. The main thing is that it is working. I’ll keep you updated.