Need Help and Advice!!!!!!PLEASE

[menghao.kelson]

Dear everyone,

First of all, thank you to all who can response to my topic. I am a Chinese currently living in Houston. My father was diagnosed for AIDS one months ago in China. His condition was really really bad. He been having fever for almost a month, burping every 10 seconds and lost 35 pounds. His CD4 was only 31. Also, he had this opportunistic infection TB. We went to a local specialized hospital for the TB and the doctor there said your father wont make it for two years (which now I believe is BS). Then, his symptoms kept getting worse and worse and I knew it was time and a must to transfer him to a higher level hospital. We did, and thank to God that they treated him well and all his symptoms were gone. Now he is out of the Hospital and on Meds. He's on TDF+3TC+EFV and also he has to take TB meds for at least 6-9 months.

I have been reading things about AIDS and I feel terrified. I dont know how many nightmares I've had since my father's diagnosis. I know in this forum there are so many long survivors that give me lots of hopes. But I also find that many of the AIDS patients have died. If my father never misses a dose and be super careful about his health, can he still enjoy a normal life span, is it too late? I ask the doctor, some says 10+ years no problem and some say 20+. My father is 61 years old.

I know sometimes AIDS people get really depressed and want to stop Meds. Friends leave, family no longer want to be with. I told my father that no matter how much discrimination you may get, your son will always be with you. I really love my father and I am his only child. I just couldn't live without him. I can't lose him. I will do whatever I need to do to help him survive. This is the first time I feel death is so closed to me.

Our financial situation is very stable and the good thing is that the Chinese government provides free meds. I hope people in this forum or have similar story could give me some advice. Greatly appreciate it. 

I remember when I went to get the meds. There are two very young teenagers that seems not to care this sickness at all. The doctor yelled at them: your CD4 dropped to 104 and why you stopped taking the meds!!! So, please. To whom want to stop taking the meds, DO NOT DO SO!!!Life is so precious. Do not only live for yourself, live for everyone who cares you and loves you.

God Bless,
Michael

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

I have moved your thread to "Someone I Care About Has HIV " you can post here and in "Off Topic" the other forums are for PLHIV.

I'm sorry to hear your father is sick however it's great to read he is getting treatment for this and for his HIV and I think you doing great by reaching out to him and letting him know that you are here for him no matter what happens is great.

Jim.

[zach]

hi micheal

your father is going to have a rough year, it's a fight for sure

i've also gone through TB treatment with AIDS

you're right, he needs to take his meds daily

stay optimistic, he's in it for the long haul... this is a marathon

[CaveyUK]

Hi

Lots of people have recovered, seemingly from the brink of death, as can be witnessed by reading many of the threads on this forum.

As Zach said, it's going to be tough going to start with as your dad was very ill, but if he sticks to treatment and keeps a positive attitude then there's no reason why he cannot get back to feeling healthy again. It's no use putting timeframes on life expectancy, as there isn't a magic formula (and that applies to everyone - neg and poz)- all I can say is that a number of PLWH have been doing so for many years despite low starting numbers, and the treatments these days are fantastic compared to years ago.

[menghao.kelson]

Hi

Lots of people have recovered, seemingly from the brink of death, as can be witnessed by reading many of the threads on this forum.

As Zach said, it's going to be tough going to start with as your dad was very ill, but if he sticks to treatment and keeps a positive attitude then there's no reason why he cannot get back to feeling healthy again. It's no use putting timeframes on life expectancy, as there isn't a magic formula (and that applies to everyone - neg and poz)- all I can say is that a number of PLWH have been doing so for many years despite low starting numbers, and the treatments these days are fantastic compared to years ago.

Dear Caveyuk,

Appreciate your comment. Yeah, you are right. Always have a positive attitude. Just the lack of knowledge towards HIV makes me very scared. I am new to this forum and I found that so many people with low numbers have recovered. That's really encouraging.

Michael

[menghao.kelson]

hi micheal

your father is going to have a rough year, it's a fight for sure

i've also gone through TB treatment with AIDS

you're right, he needs to take his meds daily

stay optimistic, he's in it for the long haul... this is a marathon

Dear Zack,

Appreciate your comment. There seems very little information available in my country on how HIV patient avoiding other HIV related infection, how to take care themselves, what food to eat and so on. I am happy to find this forum and want to get as much info as possible.

Thanks,

Michael

[zach]

Dear Zack,

Appreciate your comment. There seems very little information available in my country on how HIV patient avoiding other HIV related infection, how to take care themselves, what food to eat and so on. I am happy to find this forum and want to get as much info as possible.

Thanks,

Michael

"There seems very little information available in my country on how HIV patient avoiding other HIV related infection"

In addition to HIV and TB meds, your father is probably on prophylaxis antibiotics. It is important he takes them until his immune rebuilds itself in time. Those meds prevent the other infections.

He doesn't have to live in a bubble, shut away from germs, or become a clean freak.

"how to take care themselves"

by taking all of his meds, consistently, every day

"what food to eat and so on"

he can eat what he wants, what doesn't make him sick, what he's comfortable digesting. starting any kind of a health lifestyle diet, especially now while he is so weak... is not medically necessary or wise. he may want protein drinks, they help to keep weight on. follow his doctors lead on this, be cautious of anyone pushing herbs, supplements, or any other alternative as an answer, or even part of an answer.