Pregnant and viral load not dropping quickly enough!

[TabooPrincess]

I'm 30 weeks pregnant now - went for my results this morning and my viral load is 1,800.  I've been on the tablets for 10 weeks now and figured I'd become undetectable in no time as I was in good shape originally (I don't need the medication for myself).  I've been 100% accurate with the medication but my doctor wants to do a resistance test - she believes I should be much lower too.

I'm taking azt, kaletra and viread.

Any ideas?  I'm struggling to just wait and see what happens - I've only got 5 weeks before the blood test which determines if I can have a vaginal delivery, something really important to me   

[emeraldize]

What was your VL when you started treatment?

[TabooPrincess]

I don't remember and the doc can't seem to locate the results - I've been pos for less than a year so don't suppose it was too high but maybe it was, perhaps this is wherein the problems lies...*sigh*...

[newt]

ask about intensifying with nevirapine (proven) or raltegravir (unproven) and/or IV AZT during labour

pretty important to sort out, as 30 weeks is late enough for baby to come now eh?

good luck, and prayers, I appreciate the choices may come sudden and hard now but wish for you a healthy, HIV-negative baby.

- matt

[Sweet_C]

No, advice, just (((((TabooPrincess)))))

[skeebo1969]

   I don't know how important this is, but why do they have you on AZT now?  I thought this was only administered during labor.  Also I am not sure but you might want to look into whether that is a category C drug for use during pregnancy. 

   I know my wife was taken off of Zerit which was a category C drug and switched to the same regimen you are on, Kaletra and Viread however, without the AZT.  You're not far from undetectable and as your doctor is probably already aware it is very important to get you there.

   How high was your viral load initially?  Also, when was your last viral load test done?  Is this the first VL test since starting the regimen? If it is perhaps the doctor should wait a few days and do another one to see if  you could indeed be undetectable and the other test was a blip...

  Please keep us posted!

[skeebo1969]

  Please disregard what I said above about the AZT.  I found an article on the subject, it is a bit dated, but according to it I am wrong.

http://www.thebody.com/content/art13482.html

[wndy424]

As a pregnant momma myself they tested me prior to starting me on meds.  My VL was only 1300 to begin with.  My Dr tested to see what I was resistant too prior to starting meds.  My particular type is resistant to AZT.  I am currently on Truvada and Intellence.  I tried Truvada, Norvir and Reytaz but I am allergic to the Norvir and Reytaz.  I am 26 weeks along and after a month of using the Truvada and Intellence I am undetectable.  These drugs are all classified as safe during pregnancy.  My doctor started me on meds at 14 weeks when did your dr start you?  I have to continue you on them for 1 month after the baby is born if everything looks great I can discontinue them as I was only on them for the baby.

[TabooPrincess]

I started the meds at 20 weeks - they won't start them any earlier in England - not sure where you are?  I can only stop taking the drugs once I become undetectable, either as soon as the baby comes or longer if that's the case.

Had another result on monday at 1000 - so dropping but just not quickly enough :-( I have to have 2 undetectable results before I'm allowed vaginal delivery so unless a miracle happens in the next 2 weeks then it's a C section for me.  Viral load before was around 38000

Resistance tests were all fine so doc is looking into levels of kaletra in my system and if I maybe need to add more. 

Fingers crossed....

[Ann]

Good luck, Taboo. I hope you can avoid a C-section, but it's not so bad when you consider that it will help protect your baby from becoming hiv positive. I had a C-section and lived to tell the tale. I would also have preferred a vag delivery, but at the end of the day, I still had a healthy baby girl as a result. BTW, my C-section was due to other factors. I wasn't poz when I had my daughter.

Hope everything goes well for you. Can't wait to hear your birth announcement!

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

[TabooPrincess]

Thanks Ann....I have 3 weeks to test undetectable, twice.  Everyone keep their fingers crossed!!  Until then I'm thinking of suitable excuses as to why I'd be having a C-section.

[Ann]

Taboo, if you have a C-section, they will probably schedule it. However, you don't have to let people know that bit of information. Just say your contractions started and you went in.  There are many excuses you can use, the baby being breech is one that immediately comes to mind. You can also say the baby's heartbeat was too slow or too fast.

If you find it difficult to keep from letting people know you have a scheduled C-section, you could say they discovered the placenta was wholly or partially in the way of the birth canal. This is a fairly common condition.

My fingers are crossed!

Ann

[newt]

While not personally an expert on giving birth (ahem) high blood pressure is sufficient to recommend a scheduled C section, and is a fairly common reason (there is an increased risk of stroke or kidney damage and/or still birth). Blood pressure often rises during a first pregnancy (and falls again after delivery).

[TabooPrincess]

Just got last results - 568.  Getting there but is it going to be quickly enough to have 2 undetectable results?  I've had a horrible year, it would be nice if something went in my favour for once!

Think I'll do that about the C-section, just not mention to anyone that we've got a date and then let people know on the morning and say the baby was breach or something...it's gonna be hard to do but gotta be done.

Thanks for support guys 

[Ann]

Well, you're nearly  there! My fingers are still crossed...

Keep us posted. When will they check again?

Ann

[TabooPrincess]

A week on Monday - said there's no point checking any sooner.  Part of me think I should just have a c-section because if the worst happens I don't think I could ever forgive myself, even if I was undetectable.  Lots of thinking to do.

[Sweet_C]

In the end, you will still have a healthy baby.  That's the important thing.  Don't let the stuff about natural or C-Section get you down. 

[Snowangel]

Taboo-
You and the baby will do fine either way, I am excited for you, get plenty of rest between now and then. 
Around here no one bats an eye if you have a c-section, natural birth, epidural or whatever.  One thing I learned when I was pregnant, usually, each delivery is totally different, even for the same women.
When I was pregnant with just my son, this women had me me calling my mother in tears.  She told me that her doctor had her put a glove on and make herself poop.  I called my mother and said" Mom ,am I going to have to stick my finger up my ass?" She immediately started laughing and said no, why would you think that.  It is funny now, but at the time, it scared the crap out of me, no pun intended 

Is your doc going to give you something to dry out your milk?  That can be really painful, if you are not breastfeeding.  Cabbage leaves on your boobs, helps a lot, if they don't.  Wierd, I know, but I used them for both of my pregnancies and it helped.

Do you have a name picked out yet?

Good luck,
Snow

[TabooPrincess]

Down to 290 now - 35 weeks.  Looks like c-section for me.  Can't understand why viral load hasn't drop quicker but at least it's dropped.  Stupid body!

[TabooPrincess]

My c-section is just over 2 weeks away now and I'm panicking...I'm struggling to keep myself sane, my head keeps going over and over what will happen if the baby is positive, I'm not sure I could ever forgive myself and now I'm starting to wonder if I've been really selfish by keeping this baby...feels like a big web of deceit that I'm weaving ready for the c-section.....

[TheRoof]

Don't stress yourself out too much. I think the baby will be all right since of the anti-virals. Even if the baby does turn out positive. It'll be okay, there is a probable chance that it will lead to have a normal life..

[Snowangel]

Taboo-
DO NOT STRESS yourself out!!!!!  You need to take this time to catch up on your rest and whatever else you want to finish before the baby comes.
I know, it is easier said than done, but you worrying is not going to help you.  When I was pregnant with my 3 some and on bedrest, all I could do was lay in bed and think.  I had gotten a worry stone before going on bedrest and I would just hold it and rub it, it had a little angel in it.  I would say a little prayer and try not to think of it anymore.
Believe me, I totally understand how you are feeling, but please try to stop worrying.
We are here for you! You know how you can reach me too.
Stay strong!!
Snow

[TabooPrincess]

So a week tomorrow my baby is gonna be here!!!!  Viral load still hasn't dropped below 280ish but apparently it's low enough to not be a significant risk with a c-section.  Still petrified, I can't believe how much has happened in the past year....

[Ann]

Hi Taboo, good to hear from you again. You and the baby are going to be just fine! One plus to having a c-section is that you get to stay in hospital for a few days where you can get lots of sleep and pampering. And with not breastfeeding, you'll be able to have all the post-op pain meds you need. There's always a sliver lining if you look hard enough. I'm looking forward to when you tell us all about your new son. Keep your chin up and think good thoughts.

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

[TabooPrincess]

Hey guys - just wanted to let you know that my baby boy is just over 3 weeks old now, he came a week earlier than the scheduled c-section as my waters broke!!  Anyway just had first test results and they are negative  one more week of medication to go and then another test in 3 weeks.

Anyone who is pregnant or thinking about having a baby feel free to ask any questions.  And thankyou for all the advice and support - talking to ladies who have been through the same thing and understand the fears has been invaluable.  Confidentiality in the hospital was my biggest fear but it was all fine.  And no-one has asked too many questions about the breast feeding or c-section stuff which is a relief 

[Nashvegas]

That's excellent news!!!!  Keep us posted and perhaps share a pic of your little one! 

[minismom]

Congratulations!!  I'm so happy for you!  How are you feeling after your c-section?  I know holding that sweet baby boy makes it all worth it.

If you don't mind posting his stats, I'd love to know how big he was.

Mum

[TabooPrincess]

He was 6lb11, born at 38 weeks.  A lot smaller than we expected, we're both quite large!!!  I read somewhere that the medication can make the babies smaller.  Just finished the 4 weeks of meds now so fingers crossed now.  My only concern is that my waters broke and I wasnt un-detectable.

[minismom]

Mim was teeny, too, 5lbs 3oz and reportedly full term.  6,11 is still a really good weight.  How long was he?  Mim was a shorty - 18ins.

I'm so glad you both are doing so well.  Enjoy every minute - they grow up WAY too fast.

Mum

[TabooPrincess]

Just got my baby boys second blood test from 8 weeks old (supposed to be 6 but the first sample clotted or something) and it's NEGATIVE :-)  Due again at 12 weeks (he's 10 weeks old now). He's getting big now, he loves the formula too much!!  Getting more confident now that he will be in the clear! It's been an emotional road....

[TabooPrincess]

Mum - I'm not sure what length he was, they didn't measure.  He's average size for everything at the moment but I think he'll be a big boy!

[leatherman]

Just got my baby boys second blood test from 8 weeks old and it's NEGATIVE

WooHoo!

  mikie
(who now knows the baby is a boy by reading the Princess' last posts. Doh! LOL)

[newt]

[TabooPrincess]

Third test has come back negative!!!!  WOOHOO!!!  Docs said we can 99% be confident he's negative now.  Just the antiibody test when he's 18 months old.  I'm so happy just wanted to share!! :-)

[franfrog]

Congrats makes me feel more confident about mine coming.

[TabooPrincess]

Just wanted to share the news that my little angel has had his 18 month blood test and is now conclusively negative and has been discharged!  I knew it would be but it's great to have that final result!  What a great day 

[spacebarsux]

That is such great news. Many congrats!!

[leatherman]

Just wanted to share the news that my little angel has had his 18 month blood test and is now conclusively negative and has been discharged!  I knew it would be but it's great to have that final result!  What a great day 

WooHoo! That is really good news T-Princess.
that's one worry down; now to worry about those "terribles twos"!

hugs!

[mikeyb39]

That is Fantastic news!!!!  Congrats!!!!!

[karry]

CONGRATULATIONS!Awesome news!
Karry

[tash08]

I'm so happy for you, Congratulations.