Need some advise-thanks you all

[fatty2222]

Hi all,thanks you for reading this post.I still have some concerns with HIV.Would love if others to share their experience.

So I was diagnosed Positive in July/2017 and my age is 27. My first blood test result was CD4:485 and Viral load was 4000,and from the blood test and X-ray others numbers seems fine.

I had been studied a lot about HIV after being diagnosed,therefore decide immediately on treatment after my first blood test.

I decided to use Triumeq, and took the PCV13 vaccine and after taking the pill for 18 days I went to have my second blood test.The result was CD4:645 and Viral load Undetectable.

So now my questions are,
1)I have read that some ppl might already infected with the drug resistance HIV virus. I am scared I am one of them.......

2) Before knowing I have HIV virus,I am always feeling weak and fatigue.Sometimes I would sweat out of no reason and cough a lot and the dizziness was getting stronger and stringer almost to a point I would faint. These symptons last almost about one year owever the symptons were getting worse.

However taking the pills and the vaccine,my symptoms has getting better,do still feel dizziness sometimes but it didn't last too long conparing to before.My cough has also gotten better but still feels cannot breath sometimes. The funny thing is I also have asthma so I am not too sure.

So I guess for second question I would like to know have I progress to AIDS....... I had talked to my doctor and he said if I have ang lung issues I wouldn't be able to walk........

3) Another thing is about adherence....So I am now finding it a bit hard to take it right at time, sometimes I will be late for an hour is that acceptable?

4) Lastly I would like to know is what is the symptons of HIV progressing to AIDs.....Does the OI took place quickly? Or it takes time???

Again thanks you for reading this post and would really appreciate if someone can help me.

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Sorry to her of your diagnosis but glad you have started treatment and are doing well.

Adherence is important but an hour either way of taking you medication is fine and still being adherent. If you are unsure ask your doctor next time you see them but they will tell you the same.

Regarding the rest, I think you are overthinking things for now and that tends to be normal being newly diagnosed.  On resistance the fact that the medication is suppressing the virus to UD levels means its successful and clearly not resistant to the meds you are taking, but also before starting the treatment your doctor would have checked the resistance profile of your HIV.

Having a cough etc etc is not AIDS. Look I am glad you are feeling better and your doctor seems to on top of the issues, like anyone regardless of HIV status you will become sick in life, two weeks ago i had strep throat myself, it has nothing to do with my AIDS. 

You are not really at risk of developing an AIDS defining OI at this stage as your CD4 levels are high and you are suppressing the virus with treatment. Simply take your meds and expect and plan to live a long and productive life.

I've added the below links as its easy reading and answers some of your questions about treatment, if its working etc etc 

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/starting-hiv-treatment
https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-drug-resistance
https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics


Jim




 

[fatty2222]

Thanks Jim, really appreciate your response.Knowing this has make me feel more relax. Will still follow up with my doc but,feel less stress now.Thanks you

[harleymc]

Hi and welcome.

You've already got the answer to one of your questions, If you had drug resistant HIV, your viral load would not be undetectable. undetectable viral load = your drugs are working against your strain of HIV.

With your cd4 count so high,I very much doubt your cough has anything to do with HIV. But talk to your  doctor.

Maybe you could look at an exercise program for you asthma, I've heard swimming is good for learning breathing control.

Try not to stress, overthinking 'what if' scenarios can ruin your life.

[fatty2222]

Thanks you,I was thinking about swimming again or starting a Yoga to release my stress : )