POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: idtapdat on March 31, 2020, 12:59:02 pm
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Hey!
I'm bad at intros, I usually have to think for quite a bit before I come up with some thing to say, haha. I'm from Malaysia, I've been HIV+ since 2009, and have been under the care of three different hospitals / care systems, all of which provided excellent service. I'm really happy and grateful to all of the healthcare workers and doctors who looked after and treated me; they gave their time generously and were really compassionate. My initial set of ARVs were FTC/TDF/efavirenz.
There were minor issues though, which were mostly related to efavirenz. It caused really bad neuropsychiatric side effects, which included drug hangovers; I couldn't function for the first few hours after waking. Also I thought it was just me, as I was going through lengthy bad patches, and assumed my depression and suicidal tendencies were a result of personal issues. Four years later, I moved and change healthcare. When I told them of my problems, they immediately switched me to Truvada / Prezista / Norvir, and assured me I would feel a whole lot better right away. And I did. :)
After four years, I switched healthcare again, which is my current provider and doctor. Also, switched meds to generic FTC/TDF and Tivicay. No side effects too. So, I'm a happy camper :D ..... well mostly, haha. I have other health issues linked to my HIV management, but we'll keep those stories for another day. :P
In terms of blood profiles, generally since I started ARVs 10 years ago, my CD4 cell count has been good, and viral loads undetectable, apart from the odd viral blips over the years. Oh yeah, forgot to say, my renal profile has been great since way back when I had the first ever blood test I can remember. It's only the past few months creatinine has gone up slightly. My doc wonders if it's due to meds or me really pushing myself with new workout routines, and my increased consumption of protein like there's no tomorrow, lol ;D Well, we'll see how things goes over the few months.
Anywho, hope every one is all right and coping well during the COVID-19 outbreak. :)
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Hello friend,how are you doing? I'm very glad you found meds that are suitable for you and that hour doctors are helpful and nice :). Is your mood as good as your physical health,because that's just as important ☺.
I started working out recently as well,does creatinine do anything weird? Because I heard about it last time I went there (he said this is for athletes or whatever).
Other than that,I hope you are safe and well from the situation of today. Be safe and healthy ☺.
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Hi Idtapdat,
Welcome to the forum, glad to hear treatment is going well and so far you have had excellent healthcare experiences.
Take it easy, Best, Jim
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Hello friend,how are you doing? I'm very glad you found meds that are suitable for you and that hour doctors are helpful and nice :). Is your mood as good as your physical health,because that's just as important ☺.
I started working out recently as well,does creatinine do anything weird? Because I heard about it last time I went there (he said this is for athletes or whatever).
Other than that,I hope you are safe and well from the situation of today. Be safe and healthy ☺.
Hey Fabio, :)
Thank you, yes, at present my mood's pretty good. It's something I've learnt manage and am still learning the past 1.5 years after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, among the many other mental/psychological conditions I also have been diagnosed with other the years. It made me come to a HUGE ah-ha, realisations, and understand that they were all linked to how I got to this point, and how I mismanaged my HIV care and health in general over the years as well.
As for creatinine, my last doctor did ask if I was an athlete or a bodybuilder or do intense workouts, as strenuous physical exercise causes micro-tears in muscles, which then may explain an increase in creatinine. I am aware, for some, FTC/TDF can increase the risk of causing mild renal impairment. In my case, we don't know for sure what is causing my reading to be a bit above normal values, but I was advised to drink plenty of water and we just have to keep monitoring. As long as it shows just a slight increase and stable, there is no need to switch meds.
Thank you, stay safe and well too! :)
Hi Idtapdat,
Welcome to the forum, glad to hear treatment is going well and so far you have had excellent healthcare experiences.
Take it easy, Best, Jim
Thank you, Jim. Best wishes to you too. :)