Diagnosed two months ago

[kentfrat1783]

Hi All,

I think the statement of the past few months have had it's ups and many downs.  Starting at the beginning of April I started feeling "odd" and called my doctor immediately.  They thought it was one thing, the next week back in the office for the same issue, and again and again and that was a constant for April and then went to the ER on May 2nd.  The ER doctor said I had pneumonia and gave me a Rx and let me leave.  Worst thing that could have happened.

Well I had a followup appointment with my Doctor the following Tuesday, and my O2 level was below 85 and they wouldn't let me leave their office.  (I don't blame them).  They were in contact with the ER and wheeled me over.  This time the ER doctor didn't even let me get into the before before he told me I was already admitted to the hospital. 

After some blood work they learned I had PCP (Pneumocystis Pneumonia), O2 dropped below 75, have some slight liver and heart issues.  And just with the symptoms I was having in the past week they basically knew I was HIV positive but had to do the blood tests first.  I had been tested in the past and was negative.  That turned into a 7 day hospital stay and a month off work. 

In the end my CD4 count was "2" and I'm not sure of my viral load.  I'm sure it's on my lab work paperwork but I can't find/figure out the number.  I've already started Atripla, and been on it for almost two months now.  I don't have the new blood draw until the end of September and sure hope my numbers are better.  I'm on two other Rx's too keep the PCP away.  Don't really want to go back to the hospital, but from what I've ready it will happen.

I still can't figure out how I got infected.  How I didn't have symptoms earlier or understand them sooner?  Then again the symptoms aren't anything anyone else wouldn't have (except for the week prior to the 2nd ER visit). 

Now trying to live with the new lifestyle and going without some of the foods I like.  I'm on a restricted diet due to such a low CD4 number. 

Then again I want to go on a vacation at the end of August and not sure if I should.  I think it would be good so I can get away from town for a bit and try to digest all that is going on.  What has your experience been when traveling?  (And whey I say travel I mean within the US).

Any other advice would also be appreciated. 

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Sorry to hear you were sick, but if your are considering vacation I also presume you have started to feel better and that is great.

As for wondering about symptoms, well ever have a mild flu like concern? Or could be you simply had no noticeable illness at all, that happens and its not unique. So wondering about it, to be blunt is a bit of a waste of time. I know its new to you and you are still digesting everything but most likely you will never know for sure and end of the day its not important either.

Now trying to live with the new lifestyle and going without some of the foods I like.  I'm on a restricted diet due to such a low CD4 number. 

I know they recommended me to stay clear of raw foods for a while like eggs etc but to be honest once you have your VL under control and you are stable on treatment, your CD4 will rise and things will go back to normal.

Don't overthink it too much, its only temporary concern and end of the day HIV will not cramp your lifestyle if you don't let it.

Then again I want to go on a vacation at the end of August and not sure if I should.  I think it would be good so I can get away from town for a bit and try to digest all that is going on.  What has your experience been when traveling?  (And whey I say travel I mean within the US).

Go on vacation. 

So travelling within the US, well I don't live in the US but i travel to the US and within the US from place to place on domestic flights a few times a year. Never had any issues whatsoever.

Any other advice would also be appreciated.

Take it easy, treat any illness you have and take your HIV meds, you have had a bumpy few months but things will settle and you will be okay.

Jim 

[kentfrat1783]

Hi Jim,

Thank you for the reply. 

I am feeling a lot better compared to what I was, but do have a long ways to go.  I was heavy into going to the gym and just started going back not even two weeks ago.  My doctors want me to get back into my gym routine.  Just trying to see what I'm able to do, but I'm also not overdoing it.  I know when to relax, sit down, drink tons of water and eating a lot better then I was.  And just trying to educate myself on what to look out for. 

The biggest reason I want to go to Salem, MA is I have always wanted to go their.  I'm a big Halloween fan and said I'd be going their eventually but I'm going to push up my plan a little.  Nor can I go in October as that's when I setup the display in the yard. I also need some time to just unwind, relax, think and process all that has gone on.  Just haven't been able to do much of that around the house. (Doesn't help that my brother passed away from brain cancer 13 months prior and haven't dealt with that correctly either.)  I think I am due for "me" time. 

I am being very optimistic of my levels in September but need to keep reality in check.  It didn't happen overnight nor does it change overnight. 

Thanks