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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: AaronbytheC on November 17, 2010, 03:20:50 pm

Title: I'm ready!
Post by: AaronbytheC on November 17, 2010, 03:20:50 pm
Well, two more days until the next chapter of my life begins!  A chapter that will include meds.   :P

This morning the reality of it set in for the first time, I went to brush my teeth this morning and the blue pillbox I purchased yesterday was setting there staring at me!  I thought, wow this is really happening.   ::)   I'm feeling pretty good about it, nervous as most are before they take this step.  Truthfully I've been pretty set on starting meds right away since the beginning, my first labs made sure of that. 

I followed the advice of my doctor and others on this board to let a few months go to build a baseline before I made a decision.  I did however get my meds going right away so I could build a reserve stock should I ever have insurance issues!  (I'll have a 4 1/2 month stock when I start)  As my Doc expected my CD4's did continue to rise over the past few months, however my percentages have continued to stay lower then I'm comfortable.  My VL has basically stayed level as well. 

For me starting meds is a way of taking control of what I feel like I have no control over…  This month to month checking CD4's, % and VL is too much!  I just want to pop a pill and get on with the next 50 years of my life! 

I want to thank those who have posted their experiences (both good and bad) with Atripla.  Your experiences have helped tremendously!   ;D

So that's it, Atripla here I come!
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: nychope1 on November 17, 2010, 04:24:56 pm
Congrats Aaron... You'll find very quickly that starting meds is an easy transition. I am on my; let's see...my 11th night of taking Atripla having only been diagnosed the last week of Oct. 2010.  I will admit it took about four nights to get used to the Atripla and it was more a mental thing. I've been out socializing quite a bit now and having a few beers here and there and I take the Atirpla about an hour or so before I go to sleep usually having not eaten in three hours or so. It actually is helping me sleep! No kidding.
So hang in there and like a few great folks here told me, and they were right, in a short time you won't even think about it!
Good Luck....
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: AaronbytheC on November 19, 2010, 12:45:29 pm
Well I did it!  First night down.  I'm happy to say that I slept like a baby.  I woke up at my usual 3 am to go pee, got up and walked to the bathroom with no issues (balance) at all.  Went back to sleep just fine.  I woke up this morning with a clear head and honestly felt no different than I did the morning before I took it.  

I did make sure I didn't eat 3 hours before I took it and drank a 16 OZ bottle of water when I took the pill.  I don't know if one night is enough to judge my reaction to the meds, but so far I'm thrilled!   ;D

The only sort of out of the ordinary thing that happend was this morning I rolled over and ask my husband "Did I blow you last night or did I dream it?", he said "No you must have dreamed it", I said "To bad, cause it was GOOD!"  :o  
I'm looking forward to more of those dreams!   ;)

We'll see what tomorrow brings....
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 19, 2010, 01:06:06 pm
Glad the first night went well for you -
I asked my ex (with benefits) the same question you asked your husband last night -
except, in my case he said - "No, you did it - and it was GOOD."   ;D

Hears to many more GOOD nights (and days) on Atripla - hope you see that % go up!

Keep us posted.
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: leatherman on November 19, 2010, 01:09:08 pm
WooHoo! Glad to hear the first night/day went well. ;D

If by chance you should experience some side effects over the next few days or so, don't let that get you down or bother you too much. ;) It would just be normal to experience a little something as your body adjusts to the new med, and as the med starts to kickass on the HIV in your system.

best wishes and happy dreams! LOL
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: OneTampa on November 20, 2010, 08:49:54 am
Good for you Aaron.  Here's wishing you have pleasant dreams (in high definition)!  ;)
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: AaronbytheC on November 20, 2010, 11:06:41 am
Thanks for the encouragement all!   :)

Night two is done and (knock on wood) still nothing, not even a dream last night.  I did wake up about 2 hours after taking the pill and decided I should go pee...  Standing in front of the toilet I think I felt a little drunk...  I say "think" because I was not fully awake, but I was conscious enough to realize I should not over analyze this or I may not be able to go back to sleep.   ::)  However this morning I woke up clear headed and felling normal.

Well I'm going to take today easy, I have two weeks worth of laundry to do...  My poor husband is about to have to start recycling some dress shirts and boxers!  (He didn't get the gift of laundry, if it were up to him everything goes in the "magic box" at once and comes out clean and wrinkly!)   :o
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 20, 2010, 11:08:28 am
Doing laundry here also - two weeks worth -- almost my least favorite chore - :'(
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: numbersguy82 on November 20, 2010, 11:32:41 am
Very awesome to hear Aaron! It sounds like you have made some excellent decisions that will set a great foundation for years to come!!!

Oh and on the topic of laundry... sadly I have the same gene as your hubby... unfortunately I don't have someone to finally get tired of seeing my overflowing bins and do it for me... well unless the drycleaners count. I now send everything, except my undies, out to be cleaned lol
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: hope_for_a_cure on November 20, 2010, 11:43:23 am
Best of luck Aaron!  Its great that things are going so well for you.  Atripla is working wonders for me and I would expect it to do the same for you.  Sweet dreams.....
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: AaronbytheC on November 20, 2010, 05:28:02 pm
@ Phil  ;D ;D  I know its sad to say but I really enjoy laundry!  Not really sure why, it's just relaxing for me!

@ Numbers, it must be the accountant in you, my hubby is an accountant too!  Don't give up hope, some where out the there is a man waiting to do your laundry!  (and when you find him, you buy him the top of the line front-load machines at any cost!)  What, it could happen!   :P

@ Hope, thanks for the words of support!  I'm trying to not get ahead of myself but so far so good!  I'm glad it's doing wonders for you!

Here's an odd thing I have noticed...  Literally since I realized I was positive the glands behind my jaw have been swollen hard like peas.  My doctor says that's my body flushing the HIV and they will recede with meds.  Well for the first time in at least three months I can't feel them!  Is it possible after only two pills?  Maybe it's just a fluke, either way I'm a happy camper!  ;D
Title: Re: I'm ready!
Post by: WillyWump on November 20, 2010, 05:46:05 pm
This is all great news Aaron! Keep it up!

btw, I had chronically swollen glands under my jaw, and on my face near the front of the ear. After beginning meds they went away, but it seems like it took a few weeks. Regardless, glad you are doing well on the meds!

-Will