POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: childofgod on September 06, 2013, 03:14:39 pm
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Hello Readers.
Today I got my first official bloodwork from my doctor today. CD4 Count 208 Viral Load stands at 29818. My doctor recommended that I go ahead and start medication, so I chose to. I know I was recently infected in late July. Are my numbers good or bad? I've read people's viral load being in the millions. I'm truly scared. I chose to go with Atripla, did I make the right choice or should I have chosen a different regimen? I know in due time that it will get better. Are the side effects scary, do you feel like your in another world or a different person? I truly wish I could have my old life back and turn the hands of time.
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I'd say you're right on the threshold between good and not so good so what IS good is that you're starting treatment right away.
Side effects affect everyone differently although there are some similarities. Atripla can be scary at first because there is a long list of possible side effects. But that's what they are - possible. Not all of them affect everyone.
The most annoying of the Atripla side effects go away after a couple of months. Be sure to follow the directions (especially the one about taking Atripla at bedtime and cutting off eating a couple of hours before taking it).
One thing most people find with Atripla is that CD4 will go up and viral load will go down fairly quickly. If you have side effects you don't want to contend with you have MANY other options.