Results Confirmed Yesterday

[JosephP]

  By the way, Daniel, I am on Biktarvy. It is a wonderful combination and I haven't had any complications or side effects... Now there are days I feel very tired and I talked to my doctor about it and she believes it might be the work load or me spreading myself too thin but not the Biktarvy itself... Now when diagnosed I was put on Atripla because insurance co didn't want to pay for Stribild and that was nasty. The side effects were intolerable, the vivid nightmares when I could fall asleep otherwise I'd be up for days... Then I went on Stribild... then onto Genvoya and now Biktarvy...

[DanielGA]

I received a message from my doctor after genetic testing g:

“The genotype results are very significant. The transmitted virus has several significant resistance mutations. Biktarvy will work. However, we are not eligible for the monthly injections when they are approved. This also makes me wonder that the source HIV was highly experienced and possibly has history of non adherence to medications - just an educated guess. Cannot confirm.Please continue Biktarvy everyday. The options for medications are limited.”

Lots of questions in my head, but I’m trying to focus on “Biktarvy will work.” Only three words surrounded by so much uncertainty. I’m not seeing the doctor for two more weeks. Does this mean my strain could mutate and resist Biktarvy? Am I more likely to transmit the virus because this strain is so resistant? If my VL becomes undetectable, will I truly be untransmittable? Apologies for possibly sounding ignorant. It was just six weeks ago that this news changed my life forever. When I stop to think about it, I confess that I do reel at times. I’m doing my best to focus on truth and not jump to conclusions, but most of the doctor’s message seems alarming to me. I just need to make it to the 23rd when I see him again.

Joseph, thank you again for the encouragement. I’m looking forward to the day I can pass some along. I was settling into the truth about living with hiv. Now I wonder if I truly will die an old man. Fighting the cognitive distortions. That statement is one, I know. In the meantime, I thank all of you for helping to hold me up.