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Main Forums => I Just Tested Poz => Topic started by: +/- on April 22, 2011, 09:31:00 am

Title: New and poz
Post by: +/- on April 22, 2011, 09:31:00 am
Hi all,

I have been lurking on these forums for the past 2 months and now I have decided to submit my own post.

I have received the call from the GU clinic that I am positive on the 14th February, 2011 – what a day to receive such news, on Valentine’s Day. I was expecting to celebrate this day with my wife but instead it was a day full of crying, anger and hate. First thing that came to mind was my wife, what if I have infected her?

I phoned her and explained the situation and we went for further tests. On both occasions, thank God she came negative. For me it was not that was, I was positive. My wife stood by my side and hugged me while we both cried together and encouraged me that everything will be ok. I am so glad I had her and still have her by my side because without her I would surely be lost.

I was referred to the Infectious Disease Unit for further testing.  Tests for cholesterol, liver, kidneys, TB, Hepatitis A, B and C – nothing irregular observed. Tests for CD4 count and viral load came as follows:-

Feb. CD4 287 – VL 29,000
Apr. CD4 251 – VL ?

Since I have read a lot within the past 2 months about ARV, CD4, VL and OI’s I have informed my ID specialist that I was thinking about starting treatment to which he agreed. He had put me on Combivir and Efavirenz. I took the first pill of Combivir this morning, so far so good. Hope all remains well. Was kind of scared about the side effects I might encounter taking these type of meds. Further discussions carried out with the specialist resulted that I have been infected for over 6 years. Strange enough that I never had any symptoms but yes, I have read that not everyone develop symptoms.

I have now adapted to a new lifestyle, quit smoking, and eat healthier, going to the gym, say 3 times weekly and obviously safe sex.

So far I have been doing well except for a day here and there waking up anxious and thinking about the virus, first thing in the morning.

I do apologize for writing so long but I do believe that you’ll be going through my story and welcome me onboard on this journey which I hope will last for decades so I will be able to live a full and healthy life.

Thanks

+/-
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: DanMo on April 22, 2011, 10:41:00 am
Hey there +/-

I'm really sorry to have to "welcome" you to this forum. I got the positive results on February 11, per se (it was a preliminary pos, but it was ultimately confirmed with a Western Blot).

I'm glad you had immediate support from your wife. I'm 23 and live at home with my parents. I immediately told my mother after finding out and her knowing and supporting me has been a great help.

I'm glad your numbers seem to be improving! I still don't know any of my numbers. Even though I've had the news since February. They wanted a confirmatory WB to even consider helping me--add to that that I have no medical insurance so I have to get treatment from an overburden County Health Department. I find out my results on April 27.

Don't apologize for your post, these forums are here for all of us to vent and seek support from others in a similar situation.

I hope you keep improving your health and kicking this virus' ass!
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: spacebarsux on April 22, 2011, 02:41:04 pm
Hi man, sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but welcome to the forums. I am newly diagnosed too and can assure you that in time things will slowly get better. I already feel more confident of myself today than I did 2 months ago. You're most fortunate to have a wife who's so supportive and even more fortunate that she's negative!
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: mecch on April 22, 2011, 03:18:49 pm
Hello.  I like your pseudo +/-   :o ;D :D ::) :o
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: +/- on April 23, 2011, 09:56:50 am
Hi DanMo,

I'm glad that you're finding support from your mother. I am not sure if I will ever disclose to my family or at least not for now.

My number were not so good, that is the reason I have started meds. Hopefully in a few months time, I'll be kicking the virus' ass, like you have said  ;D

I'm glad someone replied to my post, make me feel I am not alone.

mecch - glad you liked the pseudo, hopefully things will remain that way!
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: DanMo on April 23, 2011, 10:41:53 am
Hey +/-

Disclosing when and to whom is a personal decision. Take time to think about it. Even though I told my mom, I haven't told my dad or sisters yet.

I know what you mean, when I found this forum to be so helpful too. When you start talking to so many people who have been living with HIV for many years, it gives you hope for your future. Plus, there are so many new advances being made in regards to treatment. So who know what new friendlier meds might come out in 5 - 10 years.

Dan
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: +/- on April 23, 2011, 01:10:18 pm
Agreed Dan, meds keep getting better in time, perhaps in 5 - 10 years time, we will also see a vaccine. Science is heading there, I have read but until then we just have to wait. Keep me posted about your results mate, until then, take good care!
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: buginme2 on April 23, 2011, 02:41:24 pm
Welcome, why are you on combivir?  Epzicom plus Efavirenz, or truvada and efavirenz (atripla) are more standard for first line treatment. 
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: +/- on April 23, 2011, 05:34:51 pm
Hi buginme2

The regimen available was Combivir and Efavirenz or Combivir and Kaletra. Given the fact that I had the choice of taking 3 pills a day rather than 6 pills a day, I chose Combivir and Efavirenz rather than Combivir and Kaletra. Had no other choice but to include Combivir in my regimen for the time being!

Why? Anything bad about Combivir? Have read that Combivir and Sustiva is a good first line treatment that manages to reduce the VL in a short period of time and gradually increases CD4 cells.
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: buginme2 on April 23, 2011, 06:20:54 pm
I wouldnt say there is anything bad about it per se. Its just not listed as a preferred option for treatment naieve individuals.  Check out the medication under the treatments tab at the top. 
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: Matty the Damned on April 23, 2011, 06:30:26 pm
Hi buginme2

The regimen available was Combivir and Efavirenz or Combivir and Kaletra. Given the fact that I had the choice of taking 3 pills a day rather than 6 pills a day, I chose Combivir and Efavirenz rather than Combivir and Kaletra. Had no other choice but to include Combivir in my regimen for the time being!

Why? Anything bad about Combivir? Have read that Combivir and Sustiva is a good first line treatment that manages to reduce the VL in a short period of time and gradually increases CD4 cells.

There's nothing bad about Combivir per se. It does contain AZT which is the oldest of the HIV drugs and can cause some horrid side effects (nausea, headaches, anaemia, metabolic problems etc) in some people.

That said, AZT is also very useful and, if you don't have any issues with it, has much to recommend it. It's effects are well understood since it's been in use since the late 80s and it combines well with other meds. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier which prevents the virus from causing neurological damage.

So suck it and see. If it works for you, that's great. If not, you can always change.

MtD
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 23, 2011, 06:58:50 pm
I wouldnt say there is anything bad about it per se. Its just not listed as a preferred option for treatment naieve individuals.  Check out the medication under the treatments tab at the top. 

Did I miss where the OP stated that they live in the US or EU?  And even in the EU I doubt what is given to patients in Bulgaria is the same as in France.
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: sam66 on April 24, 2011, 04:26:20 am
Hello +/-

           welcome, sorry to hear about your diagnosis, one thing I'm puzzled about your post is


 Further discussions carried out with the specialist resulted that I have been infected for over 6 years.


   I did not think it was possible say when exactly someone was infected, is this roughly the time you think you may have been infected, or is there some test available now, you had done, to determine the time of infection ?

   I'm glad your wife is -ve,  all the best
Title: Re: New and poz
Post by: +/- on April 24, 2011, 02:42:49 pm
Sam66,

That is rightly so, no tests exists to determine the time of infection. It was roughly the time when I might have been infected.

Thanks for your concerns regarding my wife being negative and all the best back to you!