New and on meds.

[Truvada]

Hello everyone. I'm a 32 year old straight male and was diagnosed with hiv on 9th February 2016. I'm still trying to come to grips with the results and the meds and living with this disease. Was put on atripla the 23 of February 2016 the same day my confirmatory blood test came back with cd4 count of 276. No viral load count results have come back yet. Atripla was awful, with the dizziness, vivid dreams, hangover feeling and tiredness all day long, and after 2 weeks on it I developed a rash all over my upper body and face. Well the doctor put me on a one week break and the rash cleared up, then she changed my meds. I am now on Truvada and atazanavir/ritonavir. This is almost a month on them now and have to go back for bloods de 18th of April. I have lots of questions for you guys. But first is there anyone on this same combination? And was there any negative side effects for you on this combo? I find they make me feel weak, and tired and sometimes like nautious during the day is that normal? I do lots of research since being diagnosed. I take my selenium, antioxidant formula, whey protein powder (as I work out in the gym 4 days a week). Just started l-glutamine also. I'm actively looking for alternative and or complimentary treatments. I know there is no cure but just want to be aware of all my options. Won't quit my meds just like that. By the way anyone ever heard of transfer factor by 4life? (Sorry for the long post)

[Wade]

Hi Truvada and welcome !
Glad to hear you got your meds straightened out , I am not on the same regimen as you but maybe someone else will chime in.
For your side affects they are not set in stone and will vary for everyone.

Just so you understand there are no alternative treatments, so don't even think of quitting your meds for snake oil . One last bit of advice , keep you doctor informed about all the supplements you are taking as some might interfere with your meds.
Nice to meet you.

Best, Wade

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Glad you are getting on track with regards to treatment now and that your settling into this. Don't be too hash on yourself just focus on moving forward.

As for the researching it's understandable, but don't overdo it as it will just mess with your head. The internet is full of old and outdated information also keep in mind that any halfwit with a internet connection can post online. The focus is simple taking your meds and being adherent.

I can only echo what Wade said about staying away from that snake oil. Your HIV medication is the only treatment for HIV and nothing else.

Take it easy and keep us posted.

Jim 

[CaveyUK]

and to 'third' all that...

A 'cure' will be many years away, but the treatment options these days which prevent transmission, reduce the virus to undetectable levels and allow your immune system to recover and live a full life, is essentially a 'functional cure'.

As someone who works out a lot, you will be no stranger to taking things every day. This is just another one of those things.

But don't for one second. Or even a fraction of a second, consider that quitting the HIV meds is an option. It isn't. History is littered with people who made that choice and either died or backtracked and re-started meds once they became very very sick. There is NO alternative therapy for this. None at all. If anything came along, believe me the scientific world would be all over it. So, get that thought out of your mind completely and never let it return. Okay?

I'm not on your specific combo, but I'm sure others are who can help. As with all medication though (for any condition), if you are struggling then talk to your doctor as further options may be available.

[Truvada]

Tnankyou so much for responding guys and for the advice. It means a lot.

[virgo313]

Hi Truvada,

I am Chinese & we usually "like & trust" traditional meds.
Supportive friends gave me lots of Porcupine Bezoar/dates when they knew i was not well. Very very,  expensive.. I thank them & kept them in fridge.

I dont think anything can replace current meds.
Apart from the meds, i found out that there is another things that can help me.
It is a small alarm clock that remind me it time to take meds.

I think this two are more important the all snakes, porcupine, rhino horns add together. Thanks

[Truvada]

Lol thanks virgo313. Duly Noted

[mecch]

. I take my selenium, antioxidant formula, whey protein powder (as I work out in the gym 4 days a week). Just started l-glutamine also. I'm actively looking for alternative and or complimentary treatments. I know there is no cure but just want to be aware of all my options. Won't quit my meds just like that. By the way anyone ever heard of transfer factor by 4life? (Sorry for the long post)

Hello, welcome to the forum.

There are no alternative or complimentary treatments. Period. Nothing. 3-drug combination therapy is what stops HIV replication. The end.

On another matter, my swiss infectious disease specialist with 30 years treating HIV and a professor at University of Geneva, made me swear to NEVER take another antioxidant in my life. He is convinced they are at best completely useless for the body and expensive, but is in fact worried they can feed cancers. Imagine that!  Ironic.

[zettainaoru]

Hello, welcome to the forum.

There are no alternative or complimentary treatments. Period. Nothing. 3-drug combination therapy is what stops HIV replication. The end.

On another matter, my swiss infectious disease specialist with 30 years treating HIV and a professor at University of Geneva, made me swear to NEVER take another antioxidant in my life. He is convinced they are at best completely useless for the body and expensive, but is in fact worried they can feed cancers. Imagine that!  Ironic.

Unless your in AZT,  antioxidant wont give much benefit.
Vitamin D helps a bit if you are using tenofovir. And yes, unlike the one you mentioned theres research about that.