needhope77:
My girlfriend was having problem with vision in her right eye. she also had anemia for 8 months, only in the last three weeks they found out she had aids her CD4 levels were 6 and viral load 280000. The eye problem was from aids opportunist infection CMV, that was attacking her vision. She was started on medication 2 weeks ago on a drip for cmv and then 2 days ago they added in antiviral medications she is in hospital in russia
LAMIVUDINE 150 mg twice per day Darunavir 600 twice per day Ritonavir 100 twice per day Tenofovir 300 once per day
i was tested i am negative, we are so shocked can she have a recovery above CD level over 500? is the vision problem reversable? is she at severe risk of permanent damage or death? i read these medications have extreme side effects, will they change these medications if they can get her CD4 levels up?, anyone else have experience or knowledge with these meds or the questions? sorry about all the questions. the doctots arent saying much. i know many people cant give medical advice but any opinions or experiences of what we can expect and the road ahead, i would be most grateful
Jim Allen:
Hiya,
Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear about your GF's HIV diagnosis. I sure it must have been a shock for both of you.
It's good your GF is in care, getting treated, observed and helped by her doctors. Try to not stress about "worst possible outcomes".
--- Quote ---is the vision problem reversible? --- End quote ---
--- Quote --- The eye problem was from aids opportunist infection CMV, that was attacking her vision. She was started on medication 2 weeks ago on a drip for cmv --- End quote ---
My laymen's understanding is treatment may prevent further damage. However, as there is already sight loss some permanent damage could be expected.
--- Quote ---i read these medications have extreme side effects, will they change these medications if they can get her CD4 levels up? --- End quote ---
I think you are stressing about the HIV meds too much. Some people might experience side-effects but if that's the case they can switch treatments that suit them better.
Your GF only just started treatment, it's going to take time to settle into the treatment. If she does not have any problems with the meds then she could take this combination of medication for many years before switching regardless of CD4 count.
These meds should soon start to suppress the virus, allowing the immune system to start rebuilding for lack of a better phrase, her CD4 counts may then improve.
--- Quote ---is she at severe risk of permanent damage or death? --- End quote ---
With such low CD4 counts there is a chance she will feel worse before feeling better. Not just from healing itself but there are risks for new infections, issues asides from "IRIS".
IRIS (Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome) is when there are existing infections not reacted to by the weakened immune system but when the immune system does start to react it can cause problems. This is I would also guess another reason they first started to treat the CMV infection before starting the HIV meds.
As said at the start of my post and it's worth repeating Your GF is in care, getting treated, observed and helped by her doctors. The treatment will suppress HIV and then her immune system can rebuild and heal. So try not to stress, just continue to be supportive.
Many members started with very low counts and various OI's, so try to keep a positive outlook in mind.
needhope77:
when she is out of hospital, how long is it before she can get back to going about her normal life, activities, travelling, exercise, working etc can this be done while her CD4 levels are below 200 or will she be restricted in many things she does for a long time?
Jim Allen:
Hiya,
If her CD4 counts are still below 200, the doctors may prescribe antibiotics to prevent certain infections like PCP. With extremely low CD4 counts, there might be a need to avoid raw, undercooked foods and ensure the water is safe to drink etc.
Normal day-to-day life activities generally can continue as normal. I never had any restrictions myself and I am sure the doctors will also cover this with her before leaving the hospital. However keep in mind that depending on how sick she feels and fatigued, she might not feel up to some activities. I know that I was easily fatigued for at least a year post starting treatment due to I suppose the damage HIV had done, this will always differ per person.