9th day on Atripla

[kforney72]

Hey everyone, I have been looking through forums and learned some new things. Was just wondering how often to get bloodwork done since starting Atripla.  So far other than the very first day havent had any real side effects and hopeing counts get better.

CD4-220
VL-99000

[Assurbanipal]

Hope you are doing well.  One of my forums pals just started Atripla about when you did and says he has this huge burst of energy.

About the bloodwork, my doc likes to take blood work a month after I start a new combo.  After that it is every 3 months unless something comes up.  Some folks get stable and gradually push it out to every 6 months instead of every 3.

The US treatment guidelines are here http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf
Guidelines for lab work are in Table 3 -- p. 13

Welcome to the forums
Assurbanipal

[confidentIwillbeOK]

Everything I have seen and read is that "standard of care" is every 3 or 4 months.  That being said the initial follow up would be sooner than that when starting meds.  I think your doc would want to see you in ~ 4 to 6 weeks if not sooner.  My other half is on day 8.....so you have him beat by 1.   

[kforney72]

Cool thanks all i wasnt sure if they checked alot when first on meds or not. I hate giving blood. I bruise every time and look like an addict. I hate it. I do get a small burst of energy and have had to wait a few hours before i go to bed. But still no other side effects

[confidentIwillbeOK]

I got a flu and pneumonia shot yesterday and the nurse (a cutie! ) gave me a tip.  He had me completely relax my arm before he stuck the needle in.  When I thought I was relaxed he said "nope....you are still a little tense" so I moved closer to the edge of the table so my arm could hang completely limp.  When he gave me the shots I didn't feel a thing and didn't get any bruising at all.  I know giving blood is different but he said the same principal applies...the more relaxed the muscles are the less pain and swelling there will be.  He said especially when people give blood they sometimes get so tense there is more bruising and pain then there would have been.  Maybe this will help?   

My honey just ate a pretty fatty meal with a glass or two of wine and dessert before his 8'th ever Atripla so I am wondering if he will have his first side effects tonight!?! I told him to wait a little but before he took it but he took it right on time at 10 which was minutes after dinner.  Maybe some good dreams tonight!