Author Topic: I have HIV. (Read 9941 times)

PugetSoundIsHome · « **on:** August 25, 2015, 03:40:11 pm »

The past month plus I was getting progressively sicker. It began with barely being able to get out of bed in the morning, waking up feeling more tired than I had when I went to bed. I figured it was just a bad bout of depression, but then my appetite started going away and the nausea came. Then oral thrush. Then low grade fevers. I lost my job because I couldn't go in. Then on Thursday I couldn't stand the nausea any longer and called an ambulance.
I was admitted and already awaiting the results of an HIV test which, obviously, came back positive. I was discharged yesterday, no more fevers the past three days. No steady nausea. Thrush is nearly cleared up. But I'm still weak and tired feeling, and my appetite is nothing like it used to be. I weighed a trim looking 197 three months ago and when I checked into the hospital I was at 164. I'm hoping I get my appetite back soon, but am very glad to not be so ill. That was gnarly.
In the hospital (four days ago) they drew my cd4 and genotype and viral load, but they haven't come back yet. I've been really anxious. And also sad because of the impact this diagnosis will likely have on the amount of intimacy in my life.

DodgerDawg · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2015, 05:08:31 pm »

Hi,

Sorry about your diagnosis. Welcome to the forum. Here you will find support and good people. Glad to hear you're doing better.

Take care,

DD

tednlou2 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2015, 05:22:52 pm »

Welcome to the forums, although wish you didn't have to join.

It sounds like you were tested, before you got something much worse-- like PCP pneumonia. That's one positive thing. I know your nausea, weight loss, and thrush were no picnic, but just saying it is good it wasn't worse.

Once you're on treatment, your appetite, weight, and general health should greatly improve. Being diagnosed is a huge blow for many, if not most. I remember being in those first days of diagnosis. I had a doc in the hospital giving me really bad info, like I would need to get rid of my dogs. I would love to run into him and see if he's learned anything since then, but I digress. It is all so stressful, trying to learn what it all means and all the tests, etc.

Wishing you the best. Keep in touch.

Ted

Tonny2 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 26, 2015, 11:53:44 am »

Quote from: PugetSoundIsHome on August 25, 2015, 03:40:11 pm

tbut am very glad to not be so ill. That was gnarly.
In the hospital (four days ago) they drew my cd4 and genotype and viral load, but they haven't come back yet. I've been really anxious. And also sad because of the impact this diagnosis will likely have on the amount of intimacy in my life.

ojo Hello and welcome...the good thing about your dx is that you know it now, soo, you treat it now...wait and see your results, digest the bad news, but as soon as you start treatmenat, you will feel better, and eventually, you will have time to continue living and adapting to your new amount of intimacy in my life....let's know about your results, please, you will find support and info on this forum...good luck ojo

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2015, 03:51:13 pm »

I still haven't gotten my bloodwork back, but what will update this thread accordingly. Thanks for the responses.

Almost2late · « **Reply #5 on:** August 26, 2015, 05:25:38 pm »

Hello Puget and welcome, hope your not taking the news too hard and feeling a little better, it sometimes takes time to get use to.. On the bright side we are fortunate to live in a time when this doesn't have to stop us from attaining our hopes and dreams..

Whatever your test results, once your on the right treatment and got those ninjas under control, you'll be good to go

..

Looking forward to hearing more about you.. good luck

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2015, 07:09:09 pm »

I got my bloodwork results. My CD4(absolute) is 187.

Tonny2 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2015, 08:09:39 pm »

Quote from: PugetSoundIsHome on August 27, 2015, 07:09:09 pm

I got my bloodwork results. My CD4(absolute) is 187.

ojo Well, your cd4 is low, you have to talk to your doctor and start meds...as soon as you start taking meds, you will feel better, I suppose you don't know your VL, when will you see your ID doctor?...you are going to be fine...good luck and keep us posted...hugs ojo

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2015, 08:23:29 pm »

I'm not sure where my viral load is listed, but if it is also called "HIV-1 Copies" the number is, 2851798.

drewm · « **Reply #9 on:** August 27, 2015, 09:15:44 pm »

Quote from: PugetSoundIsHome on August 27, 2015, 08:23:29 pm

I'm not sure where my viral load is listed, but if it is also called "HIV-1 Copies" the number is, 2851798.

Welcome to the forums. Sorry you need to be here.

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #10 on:** August 27, 2015, 09:24:04 pm »

I see my ID doctor on Wed and my PCP on Tue. I am on Atripla at the moment, but I read the side effects on their website and am unsure if it's wise for me to take. I'm a 31 year old male with Borderline Personality Disorder and a history of attempted suicide. "Severe Depression" and "Angry Behavior" are a daily if not hourly thing for me. They are also listed as side effects. Who knows? I'll discuss it with him and see what he says.

Almost2late · « **Reply #11 on:** August 27, 2015, 09:39:44 pm »

Does your doc know bout your disorders? .. It's a good idea that you let him know.

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #12 on:** August 27, 2015, 10:40:52 pm »

Who knows . That information is in the very beginning of my chart, maybe he missed it. He ought to know about it in other words -I certainly had no idea about these side effects, they were never discussed with me so perhaps this is just a temporary medication.

Almost2late · « **Reply #13 on:** August 27, 2015, 11:06:48 pm »

I couldn't handle Atripla and changed meds.. Keep it in mind that if you start to feel any mental issues, you know where its most likely coming from.. Lots of luck my brother.

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2015, 09:37:06 am »

Thanks.

Tonny2 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 28, 2015, 12:11:12 pm »

Quote from: PugetSoundIsHome on August 27, 2015, 10:40:52 pm

Who knows . That information is in the very beginning of my chart, maybe he missed it. He ought to know about it in other words -I certainly had no idea about these side effects, they were never discussed with me so perhaps this is just a temporary medication.

ojo Hello again, if you doctors doesn't know about your mental issues, it's good you have the information about the side effects of Atripla, you two are a team for the best results in treating hiv, so, call him and mention this to him/her...best of luck...hugs ojo

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #16 on:** August 30, 2015, 05:07:02 pm »

I've read that I should avoid soft cheeses. Brie, camembert, feta. Is this for real? I can't even enjoy cheese unless it's hard now? How about blue cheeses?
And rare steak? Do I need to overcook my beef now?
As always, thanks for your responses.

Jeff G · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2015, 05:17:46 pm »

You didn’t post in the wrong place but I merged your new thread anyway. This thread has your latest labs and information that can help answer your questions. It will help us help you if you keep all posting about meds and getting acclimated to living with HIV in this one thread until you are comfortable.

Im sure I will be corrected if I am wrong but your cd4 count is in the range where I would not be overly concerned about the foods you mention … just take ordinary precautions like any other person would .

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2015, 05:20:33 pm »

Hey, thanks for moving that for me. This is an easier thread to answer these questions from.
I forgot about the role my cd4 count plays in all this. That's neat, as I think I can improve those numbers over time.

Tonny2 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2015, 06:01:30 pm »

Quote from: PugetSoundIsHome on August 30, 2015, 05:07:02 pm

I've read that I should avoid soft cheeses. Brie, camembert, feta. Is this for real? I can't even enjoy cheese unless it's hard now? How about blue cheeses?
And rare steak? Do I need to overcook my beef now?
As always, thanks for your responses.

ojo Hello again...I don't know where you got that information from, but your doctor will be able to answer all your questions...all I can tell you is that I was on your same situation, and I ate everything, tho, I hate a bloody steak,...just ask your doctor, and do not take your med with grape juice, also ask your doctor...good luck and you will be fine eating everything, just wash your hands...hugs ojo

AusShep · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:01:54 pm »

Quote from: Jeff G on August 30, 2015, 05:17:46 pm

...
Im sure I will be corrected if I am wrong but your cd4 count is in the range where I would not be overly concerned about the foods you mention … just take ordinary precautions like any other person would.

I agree with Jeff on this, but check with your Dr.

Your VL is high right now, but 187 CD4 isn't too bad as far as worrying about parasites and food borne illness. I was cleared traveling to India for a few weeks with lower counts, and have never done anything special as far as food.

PugetSoundIsHome · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:09:19 pm »

Cool. I've added this to my list. I have a journal where I've been writing questions for my doctors. I may space on them otherwise, I'm pretty mindless and distracted lately.

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Author Topic: I have HIV. (Read 9941 times)