Author Topic: Diagnosed - Hope4Well (Read 9569 times)

Hope4Well · « **on:** February 14, 2019, 05:53:27 am »

Hi all,

After about 2months,i am back. The delay was due to some errors from the clinic nurse. As they forgot to tick for CD4 test. Lets simplified the story,

I was shocked by the bad news, my CD4 is only 136. The pharmacist pack a full month of bactrim, efo and tenovir. As we get monthly meds here, we have to collect monthly.

The next CD4 and VL count will be only after 6months, i am with bactrim for 6 months then. I will start 1pill bactrim tonight and after a week will be 2bactrim, 1efo, 1teno. As per advise by doctor, it seems the side effects of the meds will be bad. I am worry mainly on this, hopefully i will cope well.

Thank you in advanced for the advise, i will update tomorrow on my start of bactrim. Finger crossed.

Feb 14 - CD4 136

Jim Allen · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2019, 06:01:49 am »

Hiya

Yeah Bactrim is an antibiotic and some people are fine with it, although I won't lie that anecdotally and from personal experience its not a nice, but very necessary antibiotic to keep infections at bay.

That said don't stress the antibiotic phase is not permanent, you should only be expecting to take this temporarily.

As for the HIV meds "

Quote

efo and tenovir

"

Tenofovir - (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) solid drug

EFO? - Do you mean Efavirenz? (Brand name Sustiva) if so take on an empty an empty stomach, at bedtime.! Drink plenty of water.

Jim

https://www.poz.com/drug/sustiva

Hope4Well · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2019, 03:15:10 am »

Hi Jim,

Last night went quite well with my start of Bactrim. So far no side effects atm. Is it possible to move this thread or should i create a new topic? As i believe i will have much questions in the future. Thank you.

Jim Allen · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2019, 03:25:40 am »

Hiya,

So when are you starting the HIV meds?
Also was I correct in thinking it's Efavirenz?

I have split a section of it off for you but please continue to post in this split off thread with any questions or concerns you have.

Jim

Hope4Well · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2019, 09:24:35 am »

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the moved. I am on 1xbactrim for now, then next Thursday will start 2xbactrim 1xteno 1xefa. Yup, u got the meds name right.

Just a question, as my cd4 is at 136 (aids), should i isolate myself at the moment? Till i start full ARV dosage next Thursday? As i am a outdoor guy, run/walk 3times a week and yoga once a week. Please advise, thank you.

Gladragsguy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2019, 10:55:11 am »

You don't need to isolate yourself but do take it easy with any hardcore exercise for right now. Yoga would be great and any other not too strenuous exercises are actually recommended. A few things to think about for the time being- just make sure your food is all very hygienic and avoid any raw or undercooked meat, fish, or eggs. Stay away from deep gardening and taking care of any animal droppings for right now. Try and relax and let your body adjust to the medications. If you can find a local support group that would also be of great help. Very soon everything will be right back to normal. Good luck!

Mojito · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2019, 04:22:01 pm »

I was on Septran (same as Bactrim made by another company) for over 6 months due to CD4 count less than 200. These are prophylaxis medicines given to prevent any disease as with low CD4 count, the person is at a high probability of catching multiple OI. You would be taken off Bactrim as soon as your CD4 count is 350 - 400 and stable. I did not had any side effect of bactrim but when I started ARV for HIV, I had rashes and fever for few days which where taken care by my doctor through additional pills (paracetamol for feven and another one for skin allergy)

virgo313 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2019, 04:16:26 pm »

Hello & Selamat kembali di forum ini..

Sorry to hear that u hv a confirmation on ur status & same time glad hv started taking med. You are taking home the normal "door gift' combination most of us get. Not new but it good stuff. Combine those 2 pills it called "Atripla"

(we have to collect monthly). You can collect at a hospital nearest to your home. Example,me after seeing Dr every 6 months, Dr will prescribe 6 months of med. I collect my 1st month at Sg Buloh. Then i will go to Ampang Hospital every month for the remaining 5 months supply. (collection can be 7 days before the collection date). Tell the pharmacy people where would you like to collect for your next month supply. Other option is to send by post Laju to home (Rm5 fee)

Having vivid dreams for 1st few days is quite normal. Shd feel better after few days. don't have to worry much if this happens. As Jim suggest, bedtime is best.

(i am with bactrim for 6 months then). Bad news is that you may need to continue for longer then 6 mts. Hopefully, you can discontinue asap. I had rashes but now not anymore. I think rashes was when i am on Bactrim.

Other things to know when visit Dr next visit. ask them about ur VL (Viral Load). This is more important to know then any CD4 figure. Tks

Hope4Well · « **Reply #8 on:** February 18, 2019, 11:24:14 pm »

Hi All,

Thank you all for the advise. As per my clinic wise, i think they dont refer to SG Buloh anymore. Unless the case is severe, i will be only seeing the Family Medical Specialist (Pakar). And medicine is collected at the pharmacy from the same clinic. There are some advantages here though, blood sample doesn't take much time (I know big hospital has long que for blood samples). i dont think there are many RVD patients. As i know, there is another young guy. its a small clinic basically the whole medical staff knows your status. No complain, as not much stigma felt there.

As for the VL, they will only test after 6month after of ARV. Now i have a number of test for this first 6months. Liver, kidney and etc after start of ARV.

There is 2 major question about Atripla:-

1. No food 2 hour before medicine - is having cup of coffee/cocoa and some snacks prohibited?

2. After medicine, can i have food? as above, i will take the meds about bedtime (11Pm)

Thank you in advance.

Expat1 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2019, 08:39:50 am »

When I first took Atripla, I had balance issues the first 3 nights. Basically after taking the medicine, I had to lay down for a couple of hours. This went away after 4 nights.

Food didn't have much impact on me. (They say to avoid food because of the effect of the EFV part of the medicine. It had more effects if you eat.) My partner takes it and he has not issues with EFV (and atripla) and food. He takes his meds at 8PM and eats pretty much without regard to the meds. So it is somewhat dependent on you.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the drug works against HIV if you eat or not just some people have more intense feelings. sleep issues, vivid dreams if they eat food near the time they take their medicine.

virgo313 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2019, 01:46:37 pm »

Hi,
Understand that you want to stick to same place to collect med. What i meant is that after "your schedule" is less "hectic", you may want to consider collecting your monthly med as a place near your house. (not necessary at Sg Buloh). Example. Sg Buloh is about 30km from where is stay & Ampang is around 3Km. So, travel is 30Km x 1 & 3km x 5 (every 6 months).

Eat or no eat, Exat1 says it all. i take my 11Pm from left hand & fork a scoop of noodle from my right hand at the same time. No issue for me to sleep later. I thought i was acting in the Avater movie for 1st few nights (like riding on top of the dragon in the flying scene...) I kind of miss those"high" now. Sigh.. To reply exactly, yes you can have food with Atripla. Tks

Hope4Well · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2019, 01:07:03 am »

Thanks guys,

Finger crossed as i will start meds tomorrow night. As for the clinic and pharmacy, its about 3km from my house. My schedule will be here to see "Pakar" only. No need of going to Hospital, even every 6months. Blood sample, consultation & meds will be done in the Klinik Kesihatan.

Hope4Well · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2019, 11:32:06 pm »

Hi All,

As i started my atripla 2days ago. The first day i did have some vivid dreams but i went for a long sleep anyway. Now that i am in the second day, the drowsiness is much stronger and some slight headache. There is ringing sound in my head even till the next day morning. Feeling of body warming up and dryness at times, maybe i should drink more water. I wont say its severe, but if there anything that i have to pay attention to?

i am 2xbactrim and atripla. Thank you.

Expat1 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 23, 2019, 02:35:02 am »

More water is probably good. Don't be too concerned with the dizziness, dreams, feeling "high" it settles down around the 4th day or so.

For me the weird dreams did not go away. Some were pleasant, many were tedious, none were nightmares.

Cheers you are on your way!

virgo313 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 23, 2019, 02:41:18 am »

Hi...
In your “dreams” if u come across any numbers/digits, please share. Would like to buy lottery. Tks

Jim Allen · « **Reply #15 on:** February 23, 2019, 05:15:14 am »

Here is a thought for you, do something creative with the dreams. Write them down, expand on the 50 most interesting ones and publish them as a collection of short stories.

My own combo is also know for throwing a few vivid dreams up, had one last night in fact but I'll post about it in my own thread later

Hope4Well · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2019, 10:27:09 pm »

Hi guys,

Things are not going so well after the third dosage. I have whizzing sound in my head and the drowsiness last till the next day. After taking the meds, my body warms up in the middle of the night. Wondering if the meds can cause high BP?

Now i feel weaker than before i start meds. Lack of appetite due to drowsiness.,where i feel like puking when eating.

I hope this will only beginning stage, and much better later days.

Thank you.

virgo313 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2019, 10:00:18 am »

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well after on ART.
Bear with it for few more days. If dizziness persist, then head back to your klinik and seek ur Dr advise. It could be the meds or sometime minds create some “worrying” thoughts. Yes, ART takes some time for ur body to adjust to.

I had difficulty sleeping at early stage. I try to make myself busy like cleaning house and do laundry. I also drove out and drive around. I go to food stall and order a drink till I feel tired and sleep. Bear with this stage for few more days and tell us how u feel in days coming.

Again, do head back to ur Dr if u feel “uneasy”. U know ur body best. You do not need to wait until ur next appointment too see ur Dr. Tks

Hope4Well · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2019, 10:57:16 pm »

Hi,

i dont have a problem sleeping, but i have wake up intervals (about 3times). Last night was the worst scenario, i shiver in cold but i actually my body is hot and covered with thick blanket. I am not sure if its a dream but i feels like i am awake. it lasted about 10mins ,then i went back to sleep. The drowsiness and wheezing sound is still bearable, but the fatigue really kills me. i am like zombie in my office now, typing this forum atm.

i am not sure as bactrim is the cause or its atripla. As i am always nausea when i take antibiotics. Well i hope all is good in the coming days.

virgo313 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2019, 01:16:34 am »

Ok. I think this is quite normal. Give urself a bit more time to adjust to ART. overall, i think you are slowly adjusting to these med. You did not mention about diarrhea which is a good sign. Bactrim can causes diarrhea often. If you can bear with atripla that will be good as it only require taking it once a day. We do not have much choices. Also 1st line is free. 2nd line of med will cost a bit.

Hope4Well · « **Reply #20 on:** February 25, 2019, 01:32:52 am »

Hi,

Thanks virgo, since bactrim is not ART. We have to take it 24 hour punctual cycle? can i do 1pill in the morning and 1 at night with my ART?

Thanks in advance

virgo313 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 25, 2019, 03:31:15 am »

Hi. I am not a Dr & should not advise on if you can take Bactrim twice a day. But for me, i was taking two pills at separate timing (1 pill in morning/noon & another when i take my ART). I think it is OK (to take each Bactrim in 12 hours apart). BUT BUT it is best to check with your DR. Give a call to your Klinik & ask ur DR.

("24 hour punctual cycle").

In life, this seems quite impossible to "maintain", once you "graduate in taking hiv med" you will find more about about topic on "punctuality & adherence" on/about taking HIV med...

Jim Allen · « **Reply #22 on:** February 25, 2019, 03:49:03 am »

Hiya

Hope you feel better soon, and sorry to hear you are having a rough time getting into this.

There are a few things to keep in mind here, firstly most people have a settling in period both mentally and physically and that's relatively normal but this should settle within a few weeks.

Also its quite possible to feel worse before feeling better particularly when starting at a more advanced stage with low CD4 counts, this as hidden or ignored infections can rear there head once the virus starts to be suppressed as the immune system can focus on other things again, and of course healing can take a lot out of a person as well.

All in all however keep taking your medication as directed/prescribed by your doctor (what works for some here, like eating with the this meds may simply not work for others) and stay in contact with your doctor regarding any problems & how you are getting on.

Best, Jim

Hope4Well · « **Reply #23 on:** February 25, 2019, 10:34:41 pm »

hi,

Thanks Jim. I admit that i am mentally weak, as i had anxiety issue previously. I will try to stay strong and positive. Lets just hope all things will go well.

virgo313 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2019, 03:16:51 pm »

Hi There,
just asking are you feeling these few days? feeling better with ART? tks

Hope4Well · « **Reply #25 on:** March 10, 2019, 11:46:29 pm »

Thank you for asking, i am doing very well i must say. My advice, please do your ART when you`re diagnosed poz. It really work and very well.

I wasn`t very well the the atripla at first, but after a week all went well. As for bactrim, it does create stomach discomfort and diarrhea but not severe and mild ringing sound in head. My appetite came back to normal, and i feel so much healthier. I just had my blood taken today for kidney test i guess, hope it will be well (no need of change meds). Meeting doc at 27th March, finger crossed.

I was diagnosed with low CD4 (136), and my health was deteriorating(loss weight, fatigue and night sweats). Now i don`t have it anymore, it was bad when i started ART but i am glad i endured over it. I feel so much healthier now, i think the meds is working very well. Even my swollen salivary gland is healing. i jog twice a week and yoga once a week. I have dinner by 8.30pm (2hours before meds)and sleep after meds(11pm). Quit smoking, fresh celery juice every morning and hope to live much healthier and longer life. i cared about my health much better now and i liked it.

thank you all for the concern.

Jim Allen · « **Reply #26 on:** March 11, 2019, 12:23:08 am »

Hiya

Excellent update and glad to hear things are going well.
Congratulations on quitting smoking, that's a real tough one to quit

Best, Jim

Hope4Well · « **Reply #27 on:** May 27, 2019, 12:49:23 am »

Hi all,

Firstly i would like to wish all my kampung people Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri in advance. I hope all is well in current holy month.

I have been on meds for the past 2-3months (Atripla). After the previous doctor appointment, i will have to take tuberculosis prevention meds (as required by the Gov standard for 6 months). Now i will be taking 5pills at 11pm and 2 bactrim pills after lunch. I am starting to have some issues, my skin is like drying up (spots, freckles) and some times (not daily), stomach upset/diarrhea. Elbow and neck(behind ears) skin areas tends to get itchy and dry. I wont say it is severe, but maybe there are some tips to manage the issue? I found out that sometimes is the food we take, as we consume a lot of spicy stuff here. i start to apply lotion before bedtime, seems to work but will need further monitoring as i just started. I am not complaining as taking meds is not an issue but the side effects is unpredictable, none for a week then drowsiness the next day. i am not sure if its my mental or these things tends to happen?

Thank you in advance.

Loa111 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 27, 2019, 02:26:01 am »

I have similar dry skin problems. I’d an advanced dx with low CD4 22. On treatment 1 year now. I’d dry skin on my scalp, face mainly. I think it’s from the body healing or maybe side effect of the antibiotic. ID Doc sent me to dermatologist who did not conclude anything much about it. She said it could be sun damage as I lived for a few years in a hot climate and am fair skinned. I think the dry skin is getting a little better and I’ve started to apply moisturizer and drink plenty of water.
I’m hoping it goes away! Maybe when I can stop the antibiotic if my CD4 improves it will help.

Jim Allen · « **Reply #29 on:** May 27, 2019, 03:18:27 am »

Hiya,

Sorry to hear about the skin issues and stomach upset.
As virgo313 it would not be uncommon for bactrim to cause issues, it could also be totally unrelated so best thing to do is to talk to your doctor.

When i was taking daily antibiotics it resulted in a rash & stomach issues, I found that eating probiotic yogurt helps to settle the stomach and, I used an antihistamine to calm the skin issue. Although I also got skin issue due to a fungal infection whilst my immune system was on the bounce back.

Take it easy and hope you feel better soon

virgo313 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 27, 2019, 01:51:51 pm »

Hi Hope4Well,

Selamat Hari Raya to you too. Sorry to know that you are having some discomfort. I am still having mild diarrhea now. It was worst few months ago when i was taking penicillin jab & also antibiotic for my syphilis. Now less diarrhea. What i want to say is that i think there will be some side effect when we take antibiotic. (but i think this is also depending on individual)

I hope that you can bear for a bit longer until you stop Bactrim & see what happens.
We are not as "advance" as other countries, so i understand it is not easy to set a Dr appointment, so i can only advise to bear with "side effect" if it is not too bad. BUT please keep in mind that we can always head to hospital ANYTIME to see a Dr.

Hope4Well · « **Reply #31 on:** January 09, 2020, 04:08:48 am »

Hi All,

Happy new year & all the best health for all. It has been some time since my last post. There are ups & downs but bearable.

Firstly I will mention that on the month September after 3months of atripla, my VL undectectable and cd4 of 384.

Then today meeting with the doctor for results, my cd4 has gone down to 161. Doctor suspect maybe I wasn't well when blood was taken. But she wasn't concern as long VL is low (not checked as it will be 6months here).

I never missed my dosage daily at 11pm. As I get ready 5mins in advance with meds in my hand and wait for my fit band alarm to take it. I am really confused with the cd4 or maybe bactrim doesn't want me to leave me. (Hoping to stop by this clinic check up).

Any suggestions on what's with the odd figures? Maybe caused by lack of sleep before blood taking? Didn't slept well the night before. Or because I stopped exercising?

Another point, my hypertension came and I am also taking meds for it. The next test will be diabetes on the month of February. As the doctor advise on my daily dietary as she say it worse than having HIV virus. Currently on the borderline of 6.3. The worries as my family members with diabetic (mum).

I think I have to strap myself up and start to be healthier and careful in my life. I wasn't taking it seriously due to partialy given up on staying alive.

Thank you in advance.

Jim Allen · « **Reply #32 on:** January 09, 2020, 05:20:32 am »

Hiya,

Quote

I never missed my dosage daily at 11pm. As I get ready 5mins in advance with meds in my hand and wait for my fit band alarm to take it. I am really confused with the cd4

Your HIV meds don't directly increase your CD4's, all the meds do is suppress the virus and your CD4 counts can vary a lot even within a 24 hour period. Your doctor is correct it's not something to start worrying about or focusing on as long as your VL is suppressed.

The slight drop in CD4's could indeed be from being slightly under the weather, could also just be normal up's & downs, etc.

Quote

The next test will be diabetes on the month of February. As the doctor advise on my daily dietary as she say it worse than having HIV virus. Currently on the borderline of 6.3. The worries as my family members with diabetic (mum).

So prediabetes ... Yeah, I guess she covered diet changes and the need for exercise. Well hopefully, you will be able to turn things around before your next check-up, making lifestyle changes is easier said than done and I wish you all the best.

Jim

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-diabetes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278

Hope4Well · « **Reply #33 on:** January 10, 2020, 11:51:31 pm »

Thanks Jim,

Is the prediabetes test a routine or is it due to my hypertension & genetic risk? As for a healthier lifestyle, it will be my 2020 resolution. Easier said than done though. I am such a loafer, lol.

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Author Topic: Diagnosed - Hope4Well (Read 9569 times)