Started Isentress and Truvada Combo

[TakingAChance]

Hi Everyone,
I've been out of touch for a week or so. I had to move all of a sudden. I got settled on Monday and started taking Iisentress and Truvada. So far, all is well. No problems. I'm happy I moved and my life is turning around again since hearing the news of being positive. I have to admit, I did cry when I got out to the car from the pharmacy. That alway's makes things clear. I happily started treatment. I second guessed myself, but I know in the long run I made the right the decision. There were many factors involved. Although my  numbers were good, I felt my Phenotest told a better story of what was going on. I am getting use to being HIV positive. if that makes sense to anyone?

[thelovedones]

Hang in there. I remember being so scared when I got home from the pharmacy, thinking to myself, "this is going to be my life...for the rest of my life." But guess what, you get used to it, just like someone who takes meds for high blood pressure or diabetes or cholestorol. It's something that becomes routine.

On another note, a good friend of mine who was diagnosed in 1984 with AIDS and who is still very much alive and looking fantastic at 50 is on Truvada and he says it works very well for him.

all the best to you

[statichope]

yep I am on truvada and isentress as well, no side effects yet! (that i know of lol)

[klassykitty]

I'm on truvada and isentress too.  My side effects have been more irritating then bad.  Not having the stamina I used to, but other then that i haven't them.

[geobee]

Hey Taking A Chance --

Just wanted to offer some words of support.  Starting meds is difficult - forced me to say "yes, I really have this thing and it could be, well, forever."  I never will forget when I stupidly said "yes" to the question "Do you want to see the side effects documentation" to the pharmacist at Kaiser and she handed me what was practically a binder of scary information.  Now I just say "no thanks" and wolf the stuff down.   

Everyone is different -- I started meds right away.  I felt more in control, I suppose -- felt I was doing everything I could.  Also, my doc said I was a rapid progressor -- I had a viral load of a million and it wouldn't be long before my T-Cells would get to the point where I'd be out of options.  Gotta give the guy credit -- he didn't really encourage me one way or the other-- just laid out the options for me to make my own decision.   My insurance (hallelujah!) was good so I started taking truvada/reyataz/norvir (was passed a resistant strain, can't take Atripla).  Been about 18 months now, and it's going OK.  Diarrhea (pretty frequent) is my only real side effect.  I'm happy with the choice I made which is, of course, different for everyone.

Just putting out the "support" vibe.  Best of luck for this part of your journey. 

[Malinka]

I have Isentress and Truvada too... haven't started yet because of stressful situation which may affect my ability to be adherent. but I did research and it sounds like an excellent combo. Good luck and take care

[TakingAChance]

Thanks everyone,It's been a good deal so far. No side effects to speak of so far. I've been on it for 9 day's. Hey, "thelovedones",  I felt the same way. no denying it now I said. it's really true now that you're taking med's for it. That lasted for about 5 mins. It's all been a routine. I'm anal anyway, so adherence isn't a challenge so far.I feel better if that's possible. I think it may have more to do mentally right now. I feel more empowered now that I am doing something to fight back the virus. I also had a resistant strain. I try not to project too far into the future. I know this is a "rest of your life" story for medication. I choose to handle it "one day at a time". it's less stressful for me that way. Thank's for all the support. I seem to have gotten my life back on track and I'm very busy again doing all the things I had no energy or stamina for before.

[BigDaneDogs]

Glad to see this is a good combination for everyone as I will be starting this probably next week.  18 years and Insentress will be my 17th med - lol!!!!