POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: chrisr22311 on May 05, 2011, 08:35:45 am
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Has anyone else experienced this at first with taking this combo?
Does it go away after a few days on it? Maybe my body just needs to adjust?
Just got diagnosed with HIV 3 weeks ago and this is my first round of any meds that I am taking.
Thanks!
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Has anyone else experienced this at first with taking this combo?
Does it go away after a few days on it? Maybe my body just needs to adjust?
Just got diagnosed with HIV 3 weeks ago and this is my first round of any meds that I am taking.
Thanks!
Hello Chris- I think that most people have odd feeling when starting meds for the first time. Just make sure that you drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. I had to stop dairy products because of the gas that sometimes effects people taking Truvada and I also limited all foods that are know to cause gas in general. Now that I have been on this combo for over a year, I can pretty much eat or drink what I want.
Billy B
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Thanks Billy.
I think part of mine is anxiety worrying about side effects and if the meds will work.
Maybe an anti anxiety med is in order too! :)
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Hey Chris,
When first commencing treatment weakness and fatigue are common 'Induction' or starting side effects. Your immune system and other parts of your body are expending huge amounts of energy fighting the virus and reversing the effects of a detectable viral load, including rebooting your immune system. It's a bit like havin a flu - you can feel weak and tired for a little while.
Billy's advice about good food, fluids and rest is very important. You might also like to invest in a multivitamin or a multi b complex.
The tingling sensation can be a result of your meds getting at the virus in your nervous system, Isentress has a fabulous ability to get at HIV in the brain and nervous system - which we all experience from the tiime of seroconverstion.
In a way your symptoms demonstrate just how well your meds are working as well as how well your body is responding.
One day at a time mate - take care
TB
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Tempe...you have NO IDEA how good it is for me to hear this!
Being new to HIV positive community, my poor mind has been working like cray lately....scared, nervous, just worrying the meds wont work...all kinds of stuff.
I do feel 'flu-ish' but its not too bad, a few aches and the tingling feeling, and a little weakness.
I will keep the nutrition in front of mind as I was in great shape before I found out and want to maintain that as I begin seeing good numbers.
I have been feeling 'full' in my tummy, but I basically force feed myself.
This is day 4 for me on meds, so hopefully it will get better!
Thanks for info and all your recommendations!
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Hi Chris,
Started the same combo on March 28. First week had lots of gas and just no appetite, but overall not too bad. Got good advice on here about nutrition and helping the digestive system, and just knowing from everyone here that the tingling, tiredness, etc. can be a GOOD thing meaning some bad things are reversing a bit was a huge help in relieving anxiety.
Funny, though, being the cautious (sometimes very much overly cautious) guy, I took the first two pills, and just sat in a chair waiting for whatever to happen. Then it didn't. Then I got the gas and it went away and the world moved forward. Funny.
I come here at least 2-3 times a week and learn new things every time.
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Hey J -
Thanks for the message...yeah I am like you, I get myself freaked out too easily when something doesn't feel right or when I have reactions to medication.
(The internet is the DEVIL sometimes with all the damn info on here!) haha
Anyways, I am glad that you are doing good on the combo. This is Day 5 for me and I am feeling somewhat better today. I kind of feel like I have a hangover in my head and still some slight tingling sensations in my hands and feet, esp after I wake up.
Like I said, I am sure my anxiety is not helping matters esp with sleeping, but I am working on that.
Thanks again for the post and hit me up and let me know how you are doing!
C -
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I'm also on this combo along with Intellence. Have been on it for a couple of years now. I experienced extreme fatigue within a short time after taking them. I switched the Truvada to nightime and it has the side benefit of allowing me to fall asleep. You might want to consider doing the same.
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Hey Chris,
No probs, you should start feeling better very soon. Raltegravir is one of the most potent meds at penetrating the brain and nervous system, and works more quickly against HIV than any other drug - so you will be undetectable in weeks rather than months!!
You might like to take a good quality Vitamin B Complex - will help with fatigue and nervous tissue regeneration. In Australia we have a product called Berocca that you can buy over the counter. Dissolves in water - fizzes - no sugar or caffiene - and is great first thing in the morning and again with or after lunch to combat afternoon fatigue. Green tea is good as well - especially when blended with peppermint, helps with digestion and bloating.
Keep us posted
TB
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Chris
I also take Truvada and Isentriss. I do like Wolfter does and take it at bedtime because it does make me tired, not sure which one it is though. After 3 months I am noticing that I`m not as tired as I was in the beginning.
The good thing was that my VL went down real fast and according to my doctor my CD4 is low, but "acting" normal.
Give it some time, you will notice a difference. :)
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Chris,
I am going to start Truvada and Insentress here in a week or so. Truvada I've been on but this will be my first round on Insentress because they ahve to go after the HIV which has gotten pretty bad in my brain. None of my med side effects really lasted any more than a week or two for me. Talk to your doc and just make sure that everything is ok on his end.
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Well gang...turns out I have walking pneumonia...and the drugs were rebooting my system so well that they began to fight the infection in my lungs!
So basically, the side effects I was feeling has a lot to do with that.
Even though my t cells were over 200, it can happen to some people.
I am on good antibiotics and resting for the next 5 days and should be just fine!! YAY!
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Hey Chris,
Glad you got to the bottom of your feeling unwell. Hope you are in the pink soon.
Just so you know, I have been taking Isentress/Truvada for a few years now. I never had any side effects from it, aside from some bloating from the Truvada and a bit of a headache from the Isentess.
Now, I don't have any real issues from it.
Hang in there.
HUGS,
Mark