Author Topic: New To All of This. (Read 17687 times)

just-hopeful · « **on:** April 06, 2015, 03:23:59 pm »

Hi,

I have been reading posts on this forum for a little over a week now while awaiting for my membership to be approved.

So here's our story:

We're a heterosexual couple. My 27 year old boyfriend, of 4 years was diagnosed with AIDS on March 22nd. Since last May he has lost around 40 lbs. It's most noticeable in his legs and arms. He has been dealing with what we thought were multiple respiratory infections since mid-January. He also had thrush which I instantly recognized because I was once a nursing major and I remember them talking about it in babies. I googled "Thrush in adults" and it pulled up information about AIDS but I thought "He doesn't have AIDS" and just figured it was some weird situation. In early February he went to a clinic for the respiratory problems and thrush and was prescribed a z-pack which only helped him feel better for a short time. He then "relapsed, at least what we thought was a relapse and he went to an urgent care clinic (On Mar. 13th) and they said the same thing, upper respiratory infection and prescribed another z-pack. I was out of town for the weekend and when I returned he was in VERY bad shape. He stayed in bed and could barely breathe. We talked about taking him back to the doctor but he wanted to finish the z-pack before we went. So he finished it on Tuesday Mar. 17th. On Wednesday I took him back to the urgent care. The doctor said he had no idea what was wrong with him except that something was in fact wrong with him and suggested we take him to the ER. So we did that and they diagnosed him with viral pneumonia and sent him home with a nebulizer and more anti-biotics. I worked from home the next day to keep an eye on him because his breathing was SO bad. Saturday night (3-21) he was still doing pretty badly even the breathing treatments were no longer helping him. On Sunday morning (3-22) we took him back to the ER. His O2 saturation was at 70% when we got there. His brother had to help us carry him down the stairs of our apartment because he could not walk without it causing serious shortness of breath. At this point they admitted him to the hospital. They asked him to sign papers for HIV testing. We thought nothing of it. Until Sunday night at 8:45pm when the doctor came in and said he tested positive for HIV and that the pneumonia he has is specific to HIV+ people which qualified him as having "full blown AIDS". The words alone put us in a state of shock. I pretty much remember nothing else he said after that because I was trying to process the information and I imagine my boyfriend felt the exact same way. He told us he sent off his CD4 and stuff. On Tuesday his CD4 count came back and was 6. Since then he got transferred to another hospital with an infectious disease doctor. He was hospitalized from 3/22-3/31 and then was re-admitted on 4/1 and discharged again on 4/3.

We have our first meeting with the HIV clinic/doctor tomorrow. He is still having a hard time coming to terms with the diagnosis. He is/was normally a VERY healthy person so this is all very shocking for both of us. This has not changed how I feel about him. If anything it has proven to me how much I love him. I will be there for him. Additionally, when we got the results, I went and got tested on Monday 3/23. My test results came back negative. The last time we were sexually active was January 11th & 12th.

So...we are both looking for answers. We don't know what to ask the doctor tomorrow. We both realized how un-educated we are on this subject. Which it appears most people are. All your life you're just told "Don't have unprotected sex or you'll get HIV/AIDS and die." Thankfully, we're a team and he isn't shutting me out or anything. He wants me by his side and I want to be there for him as well.

Any information you have regarding CD4 counts, increasing them, drugs, questions we should ask as a couple and questions he should ask as an individual would be really helpful. I've never known anyone in this situation and don't really have anyone to talk to about it who has first hand experience.

Thank you all.

zach · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2015, 04:24:39 pm »

Very sorry about your partners diagnosis. I won't lie, he's deep in the thick of it. Single digit cd4 is bad, but myself and many others here have come back from that low a count. It takes time, so you'll both need to be patient.

A cd4 count that low will warrant immediately going on haart meds. He'll also be put on some prophylactic antibiotics to protect against things like pcp pneumonia and mac.

Please don't fear side effects. Deal with what is happening, not the countless what ifs that will build up to mountains. If any side effects present themselves, address them, there are options.

The first thing he can expect is to have a resistance profile ran, that will show what med options are on the table to choose from. Meds these days are great, nothing like they used to be. The arv meds only do one thing, and that is to suppress the viral load. The goal is to reach an undetectable viral load, and remain there.

There is really nothing that directly affects cd4 count, only time. With an undetectable viral load the bodies immune system will start to rebuild and that count will rise in time.

If you look at the top bars on this page, under the treatment tab is a lessons option. I'd encourage you to read up there, and resist going out onto the web for information. Much of what you'll find on the net is out of date, and even five year old information is too dated to rely on. The members here, combined, have lifetimes of experience living with this. You can trust that what you read is reliable information. Educate yourselves, but don't overload. It can get overwhelming trying to digest everything all at once, and it really isn't necessary.

Just some practical advice here,

Three numbers to initially track. CD4 count, CD4 percentage, and Viral load. In time, you'll focus mainly only on the percentage. Get copies of all lab work. Build a good relationship with the ID doctor and care team. Put together a care plan, and stick to it.

For yourself, ask questions about PREP, pre-exposure prophylactic. That would mean you taking arv meds as well, it protects you from infection. Using condoms and prep, and you'll be more than safe.

Stay calm, go slow, breathe. He is going to be ok, but this isn't going to be easy.

Good luck. And welcome, to you, and to him if he chooses to come in here. Post any questions you have, someone is here to answer. Vent anything you need.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2015, 04:36:46 pm »

He's currently on Prednisone 10mg, Sulfameth/Trimethoprim 800/1600mg, and Levofloxacin 500mg. I have copies of his medical records with lab results. Should I look for anything specific?

zach · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2015, 04:41:48 pm »

CD4 count, CD4 percentage, and Viral load. (he may not have had those tests yet, thats more in the HIV specialists wheelhouse)

Also, as an aside, and I may be somewhat out of line.

His medical care, and information, is his alone... be careful not to overstep your boundaries. I don't say this lightly, and not specific to you. I've said the same thing to mothers.

If he wants privacy with his information, or in consultation with med team... respect that.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2015, 04:45:21 pm »

I understand. He asked me to look at his records and see if the genotype results are in there. We are very open with each other. I would respect any boundaries he sets. But he's kept me very involved in every step of the way.

I also forgot to mention he was intubated from Wednesday 3/25-3/27.

mecch · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2015, 05:38:12 pm »

Im sorry you have to live this traumatic experience. Eventually the crisis will pass.

I am shocked that in 2015 a doctor used the term "full blown AIDS". Geez, where do you live?

I think you are being a bit naive about STD transmission and prevention. You make it seem like such a shock that a sexually active person could get HIV. Or any other STD For that matter. Yeah - unprotected sex is how STD's are passed.

I think you should speak for yourself and not for others when you say this:

So...we are both looking for answers. We don't know what to ask the doctor tomorrow. We both realized how un-educated we are on this subject. Which it appears most people are. All your life you're just told "Don't have unprotected sex or you'll get HIV/AIDS and die." Thankfully, we're a team and he isn't shutting me out or anything. He wants me by his side and I want to be there for him as well.

So all your life you had protected sex? And somebody told you that if you had sex without condoms you would get HIV and die? That's awfully simplified.

As you know, millions if not billions of people have unprotected sex. The message that never got to you, it seems, is that people in relationships should be honest about their sexual practices, and couples should get STD and HIV screens before they have unprotected sex.

I have a different perception of the state of things then you. I don't think "most people" are uneducated. I think a lot of people just don't want to think about and digest the information that has come to them.

It sure is good news you are not HIV+.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2015, 05:49:10 pm »

Yes. It was weird hearing "full blown AIDS". Not gonna lie there.

I am not being naive. I am aware that anyone having unprotected sex can catch any STI's and STD's. What I mean is that there is little information provided to us outside of people telling you how to avoid getting infected (promoting abstinence and condom use during sex). Not really the things that happen to someone when they're infected. When we found this out I tried to do research about people living with AIDS and it was just shocking to me how little I was actually able to find. This forum has provided the most in depth information either one of us have found.

When they told him his diagnosis and that because he has PCP it qualifies him as having AIDS, he googled some stuff and the first thing he saw was something about if left untreated you could die in 3 years. It was so heartbreaking. So I am just trying to find more accurate information and people who can relate to the situation we're in.

The past is the past and I am not trying to analyze that. I am trying to prepare for the present and the future by being educated and supportive.

Quote from: mecch on April 06, 2015, 05:38:12 pm

Im sorry you have to live this traumatic experience. Eventually the crisis will pass.

I am shocked that in 2015 a doctor used the term "full blown AIDS". Geez, where do you live?

I think you are being a bit naive about STD transmission and prevention. You make it seem like such a shock that a sexually active person could get HIV. Or any other STD For that matter. Yeah - unprotected sex is how STD's are passed.

I think you should speak for yourself and not for others when you say this:

So...we are both looking for answers. We don't know what to ask the doctor tomorrow. We both realized how un-educated we are on this subject. Which it appears most people are. All your life you're just told "Don't have unprotected sex or you'll get HIV/AIDS and die." Thankfully, we're a team and he isn't shutting me out or anything. He wants me by his side and I want to be there for him as well.

So all your life you had protected sex? And somebody told you that if you had sex without condoms you would get HIV and die? That's awfully simplified.

As you know, millions if not billions of people have unprotected sex. The message that never got to you, it seems, is that people in relationships should be honest about their sexual practices, and couples should get STD and HIV screens before they have unprotected sex.

I have a different perception of the state of things then you. I don't think "most people" are uneducated. I think a lot of people just don't want to think about and digest the information that has come to them.

It sure is good news you are not HIV+.

mecch · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2015, 06:03:47 pm »

He needs to see his first Infectious Disease doctor and that doctor needs to tell him the sober news and the hopeful news. The sober news is that he has to be careful while his CD4s are low. The hopeful news is usually destroyed immune systems can be rebuilt with the fantastic treatment we have today.

I want to tell you I'm not frustrated with your story personally I just get disheartened and angry when I read about people who so clearly are sick and have possibly HIV-related sicknesses and no health care workers are ordering up routine HIV tests. It's maddening?

There is TOO much info about HIV on the Internet that is scary and old. Be careful. Read about it here. Suggest your partner join. Why is it you who is on here? Is he too down to face it?

He should find support here and also perhaps some local support. Anyhow his first ID should give him encouraging news, not limited to "you have full blown aids - prepare to die".

You can read the lessons here. Be neutral and optimistic about the facts about living with HIV, when talking to your partner, even if he might take awhile to come to terms.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2015, 06:14:46 pm »

It was a doctor at another hospital where his HIV test came back positive that gave him the news like that. He did tell us that the medicines these days were very effective at treating HIV/AIDS. He was then transferred to another hospital that had an ID doctor who could see him. However, the ID doctor was consulted - he didn't actually treat him. He was discharged and was told to contact his Community Clinic for HIV/AIDS treatment which is where we have the appointment with tomorrow. Yes, it is very frustrating that he had seen so many doctors and no one thought to test him. Especially because he has no insurance and we have been paying for everything out of pocket (with the help of his parents). He reads on here as a guest but has not created an account. He's not really big into posting things on the internet. He did tell me if I wanted to create an account here and ask questions it was okay with him. I also share any hopeful news I find on here with him to give him a more positive outlook.

Quote from: mecch on April 06, 2015, 06:03:47 pm

He needs to see his first Infectious Disease doctor and that doctor needs to tell him the sober news and the hopeful news. The sober news is that he has to be careful while his CD4s are low. The hopeful news is usually destroyed immune systems can be rebuilt with the fantastic treatment we have today.

I want to tell you I'm not frustrated with your story personally I just get disheartened and angry when I read about people who so clearly are sick and have possibly HIV-related sicknesses and no health care workers are ordering up routine HIV tests. It's maddening?

There is TOO much info about HIV on the Internet that is scary and old. Be careful. Read about it here. Suggest your partner join. Why is it you who is on here? Is he too down to face it?

He should find support here and also perhaps some local support. Anyhow his first ID should give him encouraging news, not limited to "you have full blown aids - prepare to die".

You can read the lessons here. Be neutral and optimistic about the facts about living with HIV, when talking to your partner, even if he might take awhile to come to terms.

mecch · « **Reply #9 on:** April 06, 2015, 06:35:01 pm »

Only a very wealthy person could afford to foot the bill out of pocket for the mountain of costs that he faces.

Are you in the USA?

just-hopeful · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2015, 06:50:23 pm »

zach · « **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2015, 07:12:55 pm »

get connected with your local ASO (aids service organization) and take advantage of all assistance programs available... you can start that research above, treatment tab/health services directory

also, get copay assistance once an arv is settled on. let us know what the med choice is, someone will point the direction

no one can afford the costs of hiv treatment, it is criminally prohibitive. it's tough to be thrown into the deep end and have to figure things out... but thats the world we live in unfortunately

just-hopeful · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2015, 07:38:16 pm »

The place assisting us with his ARV meds was listed as an ASO for our state. Luckily its in the same city we're in too.

Also, what I was referring to us paying out of pocket was his regular clinic visits before he was hospitalized. Obviously with no insurance and all, we are not in a good financial state for this. But I guess no one really is based on what everyone is saying regarding cost.

He will have insurance beginning May 1st.

Also, I read him everyone's comments so far and he decided to join.

harleymc · « **Reply #13 on:** April 07, 2015, 05:25:20 am »

Welcome on board,
sorry to hear the stress and the worry that both you and your man are going through.
Those AIDS defining opportunistic infections are scary as hell.

The good news is that now that they know why your partner has been getting ill, he can get treatment that works. It'll take some time for his immune system to fully reconstitute (how long is a piece of string?), but with treatment and monitoring he'll come through ok and go on to have a long life.

I really super side effect of the treatments is that when the viral load drops to undetectable transmission of the virus becomes very rare so somewhere down the track you might consider having kids the old fashioned way. But that's skipping ahead white a bit.

Just deal with today without worrying too much about 'what if' scenarios.
Best of luck to you and your man
Hugs from Australia

just-hopeful · « **Reply #14 on:** April 07, 2015, 07:26:36 am »

Thank you harleymc. We had actually discussed if children were still an option for us and I did lots of research and discovered it could be. But first comes getting him in a better state regarding his health, then engagement, then marriage then kids. LOL.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #15 on:** April 07, 2015, 08:21:47 pm »

We just got home from the HIV doctor. They said his viral load is 12 million and they're immediately started him on Stribild once a day. They also increased his Bactrim & Prednisone dosages.

mecch · « **Reply #16 on:** April 07, 2015, 08:51:49 pm »

Well thank God. Does he have the pills in hand? Somebody stepping up to figure out the access and bills till May 1?
I started with viral loads in the millions. I was pretty wiped out. Hope your partner has the possibility to take it easy for awhile.
On the up side, as soon as he starts, viral load gets cut down by "logs" -- so like a lot -- every few days. He'll be down to thousands in weeks. Then the slow fade to double digits.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #17 on:** April 09, 2015, 12:38:16 pm »

Yeah he went home with the medicine that day. So he started the medicine on Tuesday. He was a student so he withdrew from the semester to get better.

Quote from: mecch on April 07, 2015, 08:51:49 pm

Well thank God. Does he have the pills in hand? Somebody stepping up to figure out the access and bills till May 1?
I started with viral loads in the millions. I was pretty wiped out. Hope your partner has the possibility to take it easy for awhile.
On the up side, as soon as he starts, viral load gets cut down by "logs" -- so like a lot -- every few days. He'll be down to thousands in weeks. Then the slow fade to double digits.

gam65 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 10, 2015, 02:03:07 am »

Just-hopeful,

I'm glad everything is working out for you and your partner, the guys here are very helpful. When I joined this site I was very depressed and after reading their post/comments I've been feeling much better; I've just celebrated my 2nd yr anniversary as being HIV+ and I'm still learning to take it one day at a time and that I'm not living with HIV but it's living with me. And yes it's going to be some emotional days as you've heard but you two will get through them.

NKB · « **Reply #19 on:** April 18, 2015, 10:32:09 pm »

Thank y'all for being so supportive of my girlfriend and our situation.

Weber · « **Reply #20 on:** April 19, 2015, 02:52:22 am »

Quote from: mecch on April 06, 2015, 05:38:12 pm

As you know, millions if not billions of people have unprotected sex. The message that never got to you, it seems, is that people in relationships should be honest about their sexual practices, and couples should get STD and HIV screens before they have unprotected sex.

Not directly related the topic of this thread but I just want to provide insight on Mecch's comment based on my experience. I'd put emphasis on the honesty part here. Unprotected sex after HIV and other STD tests provide limited protection unfortunately. I followed that protocol and ended up poz. I wish ppl would think twice about having unprotected sex with their regular partners following sexual intercourse out of the relationship or just be honest about it so that necessary precautions can be taken on time.

Just-hopeful, hope your bf is doing fine and great news that your tests came back negative.

zach · « **Reply #21 on:** April 19, 2015, 07:00:13 am »

not directly related at all, and somewhat tone deaf

both are members; and in this thread

Weber · « **Reply #22 on:** April 19, 2015, 12:32:37 pm »

No offense intended, just because there was mention of post-test unprotected sex between couples. Apologies if offense taken...

just-hopeful · « **Reply #23 on:** April 19, 2015, 03:16:57 pm »

Weber,

Quote from: Weber on April 19, 2015, 12:32:37 pm

No offense intended, just because there was mention of post-test unprotected sex between couples. Apologies if offense taken...

I honestly thought that every year when I went in for my "yearly" at my gyno that I was being tested for all forms of STD's and STI's. HIV included. It came as a HUGE shock to me that I wasn't. I informed several of my female friends of this and they too were shocked. So I just learned that I have to actually REQUEST the test to even get it. So over the years, I have been under the impression that I was clean and had kept up with my testing. Clearly I was mistaken and I am now informing all women I know that the gyno does not typically test for that. I know I cannot really speak on my partner's behalf regarding previous testing.

mecch · « **Reply #24 on:** April 19, 2015, 03:24:22 pm »

Quote from: just-hopeful on April 19, 2015, 03:16:57 pm

Weber,
I honestly thought that every year when I went in for my "yearly" at my gyno that I was being tested for all forms of STD's and STI's. HIV included. It came as a HUGE shock to me that I wasn't. I informed several of my female friends of this and they too were shocked. So I just learned that I have to actually REQUEST the test to even get it. So over the years, I have been under the impression that I was clean and had kept up with my testing. Clearly I was mistaken and I am now informing all women I know that the gyno does not typically test for that. I know I cannot really speak on my partner's behalf regarding previous testing.

Yes its pretty ridiculous that there is no routine testing for STDs and for HIV in this day and age. But you know, I bet a lot of people would be offended if they were routinely tested.

As an aside, HIV+ folks don't much like the word "clean" for STD free. I know its common usage, but as I have HIV for life I don't think of myself as "dirty".

zach · « **Reply #25 on:** April 19, 2015, 05:39:06 pm »

i've been pretty dirty today, it's been raining all week

70 lb bijou puppy came running inside, muddy as hell... she's still convinced she fits in my lap

so we battled to take a bath, it is a losing battle,

there is water and mud all the way through the house

i'm clean now, and so is she... i still have aids, but i'm clean

(we know you didn't mean offense, so it's a lesson learned)

just-hopeful · « **Reply #26 on:** April 21, 2015, 02:29:18 pm »

Quote from: mecch on April 19, 2015, 03:24:22 pm

Yes its pretty ridiculous that there is no routine testing for STDs and for HIV in this day and age. But you know, I bet a lot of people would be offended if they were routinely tested.

As an aside, HIV+ folks don't much like the word "clean" for STD free. I know its common usage, but as I have HIV for life I don't think of myself as "dirty".

I think people are only offended about the testing if they're asked about it. I think if it was a common thing to be included in blood panel testing then it wouldn't be such an "issue".

Sorry about the "clean" thing. Like the post title says: "New To All of This" Believe me when I say my intent in my posts is never to offend anyone. Most of the time I am just trying to type out my thoughts as they come and there are so many things going on in my head right now.

Boyfriend has an appointment with his HIV doctor today. This will be 2 weeks since he started the Stribild and I believe they're going to do some blood work to see how his body is responding.

zach · « **Reply #27 on:** April 21, 2015, 03:25:24 pm »

I can't speak for everybody, but I didn't take offense. It's so commonly used people think it's acceptable and don't even realize it's a little hurtful. I know you didn't mean anything, I'm others agree (or not, and that's ok too sometimes)

Good luck at the clinic, let us know how things go for him.

ImisstheOldTimes · « **Reply #28 on:** April 23, 2015, 01:35:30 pm »

Hi there to both of you, saw that NKB is back in the hospital, hopefully, some of the OIs can clear up, and he can begin his new normal life.

I think it's really hard when a person finds out their diagnosis in the hospital when it's really late in the infection, especially if your mind is saying, "HIV isn't even a possibility," and then to find out not only are you positive, but you also have a lot of life threatening infections...and your mind is barely wrapping it the idea that HIV is now a part of your life, whether you are the one with it, or whether you are a friend/family member and someone you know personally has it. Your original post says it all, most people don't know how far the meds have become with HIV/AIDS, most are still stuck in the 90's thinking one can get simply from someone spitting in an open wound.

I remember when I first heard the words about my father, it was like the hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I felt very awkward for long while but didn't want to get up and leave and make him feel bad. The stigma of it remains for the most part in the back of people's minds...just look at other 3rd world countries or countries who ostracize people who have it verses learning more about it and how it can be controlled and prevented.

I've been trolling these forums for 3 years and am continually amazed by the support given, the love, the outreach, and the stories where people "live" happily ever after.

Feel better NKB; and you dear girl, hang in there.

Heidi

just-hopeful · « **Reply #29 on:** April 23, 2015, 07:16:19 pm »

Thank you so much Heidi.

He was admitted to ICU today after his bronchoscopy. They said he was having problems breathing and wanted him to be where there was a less patient to nurse ratio, which actually brings me more comfort because when he was on the floor there were times we wouldn't see the nurse for over an hour. Plus his new nurse is very informative. We have our own O2 meter and otic thermometer and have a notebook where we have been keeping up with his vital signs - we were doing this at home when he was there but we have it with us in the hospital as well. So far he seems to be doing okay. They have him breathing with the assistance of a CPAP mask. They said they just ordered another chest x-ray and ABG. So...I guess that's the "update" I have for now. I'm using his computer to do work for my job so I doubt he will be doing any posting. Especially with him being in the hospital. I'll update as I can.

ImisstheOldTimes · « **Reply #30 on:** April 28, 2015, 03:32:53 pm »

His body is still recovering... Hopefully you guys can look back at this time and be like, "Damn, still can't believe we survived that!"

Sending positive feelings y'alls way!

Heidi

just-hopeful · « **Reply #31 on:** April 28, 2015, 08:55:33 pm »

We got the first updated blood work back today.
His viral load is 1,350 (down from 12 million) and his CD4 count is 50 from 6! This is great news and has really lifted my spirits. But he is still in ICU. Just wanted to share that bit of information.

zach · « **Reply #32 on:** April 28, 2015, 09:02:24 pm »

that is huge progress! happy for both of y'all, take a deep breath of relief

get him out of the hospital and home for some decent rest, he's getting though all this as well as can be expected

ImisstheOldTimes · « **Reply #33 on:** April 29, 2015, 09:19:00 am »

I'm glad that this bit of news is so encouraging, seems like the meds are in full swing. It's an uphill hike, but the outcome and view will take your breath away!
(that was for my buddy Zach Attack) - if anyone knows what it's like to be depleted from this, and to fight hard to get back, it's that dude!

Positive vibes as always,
Heidi

wolfter · « **Reply #34 on:** April 29, 2015, 09:31:22 am »

Those are some pretty awesome results in such a short time. There are many of us who had terrible numbers like his and rebounded mostly normal so it can be done. Is he currently suffering any OI's?

I'm assuming so if he's still in ICU. I would imagine he will be home soon with the way he's rebounding.

best of luck to you both.
wolfie

just-hopeful · « **Reply #35 on:** April 29, 2015, 05:31:05 pm »

Quote from: wolfter on April 29, 2015, 09:31:22 am

Is he currently suffering any OI's?

He has the PCP pneumonia still. He had thrush a month ago but that cleared up pretty quickly. Also has some mouth sores that started occurring about 2 weekends ago, that was impacting his ability to eat solid food or anything moderately acidic. They put him on IV ganciclovir for that and he said his mouth is slowly improving

shaunsag · « **Reply #36 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:27:36 am »

"Zach" you took the words out of my mouth, hope all goes well in this situation.

just-hopeful · « **Reply #37 on:** July 04, 2015, 04:01:26 am »

If you want to keep up with what is going on regarding my now fiancé, you can go to his link here: http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=58457.0;all

I got my confirmatory testing done this past week and it came back negative. So I was negative when I was first tested in March when NKB (fiancé) was diagnosed and 3 months later. So yay for that.

Rachael_1 · « **Reply #38 on:** August 20, 2015, 06:01:22 am »

I just wanted to let you know I know how you must be feeling.
Last October my husband was diagnosed with HIV with a CD4 count of 48, he had an extremely high viral load (VL) of 300.000 and had lost 20 pounds more or less. He also had an opportunistic infection (in his intestines) and had diarrhea for over a year.
I was terrified. We had just got back from our honeymoon.
He was lucky, and I pray your husband will be also, one month after starting his medication (included an antibiotic) his CD4 was 289, his viral load was down to 600.
2 months ago he got more blood work done and he is over 350 CD4, he has 60 VL.
I now breath more freely, my love is getting better!
We are planning on having children, you will also be able to do this, he needs to get better first, odds are on his side. He needs to take his meds religiously.
I make sure every night that my husband has taken his meds, he missed one dose in the 10 months he's been on it, I am sure that helps a lot.
I wish you both luck and a happy return to health.
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