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Author Topic: How long does a combo work for?  (Read 4344 times)

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Offline newbie76

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
How long does a combo work for?
« on: May 03, 2007, 05:28:50 am »
Hello all!

One week into this nightmare and not doing too well. Yesterday I was feeling better and went out with a friend, it was sunny.
When I got back home I noticed a little spot in my face due to the sun allergy and that was enough to throw me right back into panic! I thought that if I get panicky for this, what will happen if I'll have more serious problems to deal with?!?
Anyway, couldn't sleep for most of the night because of this.

When will it get better??!? Sometimes I read some of the other posts of people that have to deal with some serious stuff and they are able to take it all in such a good spirit and I think that I will never be able to do that.

Well, to my question now. I know it's probably like asking how long is a piece of string, but in your experience, how long can you take the same combo before it stops working and the cd4 count starts to decrease? I am not talking about changing combo for the side effects, only because the virus is becoming resistant to the meds.

Many thanks to whoever will want to give me their opinion.

M.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2007, 05:31:30 am by newbie76 »
25th Apr 07: The worst day of my life
27th Apr 07: cd4 202 14%
30th Apr 07: cd4 126 18% VL 110000
19th May 07: Started Truvada/Sustiva
20th Jun 07: cd4 218 25% VL 435
13th Aug 07: cd4 374 20% VL 64
20th Dec 07: cd4 435 24% VL <50
20th Oct 08: cd4 725 31% VL <50
30th Nov 09: cd4 725 30% VL <50
01st Nov 10: cd4 755 33% VL<50
11th Nov 11: cd4 754 32% VL<50
01st May 12: cd4 864 40% VL<50
01st May 13: cd4 615 VL 609 :-/
14th May 13: VL <50

Offline cubbybear

  • Member
  • Posts: 510
Re: How long does a combo work for?
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2007, 05:53:28 am »
You are right M.  How long is a piece of string.  We have people here, like Mark (Aztecan) who has been on the same combo for over 10 years now.  So you can see they can work for a VERY long time, and continue to work.  Other people are not so fortunate and either are resistant to many of the meds, or allergic to them, so burn through options more expediently.

I've only been on meds for 16 months, and I often think about my regimen failing at some stage, so I make sure I dont miss a single dose, to try and encourage it not to fail.  It's all you can do.

Offline Pilot

  • Member
  • Posts: 126
Re: How long does a combo work for?
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2007, 09:00:36 pm »
After ten years of taking meds, my doctor has switched me three times...not because they werent doing the job but because the new combo he came up with was easier to take and not as hard on the body.

My new Atripla is easier on the liver than the other drugs I have taken although with each liver test they were always within the normal range.

Each person is different and the strain of the virus is a factor and how the body reacts to the virus.  So I would say that there is no real way of telling other than monitoring the virus itself.

But dont let this worry you unduly because there are more drugs in the pipeline and hopefully they will be even easier on the body.

Your question is almost like asking how long before there is a real cure.  No one knows, and I am quite sure I will long gone from this world before it happens but until then....I plan on hanging around for as long as possible and if its in the realm of the supernatural, I  plan on becoming a ghost to mess with my friends who are still living...

Offline budndallastx

  • Member
  • Posts: 463
Re: How long does a combo work for?
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2007, 06:49:59 am »
You shouldn't worry about how long the combo is going to work.  If it happens, you'll be able to switch to something else.  There is never a good time to have HIV but at this point, there are new drugs, new classes of drugs and 20 years of medical understanding of the HIV Virus.  Each of us is different and the virus is different so it's just something that may or may not happen.  Why spend time worrying but focus on the things you can control:  Taking the meds as prescribed, build a relationship with your doctor, and focus on being healthy.  Stressing about this isn't going to help your emotional wellbeing and stress does affect your immune system.  Find something to channel the worry into like working out !!
Meds since: 11/20/2006
Sustiva / Truvada
12/08/2008 VL:<48 CD4 622 (38%)   
9/8/2008 VL:<48 CD4 573 (30%)
5/2008 VL:<48 CD4 464 (30%)
1/2008  VL: <50  CD4 425(28%)
9/2007   VL: <50  CD4 465 (27%)
6/2007   VL: <50   CD4 443 (26%)
3/2007  VL: <50   CD4 385 (25%)
12/2006 - VL: <50   CD4: 384 (25%)
11/2006 - VL:  22K  CD4: 208 (18%)

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: How long does a combo work for?
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2007, 08:25:43 am »

Well, to my question now. I know it's probably like asking how long is a piece of string, but in your experience, how long can you take the same combo before it stops working and the cd4 count starts to decrease? I am not talking about changing combo for the side effects, only because the virus is becoming resistant to the meds.

Many thanks to whoever will want to give me their opinion.

M.

Hello,

I've been on the same combo for three and a half years. It was also my first combo. Don't miss doses, stay adherant, and there is no reason why it shouldn't last a long time.

If complications arise where the meds have to be stopped, then perhaps there may be issues, in the future, with that particular combo, or part of it.


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline BriGuyNY,NY

  • Member
  • Posts: 77
  • Looking on the bright side of life
Re: How long does a combo work for?
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2007, 06:37:44 pm »
Hi...I'm 4 years on my "combo" of Kaletra, Viread, and Epivir.  No side effects to speak of.  Have been undetectable to date, 3 months after starting the trio.  T's range 350-500.  Will keep you posted
The strongest warrior, is the one who conquers himself....Aztec warrior

Dripping water hollows out a stone...Ovid

 


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