Recently poz and new here

[wjcdmx]

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I was confirmed poz 11 days ago, after a negative test in July (so at least it was caught recently). The worrying thing is that after that neg test in July I started PrEP which I continued up until my poz test last week.

My doctor put me on ARVs immediately last week - Truvada and Tivicay because of the potential for a resistant strain due to me having been on PrEP when poz. I've been lucky enough not to have had any side effects (yet). But until yesterday, my first 10 days were so awful, particularly last Saturday which I think was the lowest I have ever felt in my life and I just cried most of the day.

Anyway i've just spent the last week trying to learn as much as I can about what it's like to have HIV now, and the impact of meds and stuff. That helped.

Yesterday I went to see my doctor for the results of my blood test, for blood taken before I started ARVs. The results really surprised both him and me. My CD4 was 907 and my viral load was 267 counts. I don't understand why my viral load was so low after only contracting HIV in the last 3 months. Obviously I was relieved but i'm just confused. I just wonder if the PrEP influenced it? I'm not going to get the results of my genotype test for a few more weeks.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that. I'm slowly coming to terms with things now and feel a lot more positive that I did a week ago.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

Welcome to the forum, sorry to hear about the diagnosis but glad to hear you started treatment.

But until yesterday, my first 10 days were so awful, particularly last Saturday which I think was the lowest I have ever felt in my life and I just cried most of the day.

I know being newly diagnosed the news can be a lot to digest, and I'm sorry to hear that it's left you feeling low, just know that you are not alone, it's okay and if you want to talk we are here for you.

The worrying thing is that after that neg test in July I started PrEP which I continued up until my poz test last week.

You had a non-reactive test in July so somewhere between April to Nov, you acquired HIV. What is the worrying part about?

My CD4 was 907 and my viral load was 267 counts. I don't understand why my viral load was so low

I've been lucky enough not to have had any side effects (yet)

Well, I would not expect any, asides from perhaps settling in it's a pretty solid treatment to start with that are well tolerated. As for the VL it could be the PrEP or just the settling point, not that it really matters, within a short time it should be fully suppressed with the meds.

Take it easy.

Best, Jim

[wjcdmx]

Thank you Jim!

The reason I was worried about being on PrEP whilst also being positive was because I read on many forums that that can cause resistance to ARVs when you are eventually diagnosed...

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

Yeah, sure it can happen, you could also have acquired a resistant strain to start with.

However, the VL seemed pretty low and you picked up on it early so I would not stress about this. Worrying isn't going to change much and if there is the resistance to your current treatment they will also know what other treatment options would be possible. 

Best, Jim

[Tonny2]

         ojo.            Hola y bienvenido... you are not alone anymore, we are here for you. We all know what you’re going through right now but, trust me, it will get better. Let’s see what are the resistan Test results then you and your doctor will decide what treatment it’s best for you...welcome again and please keep us posted...hugs

[Expat1]

You started treatment very early.  Don't worry so much about potential resistance.  PreP involves only 1 class of meds, there are 5 other classes, as well as other nrti 's that operate differently than the drugs in Truvada.

Your doctor will be able to develop a potent, durable regiment.

In terms of health you found out early in this disease that you are positive.  With treatment you will live a full and aids free life.  You should change the unhappy face to a happy one because the test means you will now get the help you  need to live that full life.

[LeftyBowler300]

I think most of us have had that one good cry in the beginning. We feel like will never be the same... After a while you'll realize that besides taking a pill or two a day life's pretty much normal. And that's coming from someone who was not only diagnosed REALLY late with opportunistic infections, but I also developed HIV-associated cancer a year and a half after starting treatment. I've been through hell, but I persevered. I go the gym, I play sports, I have a good career and I'm going back to school this year. I'm stronger now than I ever was  and you will be to.
*hugs*
Lefty