New Regimen/New Numbers = Bummed

[WildcatCC]

So the switch from Atripla to Isentress/Truvada has not been as successful as I thought. My numbers went in the opposite direction  .

The switch was predicated upon a discussion with my ID doc who wants me at undetectable (as do I!) and believed that Atripla was not doing it. No real resistance issues.

Am I expecting too much, too quickly? Patience is not a strong suit of mine.

[WillyWump]

I'm curious as to why you switched from Prez/Nor/Tru to Atripla back in '08?

-Will

[bocker3]

If you haven't done this yet, please do so before switching regimens again:

Ask your doctor to have your VL tested using the branched-DNA test.  Most folks now utilize the HIV-PCR quant test.  That test is more sensitive (b-DNA only goes down to 75), but it is also more susceptible to "handling issues".  I went a year without hitting UD, although everything else seemed to be good -- when I did the b-DNA test -- boom -- UD.  I've since switched labs and have been UD even with the PCR test, but I firmly believe that something was happening with my samples at the other drawing site and/or lab.

good luck

Mike

[mecch]

Gee those are frustrating results
Maybe change doctors, or testing methods.
What about adherence, are you 99%?
Absorption of meds issue?

[Assurbanipal]

Basically you've been on Truvada the whole time and cycled from Prezista to Sustiva to Isentress?

That seems an odd pattern, given the relative resistance to mutation and viral suppression of the drugs.  Isn't that going from stronger to weaker?  Not to mention only swapping out one drug...

After two years perhaps it is time to seek a second medical opinion.

[WildcatCC]

Thanks for the replies.

I've never once missed my meds - no matter the regimen. It's funny, when I've had my blips, the doc office calls me and accuses me of not taking my meds. I really hate that but also know this is the number 1 reason usually for such swings in results. I've always taken my meds exactly as prescribed, when I'm supposed to and with/without food as indicated.

I think you are all right. I've placed a lot of trust in this doc - mostly out of loyalty as she saw me through my darkest times and iis the head of the ID department of my employer known for top notch HIV care.

She and I decided to wean off Pres/Nor/Truv as we believed it served its original purpose bringing down/up my initial ghastly numbers. The allure of Atripla - one pill a day showing "miraculous" results and info from my HIV support group and friends helped me make the decision to switch. Then months of just being marginally detectable and a few blips. The consideration to switch again was driven by my desire to be undetectable, once and for all (or at least as long as I could be).

I'll be seeking a second opinion.