Diagnosed in March, Treatment today.

[Hausofalex]

Hi everyone. My name is Alex and I’m a 23 year old from Houston, Tx. On March 23rd I went to my local clinic. It had been about 6 months since my last test and figured it was kind of overdue after having had 4 different sexual partners within those 6 months. I was informed I was HIV positive, and honestly the first few days were the toughest. I’m sure everyone here knows what I’m talking about, but I felt like my world came crumbling down right in front of my own eyes, and the consequences to my actions had finally caught up to me. After sharing the news with my two roommates who are also my best friends, I spent the day in bed with them crying and talking about all the new changes that would be happening in my life, and informing not only them but also educating myself more on it. After reading a lot of stories on this website and getting past the stigma, I have realized I am now ready to talk about it and ask for some feedback on my case. Today I had my first doctor’s appointment and I am starting Biktarvy. My CD4 count is 337. Not too sure what the percentage means but it’s at 18.7% and VL at 31,000.
If anyone has any advice or recommendations on Biktarvy I’d love to hear more about it and thank y’all for the support. Reading this forum has really made me feel at much ease.

[Ptrk3]

Firstly, I'm sorry to read of your diagnosis, but it's good that you came to this site, a safe place where you will find peer support, enlightenment, and a sense of online community.

You will be fine, and, if you adhere to your soon-to-be prescribed antiretroviral regimen (Biktarvy), will live a long and healthy life.

Your CD4 numbers and percentage are fine, and soon after your begin your regimen, you will attain an undetectable viral load (which is where you want to be).

In the meantime, continue to peruse POZ and these forums for information as you continue on the road to health.

I'm sure some forum members will share experiences with Biktarvy.

If you have not already done so, check out this link:

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/newly-diagnosed

Please keep us informed of your progress.

Best wishes to you!

[TexasDragon]

Hausofalex -

Hello - glad you found us! So many great people here. I was dx in November and started Biktarvy in December - nothing to report but great results!

I’m just up the road from you in Austin.

Anyhow - you’re not alone and you will manage this.

[harleymc]

I'm a very long termer, 23 when diagnosed and 57 now! Recently switched onto Biktarvy, finding it easy.

[geobee]

Hey there HausOfAlex,

I'm on Biktarvy and I have to say it's been great.  I've got no side effects at all, the pill is small, once a day, easy-easy.

I'm sorry about your DX.    You're smart to get educated, get on this forum, etc.  I've had it for about 10 years now and, well, the only way I know I have it is that the test says so. I feel terrific, healthy, look the same, etc.

I'd recommend a pill container or a phone beep or something to help you remember to take it. 

Welcome to the forum. It's a great place and full of knowledgeable people.

[friendsfirst68]

I was recently diagnosed after donating blood and getting told by Red Cross i was HIV pos. I started taking Biktarvy March 22. My numbers prior to meds CD4 was 321 and my viral count was 61,200. They needed to redraw for an additonal test 2 weeks in and they said my viral count had dropped to 778. I am looking forward to see how much lower by my next visit on May 7. Sorry for your dx but glad you are here to find out info to get better.