Recent Diagnosis

[Bhall4]

Here is my official “Welcome”.  I did previously post in the Am I Infected? So several weeks ago. I became pretty sick. I was initially diagnosed with Strep/Mono. Then later the Flu. My initial HIV test was negative.  Several weeks later I had a rapid blood test that was reactive. Then one week beyond that a reactive oral swab (i did this while waiting for a doctor’s appointment). I had my first appointment last week and despite not having confirmatory tests we decided to proceed with Biktarvy. So far, I’ve only received my VL: 78,200.
Other than having a rollercoaster of emotions.... I have accepted and ready to take care of myself and move on. When other results come back I can post them. I must add this form has helped me mentally a lot. 

I work in healthcare so I was concerned about that, but I’ve learned that I can continue working with no necessary precautions, of course as long as I continue my medicines.

[Doctor with hiv]

Hey
Time will heal everything..and you will grow with time both mentally and physically
Just take a break
May I know you from ? And what job you have in health sector
Coz am also in medical profession:)

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

Until your other lab results come back I am going to ask you to post only in this one thread - Thank you

Best, Jim

[MrAlwaysAnxious]

Sounds like it was acute retroviral syndrome. The plus side here is that you caught the infection early. I myself was diagnosed with acute retroviral syndrome -- I tested negative on antibody test but positive on the antigen test (that is because my body had not yet made antibodies, thus would test negative for HIV antibodies).

It definitely is a whirlwind of emotions, but time will make it better eventually. It did for me. However, we all process trauma differently. We are here to support you.

[Bhall4]

Hey
Time will heal everything..and you will grow with time both mentally and physically
Just take a break
May I know you from ? And what job you have in health sector
Coz am also in medical profession:)

I work as a nurse practitioner.  Nice to meet you. Thanks for the encouragement! 

[Bhall4]

Sounds like it was acute retroviral syndrome. The plus side here is that you caught the infection early. I myself was diagnosed with acute retroviral syndrome -- I tested negative on antibody test but positive on the antigen test (that is because my body had not yet made antibodies, thus would test negative for HIV antibodies).

It definitely is a whirlwind of emotions, but time will make it better eventually. It did for me. However, we all process trauma differently. We are here to support you.

Yes you are most right, I’m sure it was ARS... now.  And yes it has been a crazy whirlwind, but I’m doing much better than when i first saw the rapid result.   Thank you!  And I am confident to know this was caught quickly.

[Expat1]

Sorry about your recent Dx.

Both my partner and I were diagnosed early.  Me about 8 weeks after Acute Retro-viral Syndrome (I thought it was Dengue) and him after a few months.  Both of us had CD4 counts over 1000, and since that time neither he nor I have every had a CD4 less than 695.  Nor have either of us ever displayed any signs of HIV illnesses.  Next month is 6 years on meds.  Both of us had undetectable viral loads at the first 3 month followup.

You should be fine.  Consider yourself lucky to have found it before the virus had time to damage your immune system.

[venom_X]

We had very similar experiences. I also got diagnosed during ARS this year and started the treatment during Fiebig stage 2, where Ab is negative but Ag is positive.

You started treatment early and get the best that there is, the prognosis is good, I guess we all need from this point on be proactive about our health and keep up with the frequent checkups.

But one thing worried me in particular, is that my CD4 dropped so much (to about 400) even with being infected only 2 weeks and still in ARS. This virus strain we are infected with is definitely very different from the virus a decade ago where people can sustain relatively high CD4 counts years into infection w/o treatment.

[venom_X]

Sounds like it was acute retroviral syndrome. The plus side here is that you caught the infection early. I myself was diagnosed with acute retroviral syndrome -- I tested negative on antibody test but positive on the antigen test (that is because my body had not yet made antibodies, thus would test negative for HIV antibodies).

It definitely is a whirlwind of emotions, but time will make it better eventually. It did for me. However, we all process trauma differently. We are here to support you.

I think we probably have very similar timelines in terms of infection and treatment. From your signature, you seem doing remarkably well, with the CD4 back to normal range only within 1 month of treatment. How are you doing now with your VL and CD4, CD8 counts?

[Bhall4]

Sorry about your recent Dx.

Both my partner and I were diagnosed early.  Me about 8 weeks after Acute Retro-viral Syndrome (I thought it was Dengue) and him after a few months.  Both of us had CD4 counts over 1000, and since that time neither he nor I have every had a CD4 less than 695.  Nor have either of us ever displayed any signs of HIV illnesses.  Next month is 6 years on meds.  Both of us had undetectable viral loads at the first 3 month followup.

You should be fine.  Consider yourself lucky to have found it before the virus had time to damage your immune system.

Thanks !  Yes, while the diagnosis is unfortunate (just as with many diagnosis) I am thankful i caught it soon.   I’m still waiting on the rest of my labs to no CD4 and such!  My partner, was negative luckily. He will retest in about three months just to be sure!

[Bhall4]

We had very similar experiences. I also got diagnosed during ARS this year and started the treatment during Fiebig stage 2, where Ab is negative but Ag is positive.

You started treatment early and get the best that there is, the prognosis is good, I guess we all need from this point on be proactive about our health and keep up with the frequent checkups.

But one thing worried me in particular, is that my CD4 dropped so much (to about 400) even with being infected only 2 weeks and still in ARS. This virus strain we are infected with is definitely very different from the virus a decade ago where people can sustain relatively high CD4 counts years into infection w/o treatment.

I am still waiting my CD4.  My initial VL was 78,200. My follow up will be in January which will put me on medicine for about 6 weeks.   Yes, you are right. It will be important to keep up with our health!  I was concerned about my work being around sick people, but my provider told me early and consistent treatment, I should not have to worry!

[Bhall4]

LABS: (Initial) 12-12-19
VL: 78,200
CD4: 586
Genotype: B, susceptible to my current medication regimen Biktarvy.

All other labs are pretty decent.

My follow up will by 1-22-20

This has made me feel somewhat better with a little less stress on my mind. No side effects so far, but I also will have to see lab follow ups.

Other than feeling “why me”. My mind set has gotten better, from seeing the first reactive test on 12/2. I’m getting over the initial shock.

[Jim Allen]

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit less stressed about it.

Best. Jim

[JosephP]

LABS: (Initial) 12-12-19
VL: 78,200
CD4: 586
Genotype: B, susceptible to my current medication regimen Biktarvy.

All other labs are pretty decent.

My follow up will by 1-22-20

This has made me feel somewhat better with a little less stress on my mind. No side effects so far, but I also will have to see lab follow ups.

Other than feeling “why me”. My mind set has gotten better, from seeing the first reactive test on 12/2. I’m getting over the initial shock.

Glad your numbers are improving! Don't worry about the 'why me' part.. It is a waste of time and energy that can be put to better use! It happened, we can't reverse curse and worrying about it will not make it any better. Concentrate in getting the rest of your life focused and stay adherent to those meds! Yes.. the initial shock is brutal, is horrendous and it is indescribable, but surviving is the beginning.. Keep up the good work and make Biktarvy your best friend!   

[Bhall4]

Glad your numbers are improving! Don't worry about the 'why me' part.. It is a waste of time and energy that can be put to better use! It happened, we can't reverse curse and worrying about it will not make it any better. Concentrate in getting the rest of your life focused and stay adherent to those meds! Yes.. the initial shock is brutal, is horrendous and it is indescribable, but surviving is the beginning.. Keep up the good work and make Biktarvy your best friend!   

Thanks!! You are absolutely correct. What is done is done and no reversing. So i just need to look forward rather backward l

[Bhall4]

Here is my update:

December 12 to January 12

VL 78,200 ~> 90
CD4 584 ~> 849
(Other labs normal)

No side effects, thus far on Biktarvy.

Mentally, I have came a long way from Day 1 to now, sure it still in my mind... but at this time no more feelings of sadness/depression/anxiety. Now that I have a personal story I can more relate to patient’s in my job.

I have not, yet, experienced any negative reactions to the ones that know (granted 10 or so people). Everyone has been supportive. I do know there are uneducated people in this world.

I hope to be able to help others in the future with their experiences... you can not keep things bottled up! 

[Bhall4]

Had a good follow up with my provider. He was extremely happy with my lab work!  I’ll now follow up every three months!

In the meantime I’ve decided to start bike riding!!

The heath department in my state finally got ahold of me and boy was that an interrogation  .

[Tincho]

Hey
Time will heal everything..and you will grow with time both mentally and physically
Just take a break
May I know you from ? And what job you have in health sector
Coz am also in medical profession:)

Hey! Como estan, estoy en el mismo rubro...como se envian mensajes directos x chat.
los espero.
Martin,

[Bhall4]

So just an update and kinda looking for insight or similar experiences. I am trying not to worry, but... 

December:  VL 78,200 CD4 500+
January: VL 90. CD4 800+
April: VL 180. CD4 900+ 

I’m on Biktarvy. Not missed a dose, take it practically the same time of day give a 15min +/- deviation. There was an hour deviation once.