I got diagnosed at the hospital March 23, 2014 and a couple days later was in the ICU trying to stay alive from PCP pnemonia. Wow, what a fucken blessing a month before my 30 bday and I not only am dying from HIV but its already developed to AIDS cd4 95 viral load 56.9 ml……… I showed no emotion not because I was trying to hide it but because I couldnt feel anything other than being scared! Best thing is that I have a supportive family and friends that have stayed by my side to help me get through this. Everyone keeps telling me with the new medications available I will live a regular long life if i take my medication, but I still believe (maybe paronoia, lol) that they are just saying that to make me feel better.
They started me on truvada and kaletra the hiv doctor in the hopsital was the worst he didn't explain anything to me would hardly speak to me other than check on me every morning for about 2 min. max. Well when discharged I registered at the local Aids Clinic and wow the Westbrook Clinic in Harlingen TX is fucken amazing. They treat you like family the doctor is super smart and blunt! He did labs on me to see how the meds were working and to my surprise my cd4 count went up to 413 and my viral load was at 2600. Thats crazy how much my cd4 count increased in a month, Im hoping when I see him again it will be higher and my viral load undetectable.
Either way, Its still a new experience, and everyday I'm learning to accept my diagnosis and the anxiety is starting to abate. I guess just need to keep having faith in myself. Now I'm trying to meet other people who are positive and going through the same life long journey I am in. First blog didnt even know this site existed…….
Hello brother….I also found out in the hospital after suffering a stroke and the news floored me,for the next year I was in a daze and also so confused.I started treatment right away…one of the best things to happen to me since my status was tojoin a support group and share and listen to others in the same boat.The anxiety at times is so over welming but I manage.Good luck on your journey you qill find great people here at the Tribe.Be well
Thanks for the advice that's what I'm trying to find a support group I feel comfortable in.
Hey dude, That must have been such a shock to the system ending up in ICU with a cd4 that low, sounds like your immune systems recovering well now though.
I was on Truvada and Kaletra for about 4 years. It was fine at first but the side effects of kaletra can get worse with time. BAD diarreah!
When my doctor left and I got a new one he was supprissed I was on Kaletra. Apprantely although effective it's an old drug none for side effects. He switched me to a once a day combo of Truvada, Reyataz and Norvir.
It's kept my viral load undetectable and my cd4 high as good as the previous combo but without the side effects. Just wanted to let you know in case you have any problem thats there may be other options
welcome
you didnt know this site existed well most of us didnt until we were struck with this diagnosis and we were looking for comfort. you hqave begun the journey .keep strong and everything will be ok.
The only nasty side effect I was having on kaletra and truvada was vomiting every morning when I woke up. These new meds Im taking are awesome no side effects other than dry skin, but I guess I can handle that minor side effect if its keeping me healthy. & Patie your right I must be egocentric lol jk, thanks for the encouraging words.
Your not dying from Aids. It will be complications from the Aids virus that will weaken your system to get you to die then. You mentioned your 30 your youmg and have a great start at living healthy and livng a long life. I was 30 when I founf out I was HIV and I'm now 57 and I figure I will live a few more years than the doctors thought I would.