I was diagnosed with HIV in 2008 with a CD4 count of 12 and a viral load of 6 million. It seems I had contracted it from a one-time encounter many years prior (of which I had basically forgotten about).
Throughout that time I had the normal annual physicals and checkups. These would not show HIV infection as the typical bloodwork does not look for the virus. I felt perfectly healthy and did not know I was infected until dark spots started to appear on my skin which turned out to be Kaposi's Sarcoma. At that point, the doctor decided to perform an HIV test and found out I was positive.
I was immediately put on Atripla which, thanks be to God, has helped my body rebound tremendously. Almost 3 years later and my CD4 count is now 260 and my viral load is undetectable even with the newest testing of looking for levels < 20! I have never had any side effects from the meds and my body adapted to them quickly. Other than the KS, I have never dealt with anything related to being HIV+. I consider myself to be truly blessed by God.
Hi,
I was recently diagnosed as positive as well, likely from a surgery in the 1980's. I was symptom free, with the exception of a "slightly" low platelet count this whole time, more than 20 years and felt pretty good! Last fall I started getting floaters more than usual. Turned out to be a partially detached retina due to the virus.
What I have read on this board has made me feel more comfortable in a very stressful and anxious time. My cd4 was 20 but load was 10000. I started Atripla about a month ago and now awaiting my first results. Just trying to stay positive.
Hi Gramps! I can't tell you how badly I feel that you have recently received the news of your diagnosis. However, I can tell you that since my ex husband was diagnosed HIV+ in November and diagnosed with AIDS just a few weeks later and has been started on quite the regimen...he is a MILLION times better in just these few short months. This God-forsaken condition may not yet be "curable", but boy can I see the miraculous improvements in medications. My ex has gained back weight he lost, gained back a healthy color in his skin, gained back much of his hair loss and gained a new sense of LIFE in general. He has had a very positive attitude and I believe that is a direct effect to his "better well-being". I'm not sure I've heard of Atripla, but my ex is on Darunavir, Emtricitabine/Tenofovir and Ritonavir and thank GOD, so far so good. Keep your spirits high, maintain a close relationship with your doctor and eat healthy/exercise. I bet you find you will be with us for many many many years to come! Keep us posted.
Thanks for the kind note. Atripla is a combination drug my ID Doc says is now the gold standard. Spoke to him yesterday cd count up slightly and virus now undetectable after only about thirty days. Very encouraging just need to stick to program.
There are very good information out there on dealing with HIV. I know the ex basketball player Magic Johnson of the lakers, uses IV's for him living with HIV. There is some very good developement on a antioxidant called Glutathione, which is the most prevalent antioxidant in supporting your cells from a intracelluar standpoint that can provide in the cell integrity.
This research I can help you to see what this is doing in a possitive way.
I have been with my boyfriend for 7 years and he just found out that he is positive. He believes that he contracted the virus before me. I had to be tested each month until I was out of the three month window. He had been sick for a while, but would have never guessed this. He found out when he was admitted to the hospital. You have to be strong for your child, for yourself, and your ex. I am dealing with this and it has been very hard. People will want you to turn your back, but you share a child with this man. You must allow your child to see that if being there for his father makes him deal with this situation, you have to do what you have to do. It isn't easy, because I am having a hard time dealing with my family, but you do what your heart tells you.
I know exactly what you are going thru, my sons father also has this virus , but hide it from us, we are divource and I'm remarry lucky for me his attempt to give me this diesase did not succeed , his health his getting worst as he continue to use drugs and I think its time to tell my 12 year old his father is dying
I know exactly what you are going thru, my sons father also has this virus , but hide it from us, we are divource and I'm remarry lucky for me his attempt to give me this diesase did not succeed , his health his getting worst as he continue to use drugs and I think its time to tell my 12 year old his father is dying
well i hope u don't tell him yet wait do u know what toll that could've on a child please wait and if u do please seek other help
