jake99

I was going to a dermatologist for a few lumps and dark marks on my face and abdomen, and the doctor could not figure out what they were, even with a biopsy. She ordered a standard bloodwork done (not looking for HIV) to see if I was low in any minerals or vitamins. The tests came back and my platelets were found to be critically low. The normal range is 140,000 to 230,000, and mine were 12,000! I was rushed to the ER as my body was now unable to clot if I started to bleed internally. I felt perfectly fine otherwise. The attending physician in the ER, who happened to be a hematologist and oncologist, noticed the lumps/marks and the ITP (low platelet count), and asked if I should have an HIV test done as the marks appeared to be Kaposi's Sarcoma. I told her to go ahead with it.

I was diagnosed with HIV in May of this year. It took 3 solid weeks before I had my first visit with my HIV doctor and started my meds. Unfortunately, it takes that long to run the series of tests that need to be done in order to find the right meds that will/will not work for you, as well as which strain of the virus I was infected with. At that time, my viral load was 1.6 million, and my CD4 count was 23. I (as well as my doctor) could not understand how I could have been feeling fine for all that time with such high counts. I was put on Atripla for HIV, Bactrim to avoid PCP, and Zithromycin (Z-pack) for MAC.

The first 2 weeks were the worst, as was to be expected. I would become extremely dizzy within 1/2 an hour of taking the Atripla, and my head would buzz all day long. I found taking walks and keeping myself physically busy helped to make the side effects more tolerable. I took the Atripla at night and would fall asleep to avoid the dizziness, but many times would wake up within an hour and would have to endure it. I work in the IT field, and having my head buzz all day long and finding it hard to concentrate was very difficult in my work-day.

I was re-tested the following month and my viral load went down to 1330 and my CD4 count up to 109!!! Incredible, is all I can say. My platelet count started to increase as well as the body was being able to hold back the virus. During this whole time I made sure not to drink any alcohol (it kills platelets and makes the meds' side effects worse), as well as ate well-balanced meals and drank plenty of water (Bactrim can cause kidney stones). I continued my daily walking and physical activity to ease the side effects. Within 2 weeks of starting the meds, the side effects virtually disappeared, as if someone had flipped a switch in my body.

My next bloodwork was done 2 months later, and my viral load went down to 151 and my CD4 stayed at 108. The doctor explained that the immune system will be the hardest thing to build back as it takes a long time for the body to do that. But he said that they expect 25 points gained per year in the CD4 count and I had well-surpassed that in going from my initial 23 to 109.

In the interim, I have had vaccinations for Hep-A, Hep-B, flu, and pneumonia. These are standard shots that any HIV+ person should have done, as these illnesses can be life-threatening. I have no other STD's nor any other health issues. My next bloodwork is not scheduled until January.

Tell your cousin to hang in there and to keep taking the meds. Life is worth living! The first few weeks are the hardest, but trust me, it does get better. I'm now only on the Atripla (for the rest of my life), and the Bactrim (until my CD4 count is above 200). It's like taking a daily vitamin (only done at bedtime, though).

Btw, I'm 43, married, with 2 young sons. My HIV infection occurred from a one-time incident I was involved in over 10 years ago. Who wold have thought, huh? I thank God for my wife being as supportive as she has been and still is (it definitely is not easy on either of us). Always be there for your cousin, if not to be a sounding board for him.