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question for TEAK
Teak,
I know this is a forum to assess people's risk of contracting HIV, but I had a question that I really wanted your opinion on. My friend was diagnosed positive about 3 months ago. He had all his bloodwork done, and his viral load is 10000 but his CD4 count is still 656, which his ID doc told him was excellent. In your opinion, is is better to wait to start meds until there is a significant decline in his CD4 cells, or is it best to start right away to better the chance that they won't ever drop below 200? He has spoken with 2 different doctors and they both agree on the newer technique of starting meds immediately. They want him to begin Atripla right now while his CD4s are still so high. I just wanted to know, what is your opinion on this? Do you know if the side effects of Atripla are too great for him to begin so soon? Thanks for your time. Anyone else who has knowledge on this it would be greatly appreciated, and if I need to post in a different forum, sorry. I will.
I know this is a forum to assess people's risk of contracting HIV, but I had a question that I really wanted your opinion on. My friend was diagnosed positive about 3 months ago. He had all his bloodwork done, and his viral load is 10000 but his CD4 count is still 656, which his ID doc told him was excellent. In your opinion, is is better to wait to start meds until there is a significant decline in his CD4 cells, or is it best to start right away to better the chance that they won't ever drop below 200? He has spoken with 2 different doctors and they both agree on the newer technique of starting meds immediately. They want him to begin Atripla right now while his CD4s are still so high. I just wanted to know, what is your opinion on this? Do you know if the side effects of Atripla are too great for him to begin so soon? Thanks for your time. Anyone else who has knowledge on this it would be greatly appreciated, and if I need to post in a different forum, sorry. I will.
I welcome you input and advice.
Hi Teak, I have read your profile and understand your expertise from first hand experience. I was wondering if you could help me to come to terms or not about what i have discovered today.
I guess it doesnt matter my age, but i am 48 and had un protected sex in march 28, 2011. 6 days later, i became ill, swollen glands in my groin area, flu like symtoms. within a week i went to the GUM clinic for a full test, they had to take my blood three times within the month as each time the tests came back it was inconclusive which i understand that the results is leaning more towards being HIV positive than the other way. At the same time as me being ill i had sores done below which came up and went down within two days. I dont know what to think...is it possible for the test to be wrong? all my active sexual years, i have looked after myself and have been active in getting regular checkups and have not had unprotected sex except that one time...i just dont know what or how to feel at this moment in time but the best word to use is numb...pls give me as much advise as possible...Thank you
PP
Hi Teak, I have read your profile and understand your expertise from first hand experience. I was wondering if you could help me to come to terms or not about what i have discovered today.
I guess it doesnt matter my age, but i am 48 and had un protected sex in march 28, 2011. 6 days later, i became ill, swollen glands in my groin area, flu like symtoms. within a week i went to the GUM clinic for a full test, they had to take my blood three times within the month as each time the tests came back it was inconclusive which i understand that the results is leaning more towards being HIV positive than the other way. At the same time as me being ill i had sores done below which came up and went down within two days. I dont know what to think...is it possible for the test to be wrong? all my active sexual years, i have looked after myself and have been active in getting regular checkups and have not had unprotected sex except that one time...i just dont know what or how to feel at this moment in time but the best word to use is numb...pls give me as much advise as possible...Thank you
PP
I just hope he can accept his status soon and keep living his life happily. He's really having a rough time of it and I wish there was something I could do for him. Thanks for your time Teak and I wish you the best in life. Your work is appreciated.
In your opinion, can HIV+ people, if they take their meds regularly and adhere to their regimen, eat healthy, exercise, and take care of themselves... can they live an almost normal lifespan? i care so much about my friend and i don't want to see him pass away before his time. he is only 25.
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