Dr. DeJesus - just moved, starting new job, newly diagnosed CD4 40, Virual 371,000. I am scared to start meds (lexiva, truvada, and norvir). I have stomache problems and what looks like bug bites all over my legs, they itch.

With starting a new job, I am scared to start the meds because of side effects, but yet I am having HIV related health issues.

I want to be treatment compliant to avoid any problems in the future, but I am scared to start the meds. I just need help getting over this hill. I just moved to MIA so I don't know anyone. Yes, I am looking for a doctor.....but until then

I am going to make this short and sweet "with a CD4 count on 40, you are crazy not starting HIV medications AS SOON AS POSSIBLEtoday! What are you waiting for??? You should not be scarred about the meds, but about the other horrendous things that can happen to you if you continue to deny your body the benefits of those pills. So what if you get a bit of soft stools with the meds? The bad things that can happen to you soon with such a low CD4 count are way worse, including dying from a bad infection. I imagine that you have seen a provider when you were given those scripts. Fill your prescriptions, taken them, do not skip the meds, and follow with that providerstarting TODAY!

As a side note, you should have also been prescribed at least one more antibiotic (Bactrim, Septra, TMZ/SMX, dapsone, or a similar drug) for prophylaxis against pneumonia.

Please give us a follow up.