Hi, i'm a 28yr +hiv female, i was diagnosed last Sept. My t-cells are currently 360 and have been about that since i was first diagnosed. My viral load was 50,000 for most of the past year until June when i had my #'s checked, it had risen to over 200,000. I went back last week and had them tested again and they were still the same. My dr. wanted to inform me that i will need to start meds in a few months. I really don't want to, i'm totally healthy otherwise and i'm afraid that after i start taking them i will get sick. I see what they have done to my husband(they made him sick, while he was fine b4 he started taking them). How important is it for me to start taking them in a few months, i know the better my #'s the better for me in the long run, i'm just scared. I also want to ask u what is your take on alternative meds? S

Controlling you rvirus through antiviral medications will offer the best opportunity to stay well over the long term. Everyone tolerates the medications differently and many individuals tolerate them just fine. If you have never taken antivirals before, you likely have several available options. You should discuss your options with your care provider. He/she can explain potential side effects and monitor you for them after you start therapy. It will be important for you to let your care provider know immediately if you experience any side effects, so that you can consider alternatives.