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placation
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Newbie
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Reged: 10/10/04
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Posts: 1
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Loc: Orlando, FL
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First Regimen = Sustiva + Combivir + Kaletra?
#112591 - 10/10/04 04:50 PM
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Hey guys (and gals). I am sure this has been addressed in some other post through some other thread in the past, but it would take forever to try to find those messages. So, here's my question and my issues...
My doc subscribed Sustiva + Combivir + Kaletra this past Friday, though he wasn't there in person to answer my questions so I have held off on starting them until I can talk to him in person.
I've been positive for about two years (maybe a little more) and have had pretty consistent numbers.
My most recent bloodwork was taken 9/20/2004. My CD4 was 450 and my viral load was 3748.
I have not had any infections and am relatively healthy other than this whole HIV thing (I'm about 20 lbs overweight with cholesterol that could be lower -- but who isn't??? haha).
So, am I really crazy for not wanting to start taking meds yet? I have yet to start a treatment regimen and honestly am a bit frightened to do so, but when I see that my bloodwork comes back with pretty stable numbers every three months and they aren't low or high at all (considering the obvious). I don't think I need to do anything yet.
Please let me know if I'm crazy for thinking this way.
Thanks!
Robb
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The last time this great country mixed politics with religion, people were burned at the stake.
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I hate to say it and keep saying it but not all 'DOCTORS" are equal. As not all Teachers , mechanics and Hair dressers. If your 'Current" and it sure is ok th switch was not there to talk with you perhaps you might want to rethink your whole relationship with his office. It is so easy for so many doctore ( some of which actually do not have a true compassion for HIV individuals but simply saw a market niche) to say try this if it dont work and you go through hell well there are many other combos my pharma rep has told me about. If in Vegas and crapps aint working move to blackJack... Not my way of thinking about healing etc.. Just dont swallow the pills cause someone said to do it research ask and confront !
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I think you need to see a specialist in the field. I am not a doctor and your counts are not bad at all in comparison to the literature that I have read. You may need an exercise program, limit your alcohol intake, and start eating a lot better to make the numbers change for the better. If the VL continues to climb and the CD4 count continues to drop then maybe these suggestions are not working for you and you may need to start meds. Go to a major hospital in your area and seek out a specialist in the field for the best advice. You certainly have options at this point and room to become knowledgable about the disease. Don't get stressed about finding the best care available. Good luck
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Foster
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Regular
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Reged: 11/06/04
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Posts: 43
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Loc: Denver, CO
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Well Combivir and Sustiva is a good recommended combo for first regimen according to experts on The Body web site.
I have been told that Sustiva can cause vivid dreams, and it does have a warning for an increased risk of suicide, and may not be recommended for those with mental health issues.
The Nurse Practioner I see, made suggestion of Truvada, Reyataz, and for treatment experienced people also add Norvir in a booster dose to help increase Reyataz level's. For one its a once a day regimen, with few pills and all can be taken with food.
Now for having 450 CD4 cells, it may or may not be time to start treatment, if the avg count drops to 350 then I would do so. I say Avg cause your CD4 cells can vary by 20% day to day. Also If you didnt miss a digit in yourViral load, you can hold off some on that alone. Most Experienced Doctores say close to 350 CD4; VL over 100,000 with a dropping CD4; or Opportunistic illnesses. or etc going on.
Foster
Dx Poz 10-18-04,
We are human, but we can think positive
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My numbers are 441 & 71,000 but my doctor still wants me to hold off treatment. She likes to start when your closer to 350. I would wait, but I want to wait as long as possible before I start treatment.
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