Advice on Starting HIV Treatment From People Who've Been There

From TheBody.com

6/11

Brenda Chambers, Salt Lake City, Utah; Diagnosed in 2003

Make sure you're working with a provider who has experience with HIV and the side effects of the meds. It is important to know what you are getting yourself into because adherence is so very important. If you don't think you can live with a side effect such as vivid dreams from Sustiva (efavirenz, Stocrin), which is a component of a popular med called Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/FTC), then let your doctor know. Research what side effects come with each medication, but get some suggestions of first-line medications from either your doctor or a pharmacist. Only you know what you will allow and what would make you skip medications, which is NOT an option.

Be the Chair of Your Own Board: Advice Before Starting Treatment

What You Should Know About When to Start and What Meds to Use

This article was provided by TheBody.com.

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Comment by: Eddie (Houston, Tx) Thu., Sep. 15, 2011 at 2:20 pm EDT
I noticed everyone had a face to show, except for fogcityjohn. It looks cloudy -just like that golden bridge.

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Comment by: Chey (Indiana) Thu., Sep. 8, 2011 at 12:39 am EDT
I never fooled around or injected drugs. I got HIV because I was stupid and went to a tatto home party and got a tattoo. 2 months later i went to donate blood and then got a call they needed to see me. That was Dec07. 6 months after being on meds i am undetectible. Cd4 count is 1100. I found the love of my life 4 yrs ago and have been married 2. After our first date I told him and the good christian man that he is, he still dated me and married me. I have never been married before and thought I was going to die alone but not now!

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