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I tested HIV+ in late 1987, shortly after becoming sexually active. I started on AZT monotherapy in ACTG019 about six months later. After ten years of AZT monotherapy, I tried AZT+3tC, then AZT+ABC. I was on those for another ten years with complete viral suppression. I'm now on a boosted P.I., integrase inhibitor, plus NNRTI. If I hadn't taken a 1-yr Rx break, my CD4+ T cells would be about 1,200. Today my CD4+ T cells = 800-900, CD4/CD8= 1.3 Your results may vary. Early Treatment works.
31 years with HIV/AIDS does take a toll of our body organs regardless what pharma says..The side effects from meds from the late 80's and 90's has caused all of long term survivors still create problems and now we must take more meds for other ailments caused by long term ARV..If I had to do it again, I would not take any ARV until the CD4 is under 200 with a VL over 1000 copies
My wife turned 60 today and has been living with aids for 32 years. And stool going strong!!
This headline should read, "Starting ARV therapy early can extend your life expectancy by 20 years!" All the more reason to promote testing. Early treatment = near normal life expectancy.
Hello, again another posting about HIV meds. There is not one single physician that can say we do not have to worry about the long term effects of these meds. it seems like the only focus is a cure , which is wonderful , however those who have had this disease for almost 30 years and being on OLD hiv meds has done alot to my body. I have since stopped taking HIV meds and decided to use Hospice, Im tired at the age of 42 I just hope this goes quick.. HIV meds effects everyone differently.
Brenda
I appreciate these comments more than you know. A family member is HIV positive, and I worry about him every now and then. He was raped several years ago and now has this. But he gets clinic check-ups regularly and is ok for now. I'm getting old, so maybe I'll go before he does.
February 11, 2016 • Minden