Anyone That's Taken A Drug Holiday Or Had To Stop Taking Meds For Some Reason What Happened After You Stopped? | myHIVteam

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Anyone That's Taken A Drug Holiday Or Had To Stop Taking Meds For Some Reason What Happened After You Stopped?
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭

I really need ppl to share what happened after stopping. How long were you off? How fast did your vl go up? How long did it take until you knew it was time the holiday was over???

posted June 30, 2017
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A myHIVteam Member

I think you are a very smart Lady and I understand the worry of put all this crap in our bodies to fight this old virus.I struggle over treatment after I saw what happen to those who chose treatment, but as you know I have lived with this virus for over 37 years now I started with the PI's from the fist day they were release.
But I lived for and I saw a light that I believed we must do all we can to live even if the pills we take could be our death.
Friend of mine took the vacation route a lot of them luck out and was able to go back on the meds they stop taking. But, one of my friends who struggle with all the side effect from the drugs decided to stop for awhile, I stood by him, but I watch as his life was being suck away. One night he call and said he needed to go to the hospital I pick him up and took him, his viral loads doubled from where he was before he stop. That night I knew he wouldn't be here for much longer, whatever the Doctor tried he would try a new one and then only find it wasn't working. He never found that drug that his body needed or would except we got to share our last Christmas I knew he wouldn't make it. He past on New Years eve one hour after this first of Jan.
I have struggle with this issue and there are days I could just throw them all away and let be what would be. Yet, I don't want to put my health on the line again I weigh 108 lbs when I walk out of the hospital and I am 6'1" so I look like a stick with nobs for knee so it wasn't pretty site for sure. I started with the PI's in Jan of 1996 have been non detective since 1999 and must health issues are few compared with to others. As I said in the begining, your are a very smart lady and you have to do what helps you.

posted July 12, 2017
A myHIVteam Member

I got lymphoma cancer did 6months chemo but i didn't let that stop me i got through it started back on my meds

posted July 1, 2017
A myHIVteam Member

Realize that I've been around for a long time with this. First yes I was stupid enough to think it would be okay to take a break. It was a very bad idea. My viral load went through the roof, and my t cells tanked. I ended up hospitalized, septic and in icu with serous pneumonia that almost did me in. I wouldn't recommend it. Yes you get tired of taking the meds and you get tired of the side effects. Ask yourself if you want to live or not. It's not worth the risk. You will run the risk of eliminating those meds from future use. The virus could take off and those meds could be useless. I'm not trying to preach to you at all. I want you to ask your doctor. Mine became very furious. This is a serious question for you and the Dr. Personally my thirty plus years, besides my break, I have known a few who took that break and never recovered. I've attended way too many funerals. Its not worth risking going beyond return. Do not do what I did.

posted September 5, 2017
A myHIVteam Member

That's not the case with the majority of us, I only missed a couple days after 9 yrs and my meds stopped working , I got very sick within three months, so I don't know why anyone would want to encourage anyone not to take they're meds!! It's ridiculous! One day Ohio farm boy , ur meds will stop working if u keep not taking them .

posted July 12, 2017
A myHIVteam Member

If anyone is having difficulty in taking their meds PLEASE consult with your doctor and if your doctor says it's ok, like Ohiofarmer said, " RUN!" Find another doctor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! The one thing you don't want to do is get a resistance to any of your medications. That means the medication will not be able fight the virus, which can lead to a list of medications you won't be able to take to fight the virus. Staying undetectable is VERY IMPORTANT to your immune system, so please don't take holidays from your medications. Your health and well being depends on it.

posted July 10, 2017

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