@A myHIVteam Member. I agree with all said by @A myHIVteam Member. I had a painful and swollen lymph node before my diagnosis. That and losing another good friend caused me to be tested - which wasn't easy back then. No treatment options were available and so, I lived with the swollen lymph node for quite a while. It eventually went away. My doctor said it was caused by my immune system response to the infection. As time passed, I worried about every ache, pain, sore and blemish. I had to learn that not everything is related to or caused by HIV. Some things are side effects from the meds and normally subside over time. You can experience the same when switching to a new med. We're still human and will experience the normal things we face as a species. I'm not a doctor, just a guy with some experience under my belt and hope sharing what I've been through will help others experiencing things for the first time. I bet you'll feel much better very soon. Best regards, Brian

@A myHIVteam Member Hey Brad, I am newly diagnosed and on Biktarvi too- I had Immune Reconstitution Syndrome the first month I started , which made my body super inflamed for about three weeks. I gained about 10 pounds too . Doc said all that’s pretty normal . my body is also reacting to pain a little bit differently. I got stung by a bee for example and it hurt for 2 days, which is something that never happened before. I’m about 9 or 10 months on Biktarvi now and I feel really good. And my sinuses are even gone for the first time in my life too and not a single cold or bad sniffle.

Your numbers seem good for just starting on biktarvy. Side effects are a possibility. If you have a system to message your provider, I think it would be good to send them this question. There are other meds to pick from if this one gives you problems.

Guess depends on the person

It's pretty normal to experience the worst side effects when starting a new antiviral. It should pass shortly. I also had a rash and swollen lymph node when I was first infected. It's your immune system reacting to the HIV infection. Eventhough our immune system can't kill the virus, it does try to fight it off. I'm not a doctor, so please consult with your doctor on these issues. I base my answers on my personal experience. I'm approaching my 40th anniversary. It will get better. I'm here for you, if you need. Hugs, Brian