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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

HIV And Health

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

What do you do to combat HIV side effects with your health? Also how do you handle your HIV diagnosis?

June 17, 2024 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared candid experiences managing HIV treatment side effects and the emotional weight of their diagnosis, with many noting that the... Read more

Members shared candid experiences managing HIV treatment side effects and the emotional weight of their diagnosis, with many noting that the mental and emotional challenges often feel harder than the physical ones. Several members offered practical strategies, including switching medication timing to nighttime to sleep through side effects, working with therapists to address anxiety and depression, staying active through exercise and healthy eating, and in one case using high amounts of caffeine to combat chronic fatigue. A recurring theme was the journey from initially feeling overwhelmed by the what-ifs to eventually finding a rhythm where HIV becomes manageable rather than all-consuming, with veteran members emphasizing how far treatment has come and encouraging newer members that it does get easier with time.

A myHIVteam Member

Had lots of side effects from my body getting used to the meds. Right now have liver issues but that could be a combination of me drinking and HIV . still waiting for test results however so far everything is coming back ok so far . Emotionally I’m drained always thinking of the what if’s . There’s so much more to this disease than one pill a day. One of the reasons I hate the biktarvy and davato commercials they make it seem like it’s a walk in the park or maybe I’m just bitter lol

June 17, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member I am not in combat since I dont have any side effects and my diagnosis is handled well its been 39 years since diagnosis. Not a problem for me. HIV is an afterthought .

June 21, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Yes although we've cooled down to 70 here for now

June 21, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

.....smart Mark.. being Colombian I drink coffee all day ❤️❤️❤️😎🤗👋

June 19, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

My main side effects are anxiety and chronic fatigue especially soon after dosing. I can remove the anxiety attacks by taking my medication outdoors on the seafront. The distraction of the sea and waves make the anxiety dissapear. To combat the fatigue issue, I take around 10 cups of Brazilian Coffee each day before and after dosing. The Coffee removes the fatigue for a period of time, to allow me to get errands and voluntary work done.

June 19, 2024

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