Friday, July 6, 2018

🏳️‍🌈✝️πŸ”» My Continued Journey Living With HIV - Medication Change



07/06/2018


__________________________________________________________________________________ 


A lot has happened since my last update. Once again I am now seeing a NEW “ID” Doctor {Infectious Disease}. I know it will probably seem petty to most of you that I decided to change doctors again if I were to tell you why; therefore I have chosen NOT to disclose why I switched doctors again. It is very personal so I have chosen not to disclose at this time. 




Today I will be starting a new chapter in my journey living with HIV. Today I start taking {BIKTARVY}. 





I have been taking another one of Gilead Science’s HIV medication for almost 9 years now called {Atripla}. I cannot say that I am going to miss taking Atripla because I am looking forward to a new medication that will be less harmful for my kidneys and bones. 


On June 9th I experienced something I pray I never experience again. My blood pressure started to bottom out causing things to go south very quickly. You can read about the whole experience here – When The Lights Go Out. Let me just say that was the most terrifying experience so far in my life’s journey.

http://fightingbackagainsthiv.blogspot.com/2018/06/when-lights-go-out.html



While in the ER on June 9th I found out that my poor kidneys were suffering to the point that it was affecting every organ in my body. I was told by the nurse that I almost died. 


Since this happened I have seen my NEW ID doctor and my Heart doctor. I am being referred to a Nephrologist {Kidney Specialist} to see what we can do to save my kidneys. I have been taken off the Metformin for the diabetes at this time because it is hard for my kidneys to process it at this time. I was taken off “Atripla” this week by my new ID doctor because she believes it is the cause of the kidney damage. I am so relieved to finally be off “Atripla” even though it has kept me alive for the past 9 years.




I have followed the clinical studies for Biktarvy through all the phases up until the time it was finally approved by the FDA in February of this year. I am actually very excited to start this next leg of my journey taking Biktarvy. 


Biktarvy contains the NEW version of Tenofovir {TAF} which has shown to be less stressful on your kidneys and bones.

 

Thankfully I have NO MUTATIONS against any of the medications in Biktarvy so it should be a smooth transition for my body. I am praying that I will now be able to sleep through the night without having dreams that keep me busy all night. I have suffered from severe Insomnia since taking Atripla. I have had suffered from depression and thoughts of suicide. Through all the “bad” I have remained UNDETECTABLE and I have had a very high CD4 count. I am very thankful that Atripla saved my life. I am even more thankful that Gilead Sciences has continued to research and produce better HIV/AIDS medications that are less harmful to the body. 


Through all the health changes, mental changes and even doctor changes one thing has remained a constant in my life these last 9 years; that is my faith in my Creator God who has given me the knowledge to research “Natural Medication” or “Supplements” that help heal a lot of the damage to my different organs caused from living with HIV and taking the medication for HIV. I know from listening to the doctors say that it does not seem like I even have HIV because my immune system is so strong and my labs always look so good. I must give ALL the CREDIT to my HEAVENLY FATHER for giving me HIS Holy Spirit to guide me as I learn about the healing power of the plants God has put on this earth to help our bodies heal naturally.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that God gives the scientist the knowledge to invent medications to help keep people alive. I also know that if they will listen to God they can develop medications from the plants God has placed on this earth for healing. Proof of this can be seen in the newest creation of medication made from the marijuana plant that has been approved by the FDA called Epidiolex {cannabidol} for the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy.
There is another plant based medication being studied for its ability to suppress the HIV Virus. The name of the plant based supplement being studied is called Chrysin”. This compound is derived from the Passion Flower.





I do thank God every day that He lets me continue this interesting journey living with HIV. Yes, I do have my bad days and weeks and sometimes months but through it all, my Heavenly Father gives me peace in knowing that He is guiding me along this journey.

When I find out more about my kidneys I will be posting an update. Until then I pray all will be well with each of you. 

Blessings and Peace to you all,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.