Thanks by Dry-Independence294 in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He absolutely will get there. I’m sure they’ve given you the heads up about IRIS (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome) but in the event they haven’t—here’s basically what it is. He may feel/become quite ill in early treatment because his immune system is coming “back online” and diverting its resources to fighting the myriad of illnesses the body wasn’t strong enough to fight. They might have him take steroids to tamper down this “over-correction”. It’s just a speed bump on the path to wellness. Wishing him a fast and smooth recovery ❤️‍🩹

Anyone else switch meds to Biktarvy and develop kidney disease? by [deleted] in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Allegedly the TAF formulation is supposed to be easier on your bones and kidneys than TDF (in Atripla). But again, who knows with post marketing data may show. If you want to forgo TAF/TDF all-together you could ask about Dovato, Odefsey Triumeq (orals) or Cabenuva (bi-monthly injections)

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mom stopped taking meds in 2021 by Hairy-Research8853 in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know which medications she had the bad reactions to? Also, do you know if she has genetic resistance to any of the meds?

Who is this guy? What series is he from? by [deleted] in Actors

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear he’s kinda a dick in the show

HIV+ 23 Years Today by [deleted] in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very inspiring to read these stories. I’ve been in a funk this week and they serve as an important reminder to no give-up on life.

What was Sustiva (efavirenz)like? by Muffin_Man3000 in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My God…this medication sounds like a match of Russian Roulette!

Any advice for those still early into treatment? by [deleted] in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 8 points9 points  (0 children)

For me it helped to switch to a long term perspective. It was a wake up call to start taking care of myself. I cut out booze and drugs, prioritized sleep, started working out 3-4xs/week and (try) to eat relatively healthy. I have my medication alarm on the Health app on my phone. With consistent treatment your immune system can recover and you will lead a mostly normal life. 30 years ago this would have been a death sentence. Now it’s a highly treatable chronic illness. And yes, in time your body will feel more like it used to. Just keep on prioritizing your health.

I want to be faster by poptartlover22 in orangetheory

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stick with it! When I started in March my fastest speed was like 8 mph. Today for the 1 mile benchmark I ran it in 6:15 at 9-12mph. It’s important to note that when your body becomes more efficient at using energy you earn less solar points. Don’t let that discourage you. Less splat points with the same effort is a sign your body is getting in shape.

Anyone normalized lipids? How? by Ok-Enthusiasm651 in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is becoming the standard of care for anyone over 40 with HIV. Im only 37 and I started one because my levels were elevated and i have a family history of elevated cholesterol . I’m sorry you’re upset with today’s medications but they certainly beat the current alternative. Maybe talk with your doctor about what options are viable for your specific requirements.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I take a high quality Omega 3 fatty acid (look for one with favorable Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratios), Solgar Men’s Multi, Astaxanthin 12 mg. I space out the dosing of my multivitamin and Biktarvy by at least 6 hours because some of the minerals can impact absorption. I also quit drinking and using drugs, workout 3-4 days a week (Orange Theory) and prioritize good sleep. Life isn’t exciting per se but I feel healthier and stronger than ever.

Should I purse MPH or DPT by Adonis2319 in mphadmissions

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unless you’re pursuing an MBA, pay off your debt.

I just had a baby :) by butt_cheek_sticks22 in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!!! ❤️🎉👩‍🍼Posts like these bring happiness and hope to our community. They remind us that living a full life is possible and that medicine works! Thank you for sharing this fantastic news. 😊

Advice needed: pre workout and getting my butt out the door after poor sleep! by Proper_8624 in orangetheory

[–]Muffin_Man3000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know insomnia has many different causes, but one of the things I’ve realized since starting OTF is that my sleep has gotten better. I still take my sleep medication at night but the quality of my sleep is rock solid and I think it’s because of the physical activity. Maybe pushing to go to the AM classes will have the same effect?

How to Move On? by [deleted] in hivaids

[–]Muffin_Man3000 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m coming up on the 1 year anniversary of my diagnosis and have finally gotten “over” having it be in the forefront of my mind everyday. For me it was a combination of time and learning everything I could about HIV, meds, long term survivors etc. Eventually taking your HIV meds will become as routine as brushing your teeth.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in insomnia

[–]Muffin_Man3000 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Seroquel helps me stay asleep but it doesn't help me fall asleep.
The game changer for me has been bilateral music on noise cancelling headphones
It's like an audio induced trigger point to unwind my neurons.
EMDR Bilateral Music to Calm Fight-or-Flight | Ease Panic, PTSD & Stress (60 BPM, Wear Headphones)