r/hivaids

Hey, I’m wondering if anybody has any experience with cabenuva increasing their blood pressure? I started in March at a new provider after the Florida ADAP debacle and recently switched back to my old provider who confirmed it is up from before I started taking the injections (records from my last in office appointment in January) not sure if that’s the cause or not but curious if there’s any anybody out there who may have experienced something similar. Thanks

A couple of days ago, I accidentally stumbled upon a show while browsing HBO called Looking, a miniseries from about 10 years ago about a group of gay friends living in San Francisco.

Honestly, after a few episodes, I found it pretty boring and a bit pretentious. But that wasn’t even the part that bothered me the most. There’s a scene where two guys have sex and then ask each other if they have any STIs. One of them says, “I don’t have AIDS,” and the other responds with something like, “Thank God!”

I found that exchange so inappropriate and uncomfortable. It really made me think about how HIV stigma and the shame surrounding it are still perpetuated, sometimes even within the LGBTQ+ community itself. I understand that the show is a product of its time, and I’m not expecting every character to be perfectly educated or politically correct. But the way that scene was written and played out felt particularly insensitive.

Am I overthinking this, or did anyone else find that scene problematic? I’m curious how people who watched the show when it originally aired feel about it today, especially considering how much HIV prevention, treatment, and public awareness have evolved over the years.

I got a call this morning from mistr that I was positive. I’m 25 (M) I feel like I ruined my own life just when it was starting. I thought i was doing everything I can to stay safe but I guess not. I’m trying to convince myself that everything will be ok but I keep going back to spiraling. I honestly don’t know what to do I go moments of calm to extreme panic. I don’t even wanna go to sleep because I feel like it would just submit the reality. I know there’s no cure and as much I as I pray hope this is a false positive. I need to accept reality but it’s so hard Too. I’m sorry I’m just rambling and streaming my thoughts please I need some advice. I don’t know how to move forward I don’t know if I can

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Hi everyone,

I’ve completed around 2 years on HIV treatment, and I wanted to discuss a few things and get some guidance from people who may have experienced something similar.

When I was initially diagnosed, my CD4 was 120. During the first year, I was on TLD (TDF/3TC/DTG). At that time, I honestly didn’t have much knowledge about HIV treatment, ART side effects, kidney monitoring, metabolic changes, supplements, etc.

After around one year on TLD, I was switched to a TAF-based regimen.

Since then, I’ve noticed some metabolic changes, including:

- Noticeable weight gain

- More belly/abdominal fat

- Increased lipids/cholesterol

- Significantly increased triglycerides

- My HbA1c has moved into the pre-diabetic range

I would really like to hear from people who experienced similar metabolic changes after switching from TLD/TDF to a TAF-based regimen.

Did your weight, belly fat, triglycerides or HbA1c improve after lifestyle changes or changing the ART regimen? And what did your doctor recommend?

1. Kidney function / Creatinine

During my initial period on treatment, I noticed my urine looking slightly orange once or twice, although it wasn’t persistent.

My creatinine and eGFR have fluctuated over time.

Current results:

- Creatinine: 1.12 mg/dL

- eGFR: 87

I would like to know from people who have been on TLD/TDF or other tenofovir-based regimens:

Is this level something that needs further investigation, especially when creatinine/eGFR have fluctuated over time?

Would tests such as urine routine/microscopy, urine protein, urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) or other kidney tests be useful?

2. CD4 recovery – my biggest concern

My CD4 was 120 at diagnosis, and after around 2 years of treatment it is now around 270.

So although it has increased, I feel that my recovery has been quite slow.

I would really like to hear from people who started treatment with a CD4 around 100–150 and had slow CD4 recovery.

- What was your CD4 after 2 years?

- Did it continue increasing after the second year?

- Did anyone eventually reach 350/400/500+?

- Did you investigate any other causes for slow recovery?

- Did correcting vitamin deficiencies, nutrition, exercise or other lifestyle changes make any noticeable difference?

My Vitamin D was around 21, which is low/insufficient according to my lab reference range.

If anyone has had a similar CD4 trajectory, please share your experience. I’m especially interested in evidence-based supplements or lifestyle changes, rather than random supplements.

3. Foamy urine in the morning

Another thing I’ve noticed:

When I take my ART tablet at night, sometimes my first urine in the morning is quite foamy.

But it is not consistent — sometimes there is foam and sometimes the urine looks completely normal.

Has anyone experienced this?

Could occasional morning foam simply be due to concentrated urine, or should I specifically check for protein/albumin in urine?

4. Stool colour changes

Occasionally my stool colour also changes.

Sometimes it looks slightly yellowish, and occasionally I notice some blackish/darker stool.

It doesn’t happen all the time.

Has anyone experienced similar changes while on ART or supplements?

I’m particularly interested in knowing whether occasional colour changes can be related to diet/supplements, or whether blackish stool should always be investigated.

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Overall, I’m trying to stay consistent with treatment and improve my health, but because I’m now around 2 years into ART, I would really appreciate some clarity from people who have gone through a similar situation.

If you had a CD4 around 100–150 when you started ART and experienced slow CD4 recovery, please share your timeline and what helped you.

Also, if anyone has experience with TLD → TAF switching, weight/belly fat gain, high triglycerides/lipids, rising HbA1c, creatinine/eGFR fluctuations, foamy urine, or changing stool colour, I’d be grateful for your input.

Please share your experience or any useful tests/questions I should discuss with my HIV doctor.

Thank you so much. I’ll be very grateful for any genuine guidance.

As of 3 days ago, I ( Trans woman 26) tested positive for HIV. It was a hookup after ending things with my cheating ex. Surprisingly when they told me I was positive, I called my ex as a reflex. I knew he’d be there for me and he was. He came and showed support. Initially, I thought maybe I should just forgive him because I’ll never be loved again by anyone else. As the days went on, I did more research and I realized as well those feelings from what he’d done still lingered. I appreciated his support and care but couldn’t bring myself to forgive and work things out with him. I know in the end he would definitely support me and be there for me however, I feel as though shifting my boundaries and feelings based on my positive test. Does it ever get better? I told him tonight that I have to focus on my health and being with him causes me immense stress and I don’t need that in my life right now. Do you ever find love? Do you ever find someone who won’t treat you differently because of it? How does the love for yourself grow? I just want to feel strong and support. I have my first appointment tomorrow to start my meds and I’m grateful. Still very disappointed in myself for allowing myself to be in the situation. Any advice or any kind words are welcome <3