Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 468: Getting Paranoid Again

Hi po!

Just wanted to inquire baka you might help, I started my ARV on Jan. 3, 2014 only and prior to that I was taking Bactrim as prophylaxis due to Pneumonia w/c I got last October 2013 (been confined for a weak and got well). The doctor from RITM suggested that I can stop taking bactrim already and start taking ARVs instead. It's been very cold lately and don't know if I'm just paranoid but I can hear whizzing sound in my lungs, maybe because lately I got phlegm. Can I get Pneumonia again bec. I stopped taking Bactrim? Also, what bothers me most is the numbness & tingling side effects I can feel on my left arm & both feet. I read that these are normal side effects but to when should I expect this to stop? Should I consult an Internist or a Specialist? Btw, prior on having Pneumonia I also got PTB
Jan - July 2013 treatment (also got well). That's where my paranoia comes from, I do not what to get sick. Hope you can advise, I do not know if I should wait until Jan. 30, 2014 w/c is my scheduled consultation & submission of my CBC.

Thanks!

HIVPositive

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi HIVPositive.

Thank you for your email.

Like what I always tell my readers, trust you HIV doctors. They know what they are doing. If your HIV doctor says that you can stop Bactrim (cotrimoxazole), then you can stop it. If your CD4 is very low, you can still get pneumonia, however, your ARV's are already helping your immune system so just relax and let the medicines help you. Remember, while the ARV's are "taming" the virus, help your immune system to rebound fast, but staying healthy and preventing illnesses. I know it is cold and there are a lot of people who get sick nowadays, then you should focus on not getting sick by proper hygiene and staying away from crowded places. Also ask your HIV doctor for vaccinations that you need to get. With regards to the numbness and tingling sensations, you might want to have that checked. You can go back to the hub and have it consulted.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

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