Question
Are ARVs for life?
3 February 2017. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Children, Pregnancy.
my name is D and I’m 8 month pregnant. I found out I was HIV+ when I was 5weeks pregnant. I have been taking treatment since then. My boyfriend left me because his HIV- so he says and he’s angry. Could he be lying to me about his status and how will I know if he is + or not?
My CD4 count is 311 ,how long did I had it in me with this CD4 count with no viral load like its undetectable. The nurse were happy that the treatment is working and the baby is healthy.
My question is, as you know I’m from South Africa and they tell us at the clinic that we have to take the treatment for the rest of our lives. I’m not very found of the pills, I don’t like them at all. I would like to know if it is possible for me to stop with the treatment after birth and will that affect my baby if I continue breast feeding her without treatment.
your respond will be highly appreciated.
thank you.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch D.
Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy. Its also great to hear that you’ve got an undetectable viral load. This is really important both for you and for your baby. This is because it will reduce the risk of transmission to your baby.
In response to your questions, yes ARVs are for life. This is because at the moment there isn’t a cure. If you choose to stop taking meds, your viral load will rebound and your CD4 will begin to drop. For more info please see quesiton 7 here:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
If you choose to stop taking meds and breastfeed you could infect your baby with HIV. Therefore, its important that you stay on treatment. However, the decision is up to you.
With regards to when did you become HIV positive, a persons CD4 count can’t tell you this. What you need to do is think about possible risks that you may have taken. It is this that will indicate when you became HIV positive.
The only way to know if your ex boy friend is positive or not, is for them to test. Only he, however, can deiced to do this.
Because you’re pregnant you may find our, HIV and pregnancy guide helpful:
https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
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