Question
I just started ARVs with a CD4 of 18 and I feel bloated…
19 September 2014. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, Opportunistic infections, Side effects, Starting treatment.
Hi, I just started ARVs a few days back as I was diagnosed last week. My CD4 count was 18, so had to start treatment asap.
Now I’m always bloated, and my stomach is distended,
Answer
Hi.
Thanks for your question.
It is good that you are now on treatment as this will protect you from infections as your CD4 count gets steadily stronger.
As with any symptom that worries you, this is something to talk to your clinic about. It might be just a mild side effect that gets better or it might be a symptom or something else.
Usually it takes a few weeks for your body to get used to the meds and then gets easier.
However, because CD4 count was less than 50 when you started, there is a chance than in the first month or two, other infections might show up. This risk is called IRIS and relates to your immune system not having been strong enough to recognise it until you started meds.
IRIS is usually treated and settled quickly. This is why it is especially important to tell the clinic.
I hope you are doing okay with everything else and that you are getting other support.
Learning you are HIV positive is tough but it will get easier.
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