Question

What do I need to do for my health now I am on treatment?

6 April 2024. Related: All topics, Starting treatment, Support.

I started meds immediately after my HIV diagnosis after today is day 25. I am worried about my weight 63.5 to 61.3 today in 1 month.  My joints have pain but the rash on my face has healed.  I still sometimes feel some weakness. Doctor just did one HIV test and the other PCR viral load showed nothing this time. Please advise me on what to do next to maintain my health.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks for sharing your experience.

It is good that you are now on treatment and that you are being very careful to take your meds.

Without more details including your CD4 count result, it is difficult to comment any more. The CD4 count gives a better idea of how advanced HIV became before you were diagnosed.

If your viral load result is now undetectable, this is very good news. It shows the HIV meds are working well. This will let your immune system become stronger again.

Without knowing your normal weight and height, this difference in weight might just be normal – although usually people put on a little weight during the first few months of ART.

Please talk to your doctor about any health issues that you are worried about.

So long as you are careful taking your meds, this is the main thing you need to do for HIV care. These will let you get on with anything else you want to do in life.

Other general health advice is also important if you are living with HIV. This includes staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, stopping smoking and not drinking too much – but these are just healthy choices for anyone.