HIV Support Group

For many cases, the drugs continue to be of benefit even if the viral load is detectable. Very often, the viruses that are resistant to the drugs are partially crippled by the drug resistance mutations, and the drugs are still keeping all of the wild type, drug sensitive viruses from replicating. So, with the drugs and some drug-resistant virus, the viral load might be 500 to 2,000 or so, but when all drugs are stopped the viral load could go to 10,000 to 100,000 or more.

But only a doctor who has all of your medical records can give you good advice. Without knowing your history, viral load, and lots of other details, I am just guessing based on the experience of clinical trials data.

I am with Dr.Duke........................................................

Oh and I had to say that holistic stuff is great and can compliment western meds but i don't think enough by themselves..................

I like your bravery in letting go of the meds for a month and trying alternative medicine. By doing this you are trying a new path for all of us...it might be a bumpy road or it might be a smooth highway. Either road, you should be proud you could be helping or sacrificing yourself for the benefit of everyone.

That said, make sure you take some precautions like having your cd4 count at least above three hundred, stay away from crowds or sick people, wash your hands many times a day.

I am going to try to get off of Atripla for a few months to test my complimentary alternative medicines (colloidal silver, coconut oil, brazil nuts and magnetic pulser). I am waiting until my cd4 improves so my immune system will have a buffer. Right now my cd4 is a little low (147).

I have read tons of great stuff about Colloidal silver (silver nanoparticles). I have seen my uncle with hepatitis C improve greatly over a month only talking 4 tablespoons a day @ 20ppm.
He had lost most of his energy and urinating blood. He is not on any other meds. His energy level is up considerably and can walk now without using those heavy neoprene knee braces and doesn't have to take naps throughout the day.

I hope it has the same results on my HIV. God bless you for trying to help us all let us know your results.

appreciate your advice thank you...

Alternative treatments have actually been around for a very long time, unfortunately they are just less reported and acknowledgement by the medical world.

There is no doubting the efficacy of herbal and alternative treatments. However they are more powerful at the beginning rather than salvaging an immune system. It is a very specialised area and should be under the guidance of a professional. There is a long history of alternative treatments and HIV.

I believe the most ideal way to switch meds is directly from one regime to another, but under supervision. Drug holidays are not recommended by the medical profession for a good reason.

But everyone has their own journey. At least today it is easy to monitor the situation to make educated decisions. I'd be interested to know how long you have been on the currrent regime and what has happened.