AIDS level

[2014positive]

So i'm back with a confirmed cd4 count of 136 which is AIDS level. I will be back on the 21st to take my first ARV and I hope i wont have any reactions or incompatibility with them.

I just want to know how long does it usually take for the cd4 count to go back to 200 ?

[Ann]

I just want to know how long does it usually take for the cd4 count to go back to 200 ?

Everyone is different and it depends on many things.

For example, it's possible to have a low CD4 very early on during what's called "primary infection". Primary infection is the first three to six months. During this time, the viral load is typically quite high and the CD4s can be quite low, but this normally settles down after a few months and the VL goes down and the CD4s go up, even without meds.

People who start meds in primary infection, with low CD4s, usually see a rapid rebound in CD4s within weeks of starting meds.

On the other end of the spectrum we have people who have had (undiagnosed) hiv for years and therefore have a low CD4 associated with immune system decline. People who start meds at this point often have a longer road ahead of them in regards to an increase in CD4s - but they will increase, albeit more slowly than someone more newly infected.

Also, the fact that you had shingles (herpes zoster) recently could mean that your CD4s were lower than normal because of it. It's not so much low CD4s causing shingles, but shingles causing low CD4s. If this was the cause of your low CD4s, you probably would have seen an improvement once you were recovered, with or without hiv meds.

It can take weeks to fully recover after a bout of shingles, regardless of your hiv status. You don't have to be poz to come down with shingles, you only have to have had chicken pox sometime in the past.

What's most important once you're on meds is that you achieve an undetectable VL, so try to not worry so much about your CD4s. Just have faith that they will increase. How long it takes is less important than having an UD VL.

Has your doctor put you on Bactrim or any other prophylactic antibiotic to avoid coming down with an opportunistic infection? If he or she has, you can stop taking this once your CD4 is above 200-250 for three to six months, depending on your overall health and your doctor's usual practice.

Hang in there, you're going to be ok.

Ann

[2014positive]

Everyone is different and it depends on many things.

For example, it's possible to have a low CD4 very early on during what's called "primary infection". Primary infection is the first three to six months. During this time, the viral load is typically quite high and the CD4s can be quite low, but this normally settles down after a few months and the VL goes down and the CD4s go up, even without meds.

People who start meds in primary infection, with low CD4s, usually see a rapid rebound in CD4s within weeks of starting meds.

On the other end of the spectrum we have people who have had (undiagnosed) hiv for years and therefore have a low CD4 associated with immune system decline. People who start meds at this point often have a longer road ahead of them in regards to an increase in CD4s - but they will increase, albeit more slowly than someone more newly infected.

Also, the fact that you had shingles (herpes zoster) recently could mean that your CD4s were lower than normal because of it. It's not so much low CD4s causing shingles, but shingles causing low CD4s. If this was the cause of your low CD4s, you probably would have seen an improvement once you were recovered, with or without hiv meds.

It can take weeks to fully recover after a bout of shingles, regardless of your hiv status. You don't have to be poz to come down with shingles, you only have to have had chicken pox sometime in the past.

What's most important once you're on meds is that you achieve an undetectable VL, so try to not worry so much about your CD4s. Just have faith that they will increase. How long it takes is less important than having an UD VL.

Has your doctor put you on Bactrim or any other prophylactic antibiotic to avoid coming down with an opportunistic infection? If he or she has, you can stop taking this once your CD4 is above 200-250 for three to six months, depending on your overall health and your doctor's usual practice.

Hang in there, you're going to be ok.

Ann

Hi ann!

Thanks! Yes someonw told me not to think much of cd4 but the viral load. I still dont know what my viral load is since i havent taken any meds.

I am taking isono somethin med for anti tuberculosis and cotro something. Sorry i cant remember. But the other is for prevention of pneumocystis.

I was surprised at first to know about my cd4 and i was on my way home thinkin that hey, i have AIDS. i felt nothing at first then i was like hey enough of the worrying because my cd4 might go down and i cant afford that.

This is a very new chaptwe in my life and i know i can face this.

Ill keep on reaing posts in this forum. It s good to know there are forums like these.

Thanks!

[Cheltlee]

Hi 2014 and welcome to the forum.

You so have low numbers in regards to your CD4 but firstly I would like to point out that does not mean you have AIDS. Yes you have aidsy numbers but it is more than possible that your numbers will rise back to decent levels without you becoming sick from an OI. The meds that are available are very effective and even though your numbers are low I have heard of and experienced first hand the turn around from far worse situations. I myself had a CD4 of 17 and was diagnosed with a server case of PCP and 4 months later I am back at work.

You have started on meds as you need it at this point and you will be. Prevention meds to stop you getting things like PCP. I'm sure you will be just fine. Give them a little time and I'm sure you will see good progress wih you numbers.

Lee