Any chance of cd4+ and VL - without meds ?

[sky_8412]

HI , i dont know if here is the right post but I would like to know is there is any possible chance of cd4 incerease and viral loads decrease even without any medications ...Cos the first time my cd4 was 355 and viral loads is 8k and after 3 months my new cd4 was 377 and viral loads 25mg(the lowest) not on medication , so my doctor thinks that this reports is not accurate since my VL cannot be so low without taking any meds and would like me to re checks again so that whether i can starts my meds or not ...please advice ,thanks

[Inchlingblue]

Yes, it is possible that our CD4s can go up and your VL can go down without meds.  The important thing is to look at the trend in which each of those numbers are moving, which entails several tests, three (or so) months apart. You should also look at  your CD4%, which tends to move less erratically than absolute CD4s.

If you peruse through some of the signature lines of members here who post their numbers, you can see that there is variation in the numbers before starting meds and sometimes CD4s do go up and VL goes down.

[WillyWump]

I was  med naive for approx 1.5 years, my numbers bounced around quite a bit including cd4+ and VL-, the only trend the consistently dropped was my percentage...which is why I was finally placed on meds 2 weeks ago.

-Will

[Ann]

Hi Sky,

I've been poz for twelve years, still not on meds. Have a look at my profile where I've got my numbers (from 2001 onwards) and you'll see just how much numbers can bounce around. I've had a viral load as high as 96,200 and as low as 5,630. The lower number is from six years after  the higher number.

If your doctor thinks a person cannot have a low viral load while not on meds, then it sounds to me like this doctor doesn't know much about hiv infection. Perhaps it's time to look for a more knowledgeable doctor!

Ann

[sky_8412]

thanks you so much for all the great response ...i decided not to go for further test ..will wait for the next 3 months then ...well Ann i think u are right will try to look for the new doctor

[newt]

In each individual case, doctors cannot say

They can say in terms of general trends, which is most people will benefit from meds withint 3-10 years, a few 10-15+ and a few sooner.

That's all

With all new diagnoses its important to (1) look at a few test results to see the trend/personal picture (2) do whats best for you.

Good luck on the (long hopefully) journey

- matt

[Smarties]

It is very much possible for cd4 count to increase without taking medications. I cant say that though for viral load, as I do not have personal experience. I was diagnosed hiv + in 2007 October and was lucky enough not to start with meds as yet, my cd 4 was around 700 and vl 892. Now almost 2 years after, my cd4 is 1033 and vl around 2200 and never took meds.

Hi Everyone I am new here and this is my first post. I think I am really going to enjoy this site, it is such a pity I am only joining now.

[tommy246]

Hey Smarties thats a big improvement did you have a big lifestyle change.?

[Smarties]

Hey Tommy

Yes I did change my lifestyle drastically. I used to exercise even before found out about my status but the nutrition was very bad. Now I do weight training and cardio 4-5 times a week and my diet has improved a lot, I barely eat unhealthy foods.