First Labs in today

[Cojo]

The wait is over. First labs came in today:
CD4  330 16% VL 181,000

Doc does not seem concerned and will do second set in early fall. I however, AM concerned! Shouldn't I be statrting meds now? Isn't normal CD4 500-1200? Help..

[Jody]

Hi Cojo, there are many fine and knowledgeable folks here on these forums to assist with any questions you may have but you don't say how long ago you had your diagnosis.  Have you discussed with your doctor that most in the medical profession believe that starting early on meds is the best way to go to keep the virus at bay.  Are you ready to begin meds and stay on a strict regimen that is required to keep the VL undetectable? And sadly it must be asked whether you have the insurance to pay for the meds or qualify for the programs available from government that do not have that unconscionable waiting list.

Good luck and be well.

Jody

  

[newt]

I agree with you re: concern, but a second set of results, and a resistance test, before starting treatment  is worthwhile.

- matt

[Hellraiser]

I agree with you re: concern, but a second set of results, and a resistance test, before starting treatment  is worthwhile.

- matt

^ what he said.  The VL is high and CD4 is medium, but not enough to warrant treatment beginning right away.  I was at much higher and lower numbers on my first set of bloods and still we waited for a resistance profile.

[buginme2]

Doctors are always so nonchalant aren't they?  I had three sets of labs before my doc started me on meds.  The others are right.  Your numbers are not great but they aren't scary either.  Hopefully your doc ordered a resistance test and at your next set of labs you'll be ready to go. 

I know where you're coming from.  I'm sure a lot here do.  Your nervous and anxious to start.  I couldn't stand the wait.  I kept thinking something was going to happen, that the other shoe was going to drop.  Its not. 

Oh ya, yes 500-1200 is a normal cd4 count,  sorry pal but you're not normal anymore.

[Ann]

Cojo, you mentioned elsewhere that you suspect you're dealing with a new infection and those numbers are consistent with a new infection. Chances are very good that by the time you have your next labs done, you will see an improvement. Hang in there - you do have time to wait and see what happens in time. It's all about the trends, not one single result.

It's still a good idea to have the resistance test done now, so you're prepared either way.

You're going to be ok, really you are.

[Cojo]

Thanks again folks for your replies and assurances.
The part I don't understand Ann is how the numbers may get better in next labs when I am not on any meds yet? You are correct that I believe it to be a recent infection.

[funkycj]

dont worry to much if you were recentley infected the VL will appear much higher while it is beginning to take over your immune system, its should level out hopefully by your next bloods , i was diagnosed in 2008 and am only just starting meds , but i do have a decent CD4 and VL i have just been getting viral infections constantly for a year so am starting treatment to improve my immune system to fight of the opurtunistic infections, try not to worry to much i know its harder sed than done and try and read up so you fully understand HIV and how it works, gud luck at your next labs

[Ann]

Cojo, numbers like yours are very typical in a new infection. In time (typically within six months or so), your body will adjust and your numbers should improve on their own. This is what happens for most people.

Some can go for years without needing meds because their body does a good enough job of controlling the virus on its own. I'm one of those people - been poz for fourteen years and I'm not yet on treatment, but probably will be in the next year or so (although come to think of it, I've been saying that for about two years now already).

A small percent of people will need treatment within a couple years of being poz. A larger percentage can go around five to ten years without needing treatment, and a small percentage can go for years and years. Some people also turn out to be Long Term Non-Progressors (LTNPs) or Elite Controllers and never need treatment.

The thing you really need to keep in mind for now is that it's all about trends over time, not just one single result on its own. Hang in there, it gets easier in time.

If you haven't already, I urge you to check out the Lessons section of this website. They're written in plain, easy to understand English and contain a wealth of information. Go easy though, you don't have to learn everything all at once. If any questions arise while you read, please feel free to come back into the forums to ask.