Need reassurance.

[Bartro]

My doc called with labs today.  My viral load has again become detectable.  He said it might just be a "blip" or problem at the lab and to wait until my April 2 appointment to see if it goes back down otherwise I'll need more "aggressive" medication.  Whatever that means.  I know I shouldn't worry but three months seems like an eternity. 

4/27/2006   Vl 40,800  CD4 339-17%  Platelets 1000
Started Sustiva/Truvada.
05/5/2006   Platelets 26000
06/1/2006   Vl 181 CD4 342-19% Platelets 27000
08/4/2006   Vl <50 CD4 301-20% Platelets 31000
11/2/2006   Vl <50 CD4 364-23% Platelets 38000
Started Atripla
12/29/2006  Vl 146 CD4 451-23% Platelets 41000

[racingmind]

Try not to stress about it....I have had a VL of over 100,000 for several months and I feel fine.  It may be time for meds soon....but my doc thinks that it is possible that it might be years before meds because my CD4 are looking good even with a high VL.  Take a breath....

Dxx

[marco23]

You'll be perfectly fine...just keep taking your meds like you're supposed to, try not to stress so much -stressing never helps anything but if you need to vent - we're for ya!
Big hug heading your way!

[poet]

Bartro, on the one hand, I am the first to encourage anyone so inclined to spread lab dates out once a pattern has been established and he or she is comfortable with this concept.  In your case, yes, it could be a blip.  Your cd4's are doing well.  But if you decide that you are not happy waiting, it should be your call (unless there is a healthcare/provider/insurance issue we don't know about) to say, hey, let's just make sure that this is just a blip.  Yes, it's a tiny bump up in viral load, but rather than stress over it, I would support your deciding to do something about it.  Win

[Bartro]

Thank you ALL for your support.  I think I'll compromise and make a two month appointment instead of three, unless of course something changes I'll go in right away. 

[FiercenBed]

im in the u might b the doctor but im the paitent mode. vl test is a vl test. i seem to have them every month. id suggest <being the doctor that i am.....lol> 30 days. just to get it off ur mind.

140 sounds like a blip to me ....keep us informed!

[lydgate]

And remember (or remind yourself when you feel stressed) that your CD4 numbers, both the absolute count and the percentage, are on an upward trend. That's definitely good news.