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Author Topic: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.  (Read 5748 times)

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Offline 2much4me

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Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« on: July 01, 2007, 07:55:13 pm »
Hello all!!

35 year old man here worrying!
I have only been poz since July 2006 (infected June). Totally shocked at first. CD4 590 and a huge VL (sorry cant remember figure I think I remember over 1 million?!).  Then in late August CD4 had dropped to 560 again with a huge VL.
My doctor explained that everything was as expected, and he was very optimistic for me. He informed me that I probably wouldnt need meds for 5+ years.
So with this infomation I thought I would go travelling and enjoy myself, so I did!
I returned June (last month), and went to check my blood again. I was shocked and disraught when they told me my CD4 had plummeted to 290. (big VL). My councillor suggested I come in next week with a view to starting meds! What! I was shocked! I thought I wouldnt be at this point until 5+ years! I am no way ready for the meds commitment, I had plans of travelling more and next year returning (when I would be ready for meds)
I did suffer from an outbreak of herpes 2 weeks ago, I am just wondering if this would of played a part in the big CD4 drop? I know I cant read too much into this one result, and I should of had other tests previously, but now I am worried.
I guess my question is, is it really possible to lose hundreds of CD4 and want meds within a year? If so can I read anything into this, i.e when I am on meds they may not work as well because of the rapid progression?
Really worried here guys, due to see my specialist on the 5th but I am searching for answers /possibilities now!!
Thanks in advance for any info given.

Offline Life

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Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2007, 07:59:39 pm »
2Much...

Welcome to AM.  If you could provide a bit more detail in your labs i.e.  dates cd4 count, vl load and %'s it would be easier to see what the virus is doing in your body....  Huge vl really does not help us (look below my name for example)...   Dont freak..

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2007, 08:06:59 pm »
I was a LTNP with a CD4 in the 1400 range and in between my labs which were every 6 months. I crashed and ended up in the hospital with a single digit CD4 and an OI. So anything is possible. You don't sound like you had that many labs. Have they had you take another lab?

Offline 2much4me

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Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2007, 08:10:35 pm »
I will get more info on the 5th.
On the 3 occasions I was given my results I was just told the CD4 and that VL was high, no mention of percentages.
I will be asking for more info and stats on the 5th. I must confess to being overwhelmed with numbers on every result, but listening to "everything is as expected" "no meds for 5+years" to " come in next week with a view to starting meds!"
Very naeive I know, but I am learning with worry!

Offline 2much4me

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Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2007, 08:12:26 pm »
Another blood test on the 5th and then an agonising 2 week wait for results. :'(

Offline Life

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Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2007, 08:20:42 pm »
I presume your seeing a Infectious Disease Doc on top of your Councilor??  In my short time with hiv, I have found their are very little guarantees and if your doc dangled a 5 diamond carrot in front of you, I would be hesitant in him working with me...  When you go on the fifth,  take a pad and paper with questions including getting all your past lab results over the year... These are important for you to keep track of...   Not necessarily to understand completely, but to have available...  There are some very very smart folks right here on this site that can help you.   4 more days is not going to change things to much for ya...  I would also expect them to discuss in great detail your trends over the year and why they feel that meds are necessary.

Sure if your cd4 count is truly at 290.  You then  are in the ballpark for arv's and that is something you will have to consider.   And, you may need to make some decisions sooner than that 5 year mark....

As far as traveling??  Whats stopping you??  Just because you may need to go on meds, does not change your goals and aspirations.....

« Last Edit: July 01, 2007, 08:22:38 pm by Life »

Offline IzPoz

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  • God, grant me the serenity...
Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2007, 08:22:34 pm »
2much,

It's very possible to lose a couple hundred CD4 in a matter of a few months, especially when your body is also fighting another infection or virus. Personally, if your VL was actually in the millions, I would think the doctors would discuss medications earlier than 5 years.

If possible, when you see your doctor this week, ask him for a print or a copy of your labwork, so you can study it on your own and get more familiar with the terminology and what to look for.

Because all this is new to you, I am sure you feel overwhelmed by all the information you need to take in. It's important to know what's going on with your body, so you know what you should do to help it.

Try not to stress, because stress is not good for your body. It can cause drops in your CD4, increases in your VL, and much more. Just relax, and don't fret over taking medications, if it comes down to it. Hopefully the huge drop in your CD4 was caused by a lab error (which is also possible).

Good luck, and relax, mate... and breathe!
The reason angels can fly is that they take themselves so lightly. ~ Chesterton G. K.

Offline 2much4me

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Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2007, 08:37:01 pm »
Heres another question for you!
If the big CD4 drop was due to my body was fighting an infection at the time, what are the chances of my CD4 count bouncing back in my next results? (Or is that just wishful thinking)

Offline IzPoz

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  • God, grant me the serenity...
Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2007, 08:40:47 pm »
It's very possible. For instance, in March I was fighting the flu, upper respiratory infection (including sinuses) and my CD4 dropped from 400+ to 300+. Now, here I am, three months later, and my CD4 is over 500, including a rise of almost 4% in my ratio.

Don't stress... definitely work out or exercise, stay healthy and happy (trust me, happiness helps), as these will all help in the long run. Just, do yourself a favor and not put your hopes too high, and expect a huge jump.

 :-*
« Last Edit: July 01, 2007, 08:43:33 pm by IzPoz »
The reason angels can fly is that they take themselves so lightly. ~ Chesterton G. K.

Offline Life

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  • Member 2005
Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2007, 08:44:04 pm »
As Izzy said, thats certainly possible  - that you were fighting another infection...  However, you have also stated you have a "Huge VL"...   Huge is not helpful when looking at a cd4 count and why it is where it is...

Follow?

Offline 2much4me

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  • Posts: 5
Re: Big CD4 drop and only poz for a year.
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2007, 04:51:35 am »
Many thanks for the info.
I guess time will tell, heres hoping my CD4 recover and a valuable lesson learnt, too take better care of myself and understand about this virus alot more.
And with that I am off to the gym!!

 


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