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Author Topic: 3rd test results  (Read 8883 times)

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Offline steven6908

  • Member
  • Posts: 36
3rd test results
« on: July 21, 2008, 05:50:44 pm »
Hi eveyone

Its now been six mths since i got my reults, still struggle to deal with this, i work full time and try to use my work to blot out what i am going through, i still feel all alone going through this, my family say they are there for me and yes i believe them.

What am finding hard to get my head round is my CD4 count and Viral Load

1st test Dec07  CD4 - 404 VL 90,000 not sure of %
2nd test Mar 08 CD4 - 536 VL 30,000 27.4%
3rd test Jul 08 CD4 - 388 VL 30,000 29%

This is all confusing to me can anyone help me understand, also i am constanly tired, i dont know what to do

Oh well I must be feeling sorry for myself since my topic does not attract a reply, better go work this out for myself, feel alone here and THT aint much help either


« Last Edit: July 21, 2008, 06:10:21 pm by steven6908 »

Offline loop78

  • Member
  • Posts: 147
Re: 3rd test results
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2008, 08:08:33 pm »
Hi Steven,

I'm no expert myself reading cd4 numbers, but yours seem fairly stable.

CD4 count is still over 350, so you're relatively well, and though they decreased in the last test, the percentage not only maintained itself, but increased a bit, so I wouldn't be to worried about it. VL is in the middle of the road.

All in all, nothing alarming.

Don't feel sorry for yourself, it's wasted time! ;-)

Offline BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: 3rd test results
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2008, 08:27:29 pm »
Hi Steven,

The CD4% is pretty good.  I can't say why you're feeling tired all the time, but maybe your emotional state has something to do with it.  Have you ever opened up to your family about how you feel?  They can't help you if you don't say anything.  Just a suggestion.  Take care and let us know how you're doing. 

BTW, next time you might want to post in the "Living With HIV" section (since you've been diagnosed a little while now); you might get more responses.
   Luv,
Betty
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Offline hotpuppy

  • Member
  • Posts: 555
Re: 3rd bloodwork results
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2008, 08:27:14 am »
I felt tired all the time til I started working out, taking vitamins, and eating right.  I got a huge boost of energy when I started meds.  I now feel 100% again which is nice.

My advice is to grow your social network.  It's really important for me to have friends who are poz.  I've made some terrific friends by going to social activities and looking online.

If you still have issues to talk about, therapy or counseling can be a great neutral place to air those issues and get them off your chest.  I know for me, it's been very helpful to just talk about the problems.

You can always come to the forums and bounce issues off the community.  Your numbers look really good.  I'm not a MD, and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express® last night..... lol.  But from what i know your body is controlling the virus and your t-cells are holding in there.  They are trending down which means you may be looking at meds in the future.  It's better to start meds than run your body down.

One recurring theme I see is that people feel like they can't date.  There are many terrific guys and gals who are poz.  There are some terrific guys and gals who are neg and don't have an issue with us being poz as well.  You're still a whole person and HIV doesn't make you any less of a person or decrease your value.  If anything it forces us to live life fully, appreciate what we have, and value our friends.  In an unexpected way it can be a catalyst to help you experience more of life. 
Don't obsess over the wrong things.  Life isn't about your numbers, it isn't about this forum, it isn't about someone's opinion.  It's about getting out there and enjoying it.   I am a person with HIV - not the other way around.

Offline Andy Velez

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 34,126
Re: 3rd test results
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2008, 08:35:21 am »
Hi Steven,

As uncomfortable as it maybe, feeling confused, discouraged and depressed at times are pretty much par for the course along the way in getting adjusted to having HIV in your life. I don't know where you are writing from. I'm wondering if there is an AIDS service organization in your area where you might get some support either individually or in a group setting.

Judging by your numbers, you're seeing your doctor regularly. That's very good. Questions like being tired a lot of the time are just what you should be asking your doctor about. Keep a little pad handy so that when something occurs to you to ask, you can write it down for your next visit. Developing a good working partnership with your doctor is one of the best tools for keeping you healthy.

You're always welcome here. As was suggested, starting a thread in Living With might be a good way of letting more people know you're here and developing some contacts.

Gradually things are going to settle into place for you and you're going to see that HIV is a serious element in your life, but by no means all that your life is going to be about. It takes some time for that to happen. Hang in there and hang in here too. You're always welcome to ask questions and to bring up anything that's on your mind.

Welcome.
Andy Velez

Offline tag_man08

  • Member
  • Posts: 118
  • Keep Dreaming!!!
Re: 3rd test results
« Reply #5 on: September 22, 2008, 11:27:20 pm »
I'm no expert either, but from what I have read....any CD4 level above 300 is good.  But, then again, look at the trends because everyone is different.  It would be nice to know our CD4 level preHIV, but we will never know.  My doctor and I have been watching my numbers now for over a year.  We talk about the trends and how I feel.  Some days, I feel great and others I feel very tired.  I know the tiredness comes from the HIV because its a different tiredness than I ever had before HIV.  Start taking vitamins, exercise, and eat healthier meals.  Once I changed my diet, I did feel a lot better.  Good Luck.
08/30/07:  The HIV diagnosis...
09/07/07:  CD4 299 (21%)  VL 160K
01/07/08:  CD4 396 (26%)  VL 125K
04/21/08:  CD4 478 (25%)  VL 92K
09/03/08:  CD4 313 (23%)  VL 10K
11/03/08:  CD4 338 (23%)  VL 30K
11/21/08:  Isentress & Truvada
12/05/08:  CD4 485 (29%)  VL  undetectable in two weeks
03/13/09:  CD4 575 (30%)  VL  undetectable

 


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