POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Buckeyerob75 on November 29, 2012, 05:45:35 pm
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Hey everyone...
So I went to my ID doc a few weeks ago and had all my blood work done again to follow up on counts, etc.
I've been on Atripla since April of this year so just about 8 months coming up but my CD4 has never climbed above 157. At diagnosis my CD4 was 129 and now it's 157. My viral load is 40 so obviously that's good (and continuing to fall) but I'm puzzled why my CD4 is not coming up. They also tested me for syphilis and all other STD's as I had syphilis and HIV diagnosed at the same time. I was treated with 3 shots for the syphilis in April and my count is still 1:4 today.
I take Atripla consistently at 10pm (or within an hour of it) every single night and have maybe missed 2 doses in 8 months. A buddy of mine who has been poz for 15+ years says that it can take a year or more for the numbers to improve.
Does anybody have any experience with low CD4 counts not coming up or some possible explanation? I have read that once the CD4 drops below 200 some people are never able to get it much higher. Just worries me as this is considered AIDS and the risk for cancers and opportunistic infections goes up dramatically.
Thanks in advance
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Here is an article recently from UCSF discussing cd4 non-responders. It should answer most questions regarding this issue.
That said, you started treatment recently. It does take time. You can still achieve a substantial cd4 response. No need to worry yet. Patience, some just take longer than others
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=md-expert-hatano
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Here is an article recently from UCSF discussing cd4 non-responders. It should answer most questions regarding this issue.
That said, you started treatment recently. It does take time. You can still achieve a substantial cd4 response. No need to worry yet. Patience, some just take longer than others
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=md-expert-hatano
Well that's certainly depressing to read.
Some of us just don't respond the same to the medication. I've been on HAART for 3 years + now and I've gone from 15 to about 250 CD4 count, however every time I visit the doctor my gains a little more and a little more. This is something that takes time, and at some point I'm sure I will plateau. There really isn't much you can do to affect it however. The only thing I've heard is Selzentry or Maraviroc has a beneficial effect on CD4 count.
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Sometimes CD4 numbers can be depressing but the most important is that 1.you don't get sick easily, that means you immune system is working all right and 2. You maintain undetectable viral load.
Nobody know how our CD4 pre-infection was, so some people might natural have low CD4 numbers in the first place. So don't get depressed and keep taking your meds.
What your feels also important too, if you feels great and your VL is UD. Enjoy your life and relax.
You will be fine, please take care. I know several people who never get about 200 CD4 but there feel fine.
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Thanks for the information and words of encouragement.
I had cancer about 15 years ago and went through a lot of chemo and radiation so it tore down everything including my immune system. That may likely be the reason for the low CD4 counts today as it may have been low for quite some time prior to HIV.
Thanks again ;)
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Thanks for the information and words of encouragement.
I had cancer about 15 years ago and went through a lot of chemo and radiation so it tore down everything including my immune system. That may likely be the reason for the low CD4 counts today as it may have been low for quite some time prior to HIV.
Thanks again ;)
It is possible that your bone marrow might be damage from previous chemotherapy.