Low CD4 what should I do?

[MiniPozToyota]

Ok guys kinda freaking out and need some help my last laps were 576 (at the good hospital) and so I went back there this time and my cd4 is 373 at 25%, when I got the labs done I had a small cold (not coughing) but stuff in my thoat think this will cause such a low drop? My Dr. is saying to get on atripla since the "new" number for the military is 500cd4. I dont know what to do, is atripla bad/good at first I was ok to take meds now im kinda ify about it... what would you guys do get another lab test ran or go ahead and get on meds since its free? Please help people thanks alot

[Assurbanipal]

Well... you might want to think about starting. 

It's important to look at the trend and you've had 4 tcell counts with only one of them above 500.

You aren't anywhere near desperate straits so if you want to wait for another blood draw that would be reasonable.  But the current US guidelines would suggest it is time for you to start.

[ad2san]

Hi there. Ur CD4 play yoyo and under 500 ... Trust ur doctor.

[newt]

You need 1-2 more sets of results (from the same lab) to get a trend. It's the trend that counts. You can't make a sensible decision without a trend A cold is more likely to increase your CD4 count than reduce it.

Testing at 2 different labs will almost always give different results. You need to pick a lab you trust and go with it. By all means run parallel labs, but this will just mean you decide/worry/relax on the basis of the best/worst figs according to your nature.

If your CD4 count is somewhere between 300 and 500 when you start treatment outcome wise it will make no difference. So, while the 2 labs may give different numbers, this probably won't affect your long term health.

- matt

[buginme2]

is atripla bad/good at first

If your hesistation is all due because your scared to start Atripla, don't be.  The first few days can be a little rocky but it starts to even out very quickly.  For most people, they have no problems taking it at all.  Don't let some fear of what may or may not happen prevent you from starting meds.  If it were me, I would start (but its not me, its you, and only you can decide). 

[Betelgeuse]

Is there a reason why your doctor is recommending only Atripla?

Mileage varies with individuals, but Truvada/Isentress is generally very well tolerated.  I have not experienced any side effects from day 1 of taking this combination.

[MiniPozToyota]

He said I could get on any meds, but alot of my friends are on Atripla so I wanna give it a try.