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Author Topic: Getting Lab Results Promptly  (Read 6228 times)

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Offline next2u

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,813
Getting Lab Results Promptly
« on: September 16, 2007, 02:19:58 pm »
I just received news that I am HIV positive. I found out 5 days ago and have been voraciously reading posts on this site to help me through this. I keep seeing posts and signatures with people's viral load information and cd4 levels. I have not had any bloodwork done. My doctor called me and broke the news 9/12/07 and said he would refer me to HIV specialist in the area. Are there any questions I should ask? Has the referral process taken too long? I was tested 4 months ago and 8 months ago, both tests came back negative. Seeing all these numbers has me worried, and I'm not sure how to gauge the information. Right now I feel I need to look for a new job, I am in graduate school and working full time, my job is med to high stress. I can change majors and switch to a career with a moderate income (hopefully) and less stress. What should I do?

Logged
midapr07 - seroconversion
sept07 - tested poz
oct07 cd4 1013; vl 13,900; cd4% 41
feb08 cd4  694;  vl 16,160; cd4% 50.1
may08 cd4 546; vl 91,480; cd4% 32
aug08 cd4 576; vl 48,190; cd4% 40.7
dec08 cd4 559; vl 63,020; cd4% 29.4
feb09 cd4 464; vl 11,000; cd4% 26
may09 cd4 544; vl 29,710; cd4% 27.2
oct09 cd4 ...; vl 23,350; cd4% 31.6
mar10 cd4 408; vl 59,050; cd4% 31.4
aug10 cd4 328; vl 80,000; cd4% 19.3 STARTED ATRIPLA
oct10 cd4 423; vl 410 ;); cd4% 30.2
jun11 cd4 439; vl <20 ;); cd4% 33.8 <-Undetectable!
mar12 cd4 695; vl ud; cd4% 38.6
jan13 cd4 738; vl ud; cd4% 36.8
aug13 cd4 930; vl ud; cd4% 44.3
jan14 cd4 813; vl ud; cd4% 42.8
may14 cd4 783; vl *; cd4%43.5
sept14 cd4 990; vl ud; cd4% *
jun15 cd4 1152; vl ud; cd4% *
july15 - STRIBILD
oct15 cd4 583; vl 146; cd4% 42
mar16 cd4 860; vl 20; 44

Offline newt

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,900
  • the one and original newt
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2007, 04:44:42 pm »
To be honest 1st labs seem important but rarely are and neither are 2nd, it's a long game and yo need 3 or 4+ sets of labs to say anything really useful, especially as in your case where you know you ain't been HIV-positive for years. So get some bloods done soon, but a few weeks delay ain't gonna hurt. More important is establishing a rapport with key doc, the one who will oversee your HIV care.  I would, personally, have a Margarita or sommat. << this may seem flippant, but it's important not to forget how to enjoy yourself, this is indeed a looooong game.

Anyhow, welcome

- matt
Logged
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline next2u

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,813
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2007, 10:02:19 pm »
Thanks Matt,

I appreciate the words of wisdom. I don't feel the urgent desire to get my lab work done since reading your post. I will get them, ASAP, but now I won't fret or lose anymore sleep over it. And thank you for including the bit about the long run, i am looking forward to chatting with you again the future (or distant future : )). Take care man.
Logged
midapr07 - seroconversion
sept07 - tested poz
oct07 cd4 1013; vl 13,900; cd4% 41
feb08 cd4  694;  vl 16,160; cd4% 50.1
may08 cd4 546; vl 91,480; cd4% 32
aug08 cd4 576; vl 48,190; cd4% 40.7
dec08 cd4 559; vl 63,020; cd4% 29.4
feb09 cd4 464; vl 11,000; cd4% 26
may09 cd4 544; vl 29,710; cd4% 27.2
oct09 cd4 ...; vl 23,350; cd4% 31.6
mar10 cd4 408; vl 59,050; cd4% 31.4
aug10 cd4 328; vl 80,000; cd4% 19.3 STARTED ATRIPLA
oct10 cd4 423; vl 410 ;); cd4% 30.2
jun11 cd4 439; vl <20 ;); cd4% 33.8 <-Undetectable!
mar12 cd4 695; vl ud; cd4% 38.6
jan13 cd4 738; vl ud; cd4% 36.8
aug13 cd4 930; vl ud; cd4% 44.3
jan14 cd4 813; vl ud; cd4% 42.8
may14 cd4 783; vl *; cd4%43.5
sept14 cd4 990; vl ud; cd4% *
jun15 cd4 1152; vl ud; cd4% *
july15 - STRIBILD
oct15 cd4 583; vl 146; cd4% 42
mar16 cd4 860; vl 20; 44

Offline brooklynpoz

  • Member
  • Posts: 71
  • My Babies, Pepper (8) & Rocko (3)
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2007, 10:35:51 am »
Hello Next2u,

You have found another family here on this site. The wisdom, and knowledge is a great resource.
The people here were so compassionate to me when I first joined, and they still are.
I am no longer a " newbie" and use whatever experience I have to help others. It is a good feeling to know that you are not alone.
By all means, if you have any questions, or wish to chat, I am here for you.
pepnyc@aol.com
Be well, take care, and chat soon.
Frankie
Logged
Diagnosed, Monday,  8/9/2004, 1ST year was ruff , now I am well adjusted .
Current Med's ; Kaletra & Truvada
Undetecable,<48 ,  531 tcells, 21%
Keeping the faith, that they will get a cure in our lifetime.
LIVE , LOVE , LAUGH

Offline stpetecoyote

  • Member
  • Posts: 25
  • me
    • QueerCoyote.com
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #4 on: September 17, 2007, 11:57:44 am »
Hi next2u,

I agree ...its natural to worry about the numbers at first...and I still get anxious every time I go get my blood tested--but so far it has been more for my own peace of mind than anything else.   From what I understand the numbers are going to bounce around so much at first that you really shouldn't jump to any decisions until you have several tests and can really look for a trend. Keep an eye on them but don't worry about them too much if you can help it...every time I think my numbers are going south they seem to surprise me--knock on wood.

Good luck and welcome to the forums--the people on here are great....

kris
Logged
When we killed what we were to become what we are, what did we do with the bodies? We did what most people do; buried them under the floorboards and got used to the smell - Jeannette Winterson


02/05/07 CD4 264  24.0% VL ??.?
03/05/07 CD4 ???   ??.?%  VL 825  
03/22/07 CD4 355  27%    VL 1232
04/24/07 CD4 490  28%    VL 3785
07/26/07 CD4 368  23%    VL 8900
08/31/07 CD4 454  23%    VL 2200
10/29/07 CD4 474  24%    Vl  18800
Started Atripla...been VL Undetectable and CD4 around 400 Ever Since

Offline NYCguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 181
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2007, 07:00:16 pm »
hi there - I still get nervous after each test too (and it's only been a year) but after starting meds they are starting to stabilize (VL stays undetecable and T-cells keep creeping up), which is the nice thing about being on meds, to say something positive.  But it's true that they jump around a lot at first and there really isn't any need to get alarmed and certainly no immediate danger.  Just do the labs soon, find a good doctor and go from there.  And if you don't like your doctor, GET ANOTHER ONE!

 From your first post - I wouldn't make any big decisions like changing majors or the like at this point.  No way should you let HIV control you like that.  You're going to be here for many, many healthy and productive years and don't forget to be grateful this happened now, when HIV is essentially a chronic and controllable disease, instead of 20 years ago.  Also, after the maragarita, try a martini.  Preferably Belvedere vodka with a twist.  That's my favorite anyway.
Feel free to PM or email anytime.  You'll have plenty of support here.
Logged
11/9/06 = #$%^&!
sometime early Dec 2006:
CD4 530 20%/VL >250,000 (&*$$%!!)
started Reyataz300mg/Norvir/Truvada 12-27-06.
1/30/07 CD4 540 30%/VL <400
4/07 CD4 600+ 33%/VL <50
6/9/07 CD4 720 37%/VL <50
10/15/07 CD4 891 (!) %? VL <50
1/2010 CD4 599 (37%) VL<50 (drop due to acute HCV)
9/2010 - looks like HCV is gone for good! And I'm finally drinking again, thank GOD
2013 - considering a switch to Stribild. but I love my Kidneys (but I hate farting all the time!)...
June 2013 - switched to Stribild.  so far so good...

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2007, 07:12:49 pm »
A Margarita?  After my blood was drawn today at the lab all I got was a Wendy's #7 combo, medium.
Logged
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline next2u

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,813
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2007, 10:55:51 pm »
Thanks for all the support and information guys. I will stay on course with my studies and heed the rest of your advice. Hey, if my viral load is low and my cd4 is high, would I still need to start meds anyway? I know I have to chat with my doctor about it, but I'd appreciate any info on this. I'm kinda broke (even though I have insurance) and was hoping to pay off my debt before furter extenuating myself financially. And yes, I do feel as though I have family here, it's what helps me get through the day. Well that, and my new found appreciation of Janis Joplin : )
Logged
midapr07 - seroconversion
sept07 - tested poz
oct07 cd4 1013; vl 13,900; cd4% 41
feb08 cd4  694;  vl 16,160; cd4% 50.1
may08 cd4 546; vl 91,480; cd4% 32
aug08 cd4 576; vl 48,190; cd4% 40.7
dec08 cd4 559; vl 63,020; cd4% 29.4
feb09 cd4 464; vl 11,000; cd4% 26
may09 cd4 544; vl 29,710; cd4% 27.2
oct09 cd4 ...; vl 23,350; cd4% 31.6
mar10 cd4 408; vl 59,050; cd4% 31.4
aug10 cd4 328; vl 80,000; cd4% 19.3 STARTED ATRIPLA
oct10 cd4 423; vl 410 ;); cd4% 30.2
jun11 cd4 439; vl <20 ;); cd4% 33.8 <-Undetectable!
mar12 cd4 695; vl ud; cd4% 38.6
jan13 cd4 738; vl ud; cd4% 36.8
aug13 cd4 930; vl ud; cd4% 44.3
jan14 cd4 813; vl ud; cd4% 42.8
may14 cd4 783; vl *; cd4%43.5
sept14 cd4 990; vl ud; cd4% *
jun15 cd4 1152; vl ud; cd4% *
july15 - STRIBILD
oct15 cd4 583; vl 146; cd4% 42
mar16 cd4 860; vl 20; 44

Offline brooklynpoz

  • Member
  • Posts: 71
  • My Babies, Pepper (8) & Rocko (3)
Re: Getting Lab Results Promptly
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2007, 08:16:00 am »
Hi NEXT2U,

Normally the guidelines for starting med's are , Tcells 200, and if you have a high viral load. Chat with your doctor, work closely with him/her.
Check out ADAP in your state ( Aids Drug Assistance Program), they pay for all my med's here in NY.
1-800-542-2437.
Even though you may not need med's right now, perhaps you should call, and get info now, and be ahead of the game.
Logged
Diagnosed, Monday,  8/9/2004, 1ST year was ruff , now I am well adjusted .
Current Med's ; Kaletra & Truvada
Undetecable,<48 ,  531 tcells, 21%
Keeping the faith, that they will get a cure in our lifetime.
LIVE , LOVE , LAUGH
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