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Author Topic: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?  (Read 19323 times)

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Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« on: October 30, 2012, 05:35:21 am »
Hi, I recently tested positive and my first two bloods came back with a viral load of 47 and 43. Now I know this is very low and on the verge of being undetectable, for someone not on meds this isn't exactly what you'd expect is it? The doctor just said that my body was fighting the virus well. When I got home I started to do some research and the possibility of being one of the lucky few who keep an ultra low viral load popped up. What do people think? Have others had very low viral loads then had them go up to normal levels or am I likely to be able to keep this virus at bay (below 50 copies/ml) do you think? Some research has pointed the the correlation between being an elite controller and auto-immune disease, which kind of fits as I've suffered with eczema all my life. Either way I know I've had a very good start and am counting my blessings.

CD4 was 674 and 627, diagnosed on 18/09/2012. Doctor thinks in the last 3/4 months but I think it's more like 6.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2012, 09:05:18 am »
First, welcome to the forums, but sorry you had to find us.

I'm surprised the viral load test you are getting is that sensitive. Many tests do not tests below 50 or 75 copies so the fact you are getting 47 and 43 is remarkable. It would have come up as undetectable on regular tests.

You very well may be an elite controller, but it's a little early to tell.
I would suggest you contact the Zephyr foundation at http://zephyrfoundation.org/ . You will find other elite and viremic controllers over there.

I was one of them too. The lowest my VL got was 170 . I ended up still going on therapy after 3 years and do not regret that decision, I actually wish I had started earlier.

Offline Souledout

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  • Posts: 160
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2012, 10:02:11 am »
Yeah I really wish I'd not had to find this forum but now that I'm here I'm glad. I've read a fair amount of the posts and everybody seems very supportive and that's one things I need - I don't know anybody else who is positive.

I know it's early days and that I've got a loooooong way to go but I know it's also a very good start. The test that they use in Manchester (UK) goes down to 40 copies which is pretty accurate, it's interesting to hear that in many places I would be considered undetectable. I've got my fingers crossed that on my next test on the 19th I'll have dropped 4 more copies and that I'll have reached our undetectable limit. That would be a nice middle finger to the virus.

Can I ask why you went on therapy? Did your numbers change dramatically? I'm still kind of concerned that I could sky rocket (my doctor isn't even sure that I've  seroconverted yet - I really hope this is not the case.)

I've just been to the doctors and checked my notes, I thought I had everything worked out and knew when I was infected but the seroconversion symptoms I had displayed were months before my last test. To say I'm confused... Unless that was a false negative. Who knows.

Thanks for the link, I'm on it now.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2012, 10:43:50 am »
leatherman, I seem completely unable to find the private message reply button so can't get back to you :)

It's hard not to stress a bit, it's only natural to REALLY want the best. But I know that even if my VL is not low then it's not the end of the world, I'll be in the same boat as pretty much everyone else which isn't all that bad these days. I'd prefer to be in a kick ass battle ship obviously ;)
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Jmarksto

  • Member
  • Posts: 667
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2012, 12:01:23 pm »
Souledout; 

As others have said - sorry you need to be here, but welcome to the forums.  It sounds like you have a good attitude, have good medical attention, and are learning as much as you can -- which is great.

Regarding the Private Message button - you need to post three times before the system will give you that function.

Again, welcome,

JM
03/15/12 Negative
06/15/12 Positive
07/11/12 CD4 790          VL 4,000
08/06/12 CD4 816/38%   VL 49,300
08/20/12 Started Complera
11/06/12 CD4   819/41% VL 38
02/11/13 CD4   935/41% VL UD
06/06/13 CD4   816/41% VL UD
10/28/13 CD4 1131/45% VL 25
02/25/14 CD4   792/37% VL UD
07/09/14 CD4 1004/39% VL UD
11/03/14 CD4   711/34% VL UD
03/13/15 CD4   833/36% VL UD
04/??/15 Truvada & Tivicay
06/01/15 CD4 1100/50% VL UD
10/16/15 CD4   826/43% VL UD
??/??/2017 Descov & Tivicay
2017 VL UD, CD4 stable around 850
2018 VL UD, CD4 stable around 850

Offline leatherman

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  • Google and HIV meds are Your Friends
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2012, 12:07:46 pm »
leatherman, I seem completely unable to find the private message reply button so can't get back to you :)
you have to have 3 regular posts before the PM system kicks in.
(oops! took too long writing this up and got beat to the punch. LOL)
You now have 3 posts. WooHoo! ;D

Oh I can understand worrying about numbers. It took me 12 yrs to reach undetectable (and at that time UD was still 400 I think) and 17 yrs of meds for my cd4s to hit 300. While I worried a lot getting from there to here, looking back now I can say the stress wasn't worth it. ;) Sometimes worrying about the numbers (especially when the change is insignificant) is useless and what you should be focusing on is the good health you have, the life you are living and enjoying, and general stress reduction.

But what I did point out in my PM and wanted to make as my point was that it's all about the trends over time. Right now your 47 to 43 is statistically no change at all - especially as it seems these tests may have been a month or less apart. To be a significant change you need to see your count go to 4 or to 400 as significant viral load change is defined as a logarithmic function

here's some info about the log value/change (in order of significance)
http://www.aids.org/topics/aids-factsheets/aids-background-information/what-is-aids/safer-sex-guidelines/viral-load-tests/
http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/viral-load-converting-log-values-to-numbers
http://www.thebody.com/content/art12795.html

oh, and since you're new to this stuff, don't let me forget to point out the excellent LESSONS section here (2nd column under the TREATMENT button in the menubar)  ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline friskyguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 109
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2012, 12:41:16 pm »
pls think carefully about going on meds right away. With more acceptable meds now with less side effects, guidelines in the US now recommend commencement of meds regardless of viral load. I recall more progressive cities in the US, ie San Franscisco and New York have had some good results with earlier commencement of meds.

Guidelines in the UK are not as aggressive but there seems to be a genuine movement to earlier commencement regardless. I reckon the brits will move in line with the US soon enough. Maybe the increased costs of such a move could be part of their current decision as there is universal coverage there and very expensive if they lower the threshold/change guidelines.

I believe the recent current thinking is that an earlier commencement of meds would assist in smaller viral reservoirs and therefore well placed for a cure if and when a treatment at reducing the viral reservoir is in place. Also ealier commencement of meds would assist in reducing inflamation in your body and therefore reduce those nasty complications caused my constant low levels of virus.

Also remember HIV is now populating your CNS which is bad news. Also meds would assist in preservation of your immune system and building on your good numbers today and assist in protecting your CNS.

Everyone gets hung up on viral load which yes it is very important but as new studies come to light remember viral load is only just part of the story of HIV monitoring and prevention of complications.

All good reasons to start now but of course you need to discuss with an 'up to date' doctor with real experience with elite controllers to make an informed decision for yourself.
Sero converted Sept '10 / Confirmed + Dec '10
Jan '11, VL 9,500 / CD4 482 (32%)
Feb '11, VL 5,800 / CD4 680 (37%)
start Atripla
Mch '11, VL UD / CD4 700 (42%)
Jun  '11, VL UD / CD4 750 (43%)
swap to Kivexa and Efav. due to osteopenia diag. (DEXA) / kidney issues ( decline in eGFR to 77 )
start supplements - Vit D3 / Omega 3 / multivitamin / mini aspirin
Dec '11,  VL UD <20 /  CD4 670 (49%)  / CD4:CD8 = 1.4
all labs now within normal ranges
Mch '12,  VL UD / CD4 600 (51%)
Sep '12,  VL UD / CD4 810 (51%)
Mch '13   VL UD / CD4 965 (56%)
Sep '13   VL UD / CD4 (not taken)
Dec '13   VL UD / CD4 901 (35%) / CD4:CD8 = 1.1  /  eGFR > 100

Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2012, 12:52:21 pm »
Thanks. I'm pretty clued up on the log system, I studied chemistry at university so got a reasonable mathematical/scientific head on my shoulders (which is pretty useful when it comes to understanding complicated research papers). Even though I know a drop of 4 isn't really significant it would be a little morale boosting victory, and it would be even better to keep it there for some time.

Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2012, 01:00:36 pm »
At the moment im really not keen on medication. I'm aware that there is some evidence that going on meds early is beneficial but most of the evidence will have been gathered from people wit far higher viral loads than me. I know that keeping my body fighting the virus on its own does cause inflammation over time and maybe I will decide its best for me to go on meds early but that's something I have to discuss at length. Choosing a lifelong regime of medication is not a decision to be taken lightly. Again, I'll know more about my status in a few weeks and then over the next few months, at which point I can make a more informed choice.
I guess I've got to read a few more papers on the subject.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Jmarksto

  • Member
  • Posts: 667
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2012, 01:44:57 pm »
Souledout;

Deciding when to start meds is such a personal choice - given your numbers, the "newness", etc. I think you are wise to take your time with that decision, but also to keep a close eye on it.

My doc, who specializes in HIV, wanted me to wait 3 - 6 months for me to adjust emotionally, get educated, and make sure that I would be consistent with my meds.  I was much more freaked out than you are (by the sounds of it anyway) and he knew it.  I did want to start earlier, primarily to reduce the risk of transmission to my partner.  I did notice that I have more energy and my minor skin rashes went away after starting meds.

You noted that you don't know anyone else who is positive -- which I didn't either.  My doctor recommended a therapist that specializes in HIV - which has been a great help.  Others have noted support groups that have been helpful. 

Again, welcome and I wish you well,

JM
03/15/12 Negative
06/15/12 Positive
07/11/12 CD4 790          VL 4,000
08/06/12 CD4 816/38%   VL 49,300
08/20/12 Started Complera
11/06/12 CD4   819/41% VL 38
02/11/13 CD4   935/41% VL UD
06/06/13 CD4   816/41% VL UD
10/28/13 CD4 1131/45% VL 25
02/25/14 CD4   792/37% VL UD
07/09/14 CD4 1004/39% VL UD
11/03/14 CD4   711/34% VL UD
03/13/15 CD4   833/36% VL UD
04/??/15 Truvada & Tivicay
06/01/15 CD4 1100/50% VL UD
10/16/15 CD4   826/43% VL UD
??/??/2017 Descov & Tivicay
2017 VL UD, CD4 stable around 850
2018 VL UD, CD4 stable around 850

Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2012, 02:07:40 pm »
Oh I was freaked out, believe me! But it happened at a good time for me - literally the day before I had taken stock of my life and noted how damn good it was. I've just bought a house, got a great man, got a new job, got the most amazing set of friends and the most amazing social life. I was also in the process of setting up a business which was really stressful and hard work but gave me something to focus on - I wasnt about to let this fucking virus ruin my life. With the support of my friends and partner I got through the worst of it unscathed. It actually was the catalyst for the word love to be spoken between us for the first time (through tear stained eyes and sobs).

Pretty soon I realised it wasn't a death sentence - the news could be MUCH worse. I kinda had a second chance at life. Colours went from watercolour to lush oils. I was seeing beauty where before I'd have hurried along head down. I swear I've cried more times at the love and support I've received from friends than from the diagnosis itself.

I've got my name down for counselling (not that I think I need it but it can't hurt) and made contact with a local HIV charity just in case I need them. I reckon my doctors are top notch (don't believe all that you guys hear about our nhs - it's brilliant at times). When I'm in next I'll talk to them more about the million questions I'm amassing.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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  • No longer an active member
    • My personal site
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #11 on: October 31, 2012, 11:10:08 pm »
Can I ask why you went on therapy? Did your numbers change dramatically? I'm still kind of concerned that I could sky rocket (my doctor isn't even sure that I've  seroconverted yet - I really hope this is not the case.)

I went on therapy because I had some chronic fatigue. It had nothing to do with my numbers. My numbers were the best they ever had been at the time  I went on therapy. My VL went undetectable 2 weeks from the time I ingested my first pills.

If you are testing positive for HIV on the antibody test, and you have a viral load, then you have seroconverted.

Quote
I've just been to the doctors and checked my notes, I thought I had everything worked out and knew when I was infected but the seroconversion symptoms I had displayed were months before my last test. To say I'm confused... Unless that was a false negative. Who knows.

I think it was likely  a false negative.

I had some illness that in retrospect looks like seroconversion illness, in early April 2006. I still tested negative on the antibody test in late june 2006. My next test was in october 2006 and positive.

Unfortunately it appears that some  viremic/elite controllers may be experiencing false negatives, or rather delayed positive test results. At least that's my theory. There is just not enough data on it yet to prove one way or the other. But your experience mirrors mine.

It doesn't help much to try to figure out what happened in the past exactly though, you have to think about the future.

Quote
Thanks for the link, I'm on it now.

You are welcome. It's an unusual situation to be in. Only a small percentage are viremic or elite controllers.
You will find many people who chose not to go on therapy, including the founder of the site. And many others that did, such as myself.
Take your time making that decision. It took me 3 years to come to terms with it. I wish I had taken less time.

Offline madbrain

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  • Posts: 1,208
  • No longer an active member
    • My personal site
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #12 on: October 31, 2012, 11:17:13 pm »
Oh I was freaked out, believe me! But it happened at a good time for me - literally the day before I had taken stock of my life and noted how damn good it was. I've just bought a house, got a great man, got a new job, got the most amazing set of friends and the most amazing social life. I was also in the process of setting up a business which was really stressful and hard work but gave me something to focus on - I wasnt about to let this fucking virus ruin my life. With the support of my friends and partner I got through the worst of it unscathed. It actually was the catalyst for the word love to be spoken between us for the first time (through tear stained eyes and sobs).

Pretty soon I realised it wasn't a death sentence - the news could be MUCH worse. I kinda had a second chance at life. Colours went from watercolour to lush oils. I was seeing beauty where before I'd have hurried along head down. I swear I've cried more times at the love and support I've received from friends than from the diagnosis itself.

I've got my name down for counselling (not that I think I need it but it can't hurt) and made contact with a local HIV charity just in case I need them. I reckon my doctors are top notch (don't believe all that you guys hear about our nhs - it's brilliant at times). When I'm in next I'll talk to them more about the million questions I'm amassing.

You seem to be adjusting exceptionally well. I have never heard anyone say that there was a "good time" for testing positive.

I read so many research papers and learned way too much about the virus in my first year. If you can do it without getting depressed, go for it. I certainly could not and at least one year of my life got essentially wasted after my diagnosis. My partner also tested positive and it's pretty clear that he got it from me. That was really a very trying time. I am glad that first year is behind, but still not everything has been dandy since.

Has your lover been retested since your diagnosis?

Counselling is a very good idea and you should use all resources available to you as you need them. Maybe join a support group if there is one near you.

Offline lincoln6echo

  • Member
  • Posts: 110
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #13 on: November 01, 2012, 01:05:17 am »
Also ealier commencement of meds would assist in reducing inflamation in your body and therefore reduce those nasty complications caused my constant low levels of virus.

Hey friskyguy. When you refer to complications being caused by low levels of virus, what are you referring to?

I'm newly infected and learning as I go along so curious what that means.

Thanks.
Lincoln.

Offline friskyguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 109
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #14 on: November 01, 2012, 03:08:58 am »
Hi, the low level of virus reference was to the OP and his present low level of virus. Here are some articles that I have for your further interest.

Hiv causes increased immune activation in your body as your immune system ramps up and attempts to battle the virus. This is not good as the increased immune activation increases inflammation in the body which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), clotting and stroke, ie increased risk of mortality and may cause damage on a cellular level.
Good article on inflammation here;
http://thebody.com/content/treat/art57904.html

When inflammation becomes chronic (from uncontrolled HIV), vital organ systems such as blood vessels, heart, kidneys and liver can become damaged which can increase risk of serious health problems.
http://aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_inflammation_fibrinogen_1667_19261.shtml
http://www.aidsmap.com/Accelerated-hardening-of-the-arteries-in-patients-with-HIV-traditional-risks-the-main-cause/page/2030903/

Meds can reduce inflammation by controlling the level of virus to UD assisting the immune system control the virus and allowing your immune system not to be on a heighten state of alert and therefore strong enough to fight other pathogens and disease that might come your way.
http://hivandhepatitis.com/2009icr/croi/pdf/3McComsey.pdf

Low dose aspirin can help lower CVD risk from inflammation by thinning the blood.
http://aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_aspirin_heart_1667_18917.shtml
Sero converted Sept '10 / Confirmed + Dec '10
Jan '11, VL 9,500 / CD4 482 (32%)
Feb '11, VL 5,800 / CD4 680 (37%)
start Atripla
Mch '11, VL UD / CD4 700 (42%)
Jun  '11, VL UD / CD4 750 (43%)
swap to Kivexa and Efav. due to osteopenia diag. (DEXA) / kidney issues ( decline in eGFR to 77 )
start supplements - Vit D3 / Omega 3 / multivitamin / mini aspirin
Dec '11,  VL UD <20 /  CD4 670 (49%)  / CD4:CD8 = 1.4
all labs now within normal ranges
Mch '12,  VL UD / CD4 600 (51%)
Sep '12,  VL UD / CD4 810 (51%)
Mch '13   VL UD / CD4 965 (56%)
Sep '13   VL UD / CD4 (not taken)
Dec '13   VL UD / CD4 901 (35%) / CD4:CD8 = 1.1  /  eGFR > 100

Offline Souledout

  • Member
  • Posts: 160
Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #15 on: November 01, 2012, 06:12:02 am »
I think it was likely  a false negative.

I had some illness that in retrospect looks like seroconversion illness, in early April 2006. I still tested negative on the antibody test in late june 2006. My next test was in october 2006 and positive.

Unfortunately it appears that some  viremic/elite controllers may be experiencing false negatives, or rather delayed positive test results. At least that's my theory. There is just not enough data on it yet to prove one way or the other. But your experience mirrors mine.

It doesn't help much to try to figure out what happened in the past exactly though, you have to think about the future.

This is interesting. And highly confusing. If this is the case then I seroconverted in February 11 and have been positive for well over a year without knowing it. Major headfuck if that's the case.

I know that it won't change anything but I'm the kind of person who needs answers, I need to know who I got this from and when. It won't make any difference in the end and if I do find out I'll most likely just shrug my shoulders and move on.

It also has implications on who I could have infected in that time. I know that the chance of me passing this on if I've had a very low viral load during that time is low (which I will never know and can only make an informed guess at) but it's still there and in that time there have been people I care for who I should inform (or through the anonymous service at the doctors).
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #16 on: November 01, 2012, 06:28:07 am »
You seem to be adjusting exceptionally well. I have never heard anyone say that there was a "good time" for testing positive.

I read so many research papers and learned way too much about the virus in my first year. If you can do it without getting depressed, go for it. I certainly could not and at least one year of my life got essentially wasted after my diagnosis. My partner also tested positive and it's pretty clear that he got it from me. That was really a very trying time. I am glad that first year is behind, but still not everything has been dandy since.

Has your lover been retested since your diagnosis?

Counselling is a very good idea and you should use all resources available to you as you need them. Maybe join a support group if there is one near you.

Haha, er could I edit that and say "relatively good time" for diagnosis? The point I was making is that since I turned 30 I seem to have "got my life in order". Everything I've been wanting for the last 10 years is in place and I have to say I love my life at the moment. If this has happened last year it would have ruined me and I'd have not coped. If this had happened the year before, when I was already going through some major issues, I could have seen myself committing suicide.

My partner has been tested yes. We had one condom break in June and he's had two negative tests since then, at 3 and 3 1/2 months since. My third thought after diagnosis (after DEATH and whether I culd still father children - something I want to do in the near future) was for him. I was so scared about him and was wracked with guilt about being blasé after the condom break and saying that I was free of the virus. His results were a great comfort to me, I'd have had a a much harder time if I'd infected him, I really feel for you.

Maybe it's the comfort I've taken from my labs, maybe it's the support I've received, maybe it's that I'm a stronger person now than I give myself credit for (or a bit of all 3) but I am coping well. I've had a few people (including doctors) say how well I've taken the news, I don't think I've done any different from others in the same boat. Or perhaps I'm just on course for a massive emotional crash... I bloody hope not ;)
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #17 on: November 01, 2012, 06:30:39 am »
Thanks for those links by the way, MORE reading! They've given me a few more questions to raise with my doctor next month.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #18 on: November 02, 2012, 11:06:19 pm »
This is interesting. And highly confusing. If this is the case then I seroconverted in February 11 and have been positive for well over a year without knowing it. Major headfuck if that's the case.

I doubt very much that the positive test would be delayed by that long. I think mostly for controllers it would be on the upper range of the 3-6 months that used to be quoted. Keep in mind, this is just my theory.

Quote
I know that it won't change anything but I'm the kind of person who needs answers, I need to know who I got this from and when. It won't make any difference in the end and if I do find out I'll most likely just shrug my shoulders and move on.

Well, I recommend you don't spend too much time on it. You may just never get the answer you are looking for.

Quote
It also has implications on who I could have infected in that time. I know that the chance of me passing this on if I've had a very low viral load during that time is low (which I will never know and can only make an informed guess at) but it's still there and in that time there have been people I care for who I should inform (or through the anonymous service at the doctors).

Without testing there is no way to tell how much your viral load may have been before.
It is supposed to shoot way up when you seroconvert, then it tends to go down and stabilize, except for fast progressors, other end of the spectrum.

The fact that your VL is already that low means you likely converted some time ago.

My first VL was 800 and that also means my seroconversion happened many weeks or months before, I think about 5 months from that illness in my case. Unfortunately, I did pass HIV to my partner during that time period. We both tested positive at the same time, and had both tested negative 6 months before.

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #19 on: November 04, 2012, 09:42:56 am »
I think I had a negative test in june 11 (unless I've got my dates wrong, I've no record of when I had it). I'm not spending too much time on finding out who but I like to have answers, if I don't get them then I'll live though. And to the point about viral load, I know all the number trends, the fact that I don't know means that its more important to to figure out timescales and contact more people if necessary.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #20 on: November 05, 2012, 04:21:53 am »
I think I had a negative test in june 11 (unless I've got my dates wrong, I've no record of when I had it). I'm not spending too much time on finding out who but I like to have answers, if I don't get them then I'll live though. And to the point about viral load, I know all the number trends, the fact that I don't know means that its more important to to figure out timescales and contact more people if necessary.

If you had one year between tests, it makes it hard to narrow the date, but of course it depends on the number of partners you had.
But I don't think it would ever take a year to show up on positive on an HIV antibody test. The longest that has ever been recommended as a window was 12 months and that was for tests being done a long time ago. Current tests are supposed to be very accurate just 3 weeks out, but I personally have my doubts when it comes to HIV controllers.

I don't think my hypothesis is one that can be scientifically tested either at this time, as we don't yet know before hand who will or will not be an HIV controller before they become infected, though we are on our way. Maybe some day after most of the relevant genes are found, there will be a study on HIV controllers, pre-screened through genetic testing, and with very frequent HIV antibody testing, that will find how long it takes HIV controllers to turn positive on an antibody test, to see if it's longer than for the rest of the population as I believe it is.

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #21 on: November 06, 2012, 03:36:39 pm »
Well it wouldnt have been a year, symptoms in February and then a negative test in June. I've not been massively promiscuous or been having sex without condoms in the last few years (or ever) hand not really putting much importance on HIV tests apart from a yearly one to put my mind at rest.

If I am lucky enough to be a controller I'm more than ready to offer up my body to science, it'd be the least I could do to repay my good fortune and would be amazing if something even semi-useful came from it.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline mecch

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #22 on: November 06, 2012, 05:41:44 pm »
It also has implications on who I could have infected in that time. I know that the chance of me passing this on if I've had a very low viral load during that time is low (which I will never know and can only make an informed guess at) but it's still there and in that time there have been people I care for who I should inform (or through the anonymous service at the doctors).

If you had safe sex with these people, why do you think you passed on the virus. And why would you think your last test negative test was a false negative, anyway...

you said....
I've not been massively promiscuous or been having sex without condoms in the last few years (or ever) hand not really putting much importance on HIV tests apart from a yearly one to put my mind at rest.

So, in the few months you have been positive, there is no need to inform anyone you had safesex with.

We can assume there was at least one you had risky sex with.   8)

Just inform the ones you had risky sex with.  Or use your country's anonymous notification if you don't feel like coming out about being positive.

Some people can never identify their risk and/or the person who may have passed the virus. 

So you may have to shrug your shoulders and move on.

By the way - promiscuous sex does not lead to HIV transmission.

It's the risky sex.   But you know that, being smart, and a chemistry grad, to boot.


« Last Edit: November 06, 2012, 06:30:11 pm by mecch »
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #23 on: November 08, 2012, 06:02:34 am »
Practising safe sex is not a sure fire way of not passing the virus on. There could have been a condom break gone unnoticed or it can be passed on through oral (as is likely in my case I think). I think it's the right thing to do to let people know, which I'll do anonymously as I'm not spreading it about that I'm positive.

If you have a risk line of spreading the virus it looks like this:

no sex (no risk) -------------------------------------------------lots of sex (higher risk)

The more promiscuous you are the higher the chances of catching any std, goes without saying.


And the reason I think it could have been a false negative is because of the symptoms I had before the test.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline mecch

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #24 on: November 08, 2012, 01:39:11 pm »
Practising safe sex is not a sure fire way of not passing the virus on.
Yes it is a sure way.

There could have been a condom break gone unnoticed
Yes this is true, however. 

or it can be passed on through oral (as is likely in my case I think).

This is not the party line around here.  Also you might be hard pressed to get a doctor to agree this was your transmission route.

I think it's the right thing to do to let people know, which I'll do anonymously as I'm not spreading it about that I'm positive.

If you have a risk line of spreading the virus it looks like this:

no sex (no risk) -------------------------------------------------lots of sex (higher risk)

OK I see your point of view.  Note that very very very very few people live their lives thinking their safe sex practices put them at risk..  Very very few people are going stop having sex with the rationale that's the only way not to have an HIV risk. 

The more promiscuous you are the higher the chances of catching any std, goes without saying.

I'm sorry, you didn't ask for this reply and I am replying off the topic.  My first reply way pretty much motivated by this belief of yours.  Well, you are welcome to it.  But its there are MANY people here who wouldn't say that "IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING" that promiscuity leads to HIV.   If you are using condoms....   Anyway, I was a slut for 20+ years and had safe sex and never got HIV. 
Also, as a newbie, you should note that this kind of stereotype ("I am the exception, having likely got HIV through Oral sex, and never having been promiscuous and never practicing unsafe sex") is going to rub a fair amount of HIV+ people the wrong way.   You aren't the first "immaculate transmission" from unknown risk.   

Eventually, you MIGHT find that dropping stereotypes about who has HIV and delusions about how it is trasmitted, MIGHT help you adjust faster to your own diagnosis, and also smooth the way to easier relations, with both HIV- and HIV+ folks... 

Just an idea to think about.

You are a very recent infection.  Let's sum it up. You hope to be an elite controller.  (Agreed, that would be fabulous.... But its a wait and see, for the moment.)  You didn't get it being promiscuous ("goes without saying" thats how people usually get hiv) you didn't get it from unsafe anal or vaginal sex.  You "likely" got it from oral sex....

Its hovering around wishful thinking.  But I DO hope you are an elite controller. 

Good luck to you.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2012, 01:42:31 pm by mecch »
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #25 on: November 08, 2012, 01:45:42 pm »
How does one disclose their HIV status anonymously?
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline The_Countess

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #26 on: November 08, 2012, 02:27:35 pm »

How does one disclose their HIV status anonymously?



I imagine that you let the potential sexual partneer know that youre positive, but you never state your identity. or you wear a paper bag over you head while enjoying a penis up the tunnel.

The Countess.  Enjoying my HIV since 1992.  Cocktails added in 1998.

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #27 on: November 08, 2012, 02:45:26 pm »
Ok there a a few things there I disagree with but life's too short to worry about such things and get drawn into useless arguments online. Let's just leave it yeah. I would say that I'm adjusting to being positive pretty well and usually pay no heed to stereotypes. I'm just trying to make retrospective sense of things. Apologies to anyone I've rubbed up the wrong way.

In the uk you can pass details on of sexual partners to the sexual health services and they'll send a message to them saying they may have been potentially exposed to an std. Gets the job done without the person involved having to make "that phone call".
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #28 on: November 08, 2012, 03:26:21 pm »
So when earlier you stated "I think it's the right thing to do to let people know" you mean it's right to let them know after you've infected them? Seriously?

Or am I confusing what you're trying to say? Maybe I'm reading this incorrectly.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #29 on: November 08, 2012, 03:33:25 pm »
I'm not sure what you're saying. Is it not the right and normal thing to let people who ive had sex know that I've found out I'm HIV positive so they can get themselves checked? Either there's a chance I've passed it on to them without knowing or they've passed it to me without them knowing they're positive. I'm DEFINITELY not saying that I've infected people knowingly and then are telling them now if that's what you think I mean.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #30 on: November 08, 2012, 03:40:59 pm »
I'm not sure what you're saying. Is it not the right and normal thing to let people who ive had sex know that I've found out I'm HIV positive so they can get themselves checked? Either there's a chance I've passed it on to them without knowing or they've passed it to me without them knowing they're positive. I'm DEFINITELY not saying that I've infected people knowingly and then are telling them now if that's what you think I mean.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #31 on: November 08, 2012, 04:00:32 pm »
Of couse it is. I thought you were talking about how you would be having sex going forward after your diagnosis, not what you did previous to that point. Or am I still misunderstanding your posting?
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #32 on: November 08, 2012, 04:39:15 pm »
Oh as in me now going on from here knowing I'm positive and not disclosing before I have sex and knowingly infecting them? Damn no! If Im ever in the position it's going to be upfront disclosure.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #33 on: November 09, 2012, 09:19:31 pm »
Practising safe sex is not a sure fire way of not passing the virus on. There could have been a condom break gone unnoticed or it can be passed on through oral (as is likely in my case I think). I think it's the right thing to do to let people know, which I'll do anonymously as I'm not spreading it about that I'm positive.

Odd how your story mirrors mine - I do think I got HIV through oral also. I will never know for sure if that's the case, and most on this forum won't want to believe it.
I do have proof that, more recently, I caught STDs through oral, anal swab negative and oral swab positive for STDs. Not very surprising since I'm mostly top and use condom when I do, oral is basically the main route left for things to go wrong. It's not a big leap for me to think the HIV came in the same way. Not that it matters for me now.

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #34 on: November 10, 2012, 04:11:41 am »
It doesn't really matter how it happened I know, and it definitely doesn't matter what other people want to believe. Having always used condoms and practised safe sex I was more than a little shocked when I was told I tested positive (passing out and almost being sick shocked). I've had on going, persistent gum problems in the last few years which have left me with what is pretty much an open wound inside my mouth. Makes sense to me that's how I've caught it. But if others want to assume I'm deluding myself and have been engaged in risky sex but don't want to admit it then that's up to them. Or like I said, safe sex can involve a console break that's gone unnoticed. If it happened in the last 3/4 months like the doctor believes then it is DEFINITELY how I caught it, in they time I've been with 2 guys - one my (negative) current boyfriend and one guy I gave some serious head to (status unknown).
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #35 on: November 10, 2012, 05:00:42 am »
It doesn't really matter how it happened I know, and it definitely doesn't matter what other people want to believe. Having always used condoms and practised safe sex I was more than a little shocked when I was told I tested positive (passing out and almost being sick shocked). I've had on going, persistent gum problems in the last few years which have left me with what is pretty much an open wound inside my mouth. Makes sense to me that's how I've caught it. But if others want to assume I'm deluding myself and have been engaged in risky sex but don't want to admit it then that's up to them. Or like I said, safe sex can involve a console break that's gone unnoticed. If it happened in the last 3/4 months like the doctor believes then it is DEFINITELY how I caught it, in they time I've been with 2 guys - one my (negative) current boyfriend and one guy I gave some serious head to (status unknown).

Again, just stunning the similarities . I used to brush my teeth as part of my cleanup routine before hooking up, and that often caused my gums to bleed a little bit. That's why oral is my best guess about how HIV transmission happened for me.

Nobody on this forum is going to believe you or me about the transmission route. And ultimately, it doesn't matter. You have the virus in you now, it's not going away, and you have to deal with it, just like all of us. Whether you got it through sex, drugs, blood transfusion is just irrelevant.

As far as disclosing to others, I would disclose to any sex partners from the previous six months period before your test, either anonymously through health services or on your own. You are not legally obligated but it's certainly good to remind them that they need to get tested, which they should do at least once a year anyway.

Offline anmlvrnyc

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #36 on: December 01, 2012, 12:27:11 am »
Souledout,
I am very similar to your case. I was diagnosed in March 2011. My CD4 has been fluctuating from 450 to 700. My VL has been fluctuating from 65 to 200. I'm not on meds. My last negative test was September 2009.
Fortunately I live in NYC and I have one of the best doctors in the city. CD4 and VL are important but my doctor also pays serious attention to my CD4 % and CD8 level among other things.
My CD4 % has been fluctuating from 40% to 30%. 30% is considered as getting too low.
My CD8 has always been close to 800. 800 is considered as getting too high.
CD8 level goes higher when your body is fighting back the virus too hard. Which means your immune system is always fighting and my body gets tired. As I get older my body won't be able to keep it up. But that's for everyone.
I am not ready to make a life time commitment to the meds yet. But if my numbers get worse, I will have to make a decision.
I have met a few guys who stayed off meds for 6 to 10 years. They each had their own reason as to why they started taking medication. Numbers changed or just for peace of mind or whatever. I also met this guy who is UD for 4 years without meds. It doesn't make much sense to me but if he is UD without meds, good for him.
I will let you know if my body changes. I wish you all the best.

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #37 on: December 02, 2012, 03:38:20 pm »
Well, VL jumped to 959. What the fuck? From <40 in September to almost a thousand. This has freaked me out big time.  Also feeling massively guilty about freaking out as I know so many people would kill for my results (CD4 at 676 this time). I'm sorry if  coming across as selfish, quibbling about what others would see as amazing results.

It's left me with more questions. My blood was taken just after a really bad cold sore outbreak, could this have spiked my VL as I've read? Or have I just had a dead low set point and was diagnosed just as it started to climb? I know it's still low and I should just count my blessings but I'm the kind of person who gets hung up and obsesses.

Guess I've got to wait another few months for my next results to shed light.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #38 on: December 03, 2012, 12:29:06 am »
Well, VL jumped to 959. What the fuck? From <40 in September to almost a thousand. This has freaked me out big time.  Also feeling massively guilty about freaking out as I know so many people would kill for my results (CD4 at 676 this time). I'm sorry if  coming across as selfish, quibbling about what others would see as amazing results.

It's left me with more questions. My blood was taken just after a really bad cold sore outbreak, could this have spiked my VL as I've read? Or have I just had a dead low set point and was diagnosed just as it started to climb? I know it's still low and I should just count my blessings but I'm the kind of person who gets hung up and obsesses.

Guess I've got to wait another few months for my next results to shed light.

It could simply be a spike. Or a botched test.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

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Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #39 on: December 03, 2012, 05:06:46 am »
Botched test? Does that happen? How big can spikes be?
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline leatherman

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #40 on: December 03, 2012, 11:15:47 am »
botched testing does happen some, and spikes can be into the thousands

that is why when you are talking about numbers and HIV you should always consider the trend over at least 3 tests. Cd4s can change by up to 100 in one day. VL can occasionally jump around too (in a much more limited way). Worrying about the results from ONE test is simply wasted energy and emotion. ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #41 on: December 03, 2012, 02:12:06 pm »
Thanks leatherman, maybe if people tell me that enough I'll actually believe it someday ;)

Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #42 on: December 03, 2012, 04:30:48 pm »
Thanks leatherman, maybe if people tell me that enough I'll actually believe it someday ;)



Until there is a cure, you'll have plenty of time to assimilate the information.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline leatherman

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #43 on: December 04, 2012, 01:51:50 am »
Until there is a cure, you'll have plenty of time to assimilate the information.
sometimes we so need a buttton ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #44 on: December 04, 2012, 06:03:08 am »
Hahaaaa I'm set starting my information assimilation, there's a lot to plough through mind.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

Offline madbrain

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #45 on: December 04, 2012, 06:02:10 pm »
Well, VL jumped to 959. What the fuck? From <40 in September to almost a thousand. This has freaked me out big time.

Your VL is still in the range for viremic controllers which is excellent.
Have you signed up at the Zephyr foundation yet ?

Offline Souledout

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Re: Recently diagnosed, VL of 47 then 43, elite controller?
« Reply #46 on: December 04, 2012, 06:56:13 pm »
No they never got ack to me about it, I probably jumped the gun anyway, best leave it a year or so before I consider it if my results go that way. The EC thought was a nice buffer into my new life, I'm still in a great position.
Infection sometime April-August, no noticable seroconversion symptoms
Not currently on medication
13/09/12 CD4 672 (33%) VL <40 (diagnosis date)
18/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 43
27/09/12 CD4 ?               VL 127
19/11/12 CD4 676 (38%) VL 959
03/03/13 CD4 642 (32%) VL 291
04/07/13 CD4 791 (33%) VL 26,437 (active cold sore, tooth infection)
18/07/13 ------retest------VL 3704
18/11/13 CD4 802 (36%) VL 65

 


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