FREAKED OUT by my bloodwork

[tommyga]

I went to my ID today for my bloodwork results, and I'm a little distrubed. My tcell count stayed exactly the same at 764, but my VL skyrocketed to 165,000 from 13,000. What gives man? I have been really consistent in my numbers, after two rounds of bloodwork, they were 10,000 the first time, then 13,000, now it's all the way up to 165,000.

I was a little sick prior to doing the blodwork, (sore throat), but I had finished my antibiotics, and given it a good week before I went in. I think maybe I have something else going on with my body. Is this a sign that I have some other infection at work?

[WildcatCC]

Hey bud. I feel your pain! One thing my ID doc always tells me is don't do your blood work if you feel sick, are taking other medications, etc. Get your system clear then get your blood work redone. Good luck.

[tommyga]

Thanks man! I appreciate the support. Ugh.

[northernguy]

Sounds like it might be a "blip".  Ask about getting a retest.

[skeebo1969]

   I agree with the others that this is most likely a blip.  Before I started meds, my VL was all over the place and my Cd4 pretty much remained constant.  Ask your doctor to do just a VL test once you have this recent illness all cleared up.

[Theyer]

Hello Tommyga

Blips definitely happen, and passing bugs etc do screw results. Hope after the re testing all is well.
About 5 years ago my clinic had to call in about 50 people because the lab messed up. Just another example off blips
Take care
Michael

[tommyga]

Thanks so much everyone, I'm getting a retest done in a month. Hopefully I'll be back in my comfort zone with my VL. l:)

[decayingsinner]

I know it's hard not to worry. I had a blip in my cd4 count last time and had a re-test done. It's concerning, but try to picture it in the big scheme of things.

[Nestor]

I've had some pretty wild fluctuation in vl too, although not quite as dramatic as what you describe.  However, antibiotics are pretty destructive things, and it stands to reason that a mere week after finishing a course of them your system would be weakened.  Wait for the next test to see what happens.  Good luck!