POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Gs87s on December 31, 2008, 01:07:57 am
-
Hey all... i see that alot of people have their CD4 and viral, load count on their profile... i myself find it very very supportive and helpful to see how far and well others are doing. If u would like to, please post your CD4/VL and how it has changed w/ time...even meds that your on oh and also how long u have lived w/ the virus...everyone say that with todays medical advancements people are living longer and longer....i may just speak for myself but it also helps hear it from 1st hand account....ive seen ppl that have had it for 20+ years and that really makes this whole thing easier to deal with. I think it will be a good way for newly positive people like myself to feel more confidence about survival to see real life numbers from real survivors.
Thanks in advance! And remember, always keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.
-
I've gone from something like 180 cd4 in 1993 to a high of 1425 in the past year. However, I didn't go above 500 until just 2.5 years ago, so the entire first decade it rose rather slowly and with a lot of up and downs, so never freak out with the inevitable fluctuations with your cd4's. It's MUCH more important to get your viral load to undetectable. Your immune system may not reconstitute with a rising cd4 for some time after that, in any substantial amount. Conversely many patients do see a rather decent rise... this all varies quite a lot from patient to patient.
-
Here is the short version:
1993 VL=> 1 million CD4=570 CD4%=19
1999 VL=30,221 CD4=90 CD4%=9
2008 VL=<50 CD4=820 CD4%=27
-
Mine are in my signature line below.
-
I remember when I was first diagnosed about 3 yrs ago with a CD4 count of 179 and VL 55k. My viral load went undetectable in about 3 months, but my CD4 just inched up and that really bothered me when I compared my CD4 rise to others. I thought what's wrong with me, why don't I get an increase like everyone else. It was somewhat demoralizing. My doctor reminded me that many factors (age, time one has had the virus, overall health) effect the way each persons CD4 increases and as Miss Philicia says the most important thing is to get an undetectable VL and keep it that way. I became much more patient and after 18 months or so my CD4 finally broke 500 and stayed that way for a few months. However my last visit it dropped to 350. When I found that out I didn't panic or worry because I still had an undetectable VL. While I am happy for anyone who has a good CD4, I always keep in my that a CD4 count is based on the individual and try never to compare. Good luck to you on this new journey!
And remember, always keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.
And be sure to jump out of the way of the light as it is probably followed by a train engine! :) :)
-
having just passed the 16th anniversary of finding out I was poz (12/26/92), the first numbers I remember are from Mar 97 when I was hospitalized with PCP. At that time, I had 4 tcells and a viral load of 698,000. It took a decade before I reached my first undetectable (6/15/04), and my viral load has continued to bounce between undetectable and 2700 since then even though I have been very compliant to the same regimen for yrs. My tcells remain low (the average is about 225), having only peaked once at 311.
I gave up hoping for more tcells a long time ago :D as these few have been doing quite fine for a long time now. ;) Though I was very uncompliant to my meds most of this year (because my partner was gravely ill and passed away :'(), my counts remained stable thoughout this past year. Though that was good news to hear during such a stressful situation, the best news is that it has now been ten years since I was last hospitalized with an OI.
Though I don't have amazing results of a rapid recovery (remember I started this journey when AZT was the only drug to take), a look at the graph in my sig line clearly shows the dramatic change since 2004 when I got onto a regimen I could handle and that I stayed compliant to. Though I still have problems today, I am much more healthier by far than I was a decade ago lying in a hospital near death. ;)
-
A year ago my viral load was 273,000 and CD4 was 157/21%.
I began HAART in February. My most recent results, from last month, are VL 51 and CD4 242/40%.
Progress has been slow but steady, with each result better than the last. Even better, I've been well although I've had a bad cold for the last week.
-
Here is the short version:
July 1985 - tested positive. I was told I would be dead in two years. The doctor was wrong. ;)
June or July 1992 - Saw a doctor for the first time. My TC4 count (now called CD4) yo-yoed between 600 and 900 for the next several years. We didn't do viral loads in those days.
July 1995 - had my first viral load done. It was somewhere in the 12,000 range.
March 1996 - CD4s dropped to the middle-low 400s and didn't bounce back. Viral load increased to the 50,000 range. Started meds. (Saquinavir, AZT and Epivir for two months, then switched to Crixivan, AZT and Epivir.
July 1996 - Viral load became undetectable. CD4s were doing OK - somewhere in the 500 range. I stayed on that regimen for the next 11 years.
Summer 2007 - switched meds, first to Sustiva/Combivir (not a good match for me), then to Reyataz/Norvir/Combivir - (was OK, but had issues) - now on Lexiva/Norvir/Combivir.
My viral load has been undetectable since 1996, with the exception of one blip in January 2007, which the doctor believes was a mishandling of my blood sample. My CD4s range from the low 900s to 1,350. They tend to yo-yo a lot, even today.
That is the short version. Aren't you glad you didn't ask for the unabridged version! ;D
HUGS,
Mark
Edited to add: This reminded me, I need to have my labs done. I do them twice a year.
-
Deathly sick in Sept of 1983, and told I had AIDS and would be dead by Christmas. No test for CD4, or VL then.
Lived a fuill life until 1994, and was hospitalized for PCP, Shingles, CMV, MAC all at the same time. Guess Immune system was overwhelmed with a CD4 of 20. VL still not being tested.
1995, CD4 still 20, and vl of millions.
Several years of struggle, and loads of ineffective drugs, and drug failures.
2008, and I finally got control of the virus, and now CD4 of 450, and nondetectible for almost a year now.
I hate details of the past, but I did it for you in this one. It's never been an easy road since 1994, but the years before that were pretty uneventful. Can't say enough for ongoing HIV testing, it does work and does keep one from going down my road of immune devastation.
-
About 6 months ago they were down to 180 and around 14%, and my viral load was always 100K+ in those days.
Then after 6 weeks of Truvada/Sustiva and apparentely successful treatment of a severe O.I. (TB), CD4s were up to 450 and 29%, with VL down to 2,700.
Alas now 3 months later the VL is back up to 10,000 or more - don't know the exact result as it was just given in a rush over the phone by someone on holiday (she also did not give me any update on the CD4 or percentage, but it is safe to assume those are falling with the increase in VL). So, I have resistance.
-
Just got my new results today
viral burden = undetectable
CD% = 45% (highest it's been since diagnosis)
CD4 = 760
Happy New Year everyone :)
-
The doctor was wrong. ;)
Mark, I'm sure I speak for many folks who are glad about that!
Now, in reply to the topic:
I acquired HIV in the latter part of the summer of 1989... which means my virus is old enough to drive and to be drafted, but not quite old enough to drink. I found out about my HIV infection in the spring of 1992... just as my college finals were approaching. Bummer.
I started my first HAART regimen* in the spring of 2008. (Yup, 16 years after my diagnosis... and very nearly 19 years after infection.) My first T-cell count was right around 500. I honestly don't carry that number (or any of them) around in my head. (Rather, I remember "Cool!" or "Uh-oh....") Nor do I recall there being any discussions about VL until several (many?) years later. ["You kids have it so easy.... When I was your age, we didn't even have VL tests!"]
Ah, but I digress.
My second T-cell count - about 2 months after my first - was closer to 350. Naturally, I assumed I had one foot in the grave. Several months or so later, the grave seemed a bit further away: My T-cell count was around 700. WTF?
That's pretty much the story for the next... um, 15 or so years. T-cells up, T-cells down; VL hovering in the 15K-25K range. Early on I participated in a therapeutic vaccine study. At the end, I learned that I had been getting the "stuff"... but after a couple of years the trial concluded that the "stuff" wasn't particularly effective one way or the other.
Fast forward.... In recent years (being stubborn and pigheaded) I had done battle with not one, not two, but three bouts of shingles. [NOTE: Dumb. Really stupid. "Do not try this at home."] In April of 2008, my T-cells were hanging out in the low 300s - "Uh-oh" - and my VL crested 200K ["WTF? Double uh-oh."] That's when I decided enough is enough: "I'd like some HAART, please, and a side of kick-ass, if I may."
It took a few months, but my T-cells are back in the mid-500s, and my VL is undetectable.
My virus turns 20 next year, and - good grief - I'm middle aged! WTF? 8)
Hope this helps.
Rich
* Atripla. However, one of the ingredients in it - "devil's powder" or, as it's more commonly called, efavirenz - couldn't stop bitch slapping me around, so I've since switched to a new regimen of Truvada/Reyataz/Norvir. It's nice to have options.
-
I had to go back and look in one of my other post so I could copy and paste and then update:
The following are my blood tests results since Starting meds on 10/2003 : ( Also 17 Plus years into being HIV Positive), at that time in 2003
MONTH/YEAR
10/03---CD-4- 16 VIRAL LOAD--500,000 PERCENTAGE <4% ( From October of 03)
12/03---CD-4- 48 VIRAL LOAD- <50 PERCENTAGE--- 4%
1/04-----CD-4- 76 VIRAL LOAD--155 PERCENTAGE--6%
2/04-----CD-4-87 VIRAL LOAD--89 PERCENTAGE--5%
3/04-----CD-4- 125 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--6%
5/04-----CD4--139 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--7%
6/04-----CD4--150 VIRAL LOAD--150 PERCENTAGE--6%
8/04-----CD4--199 VIRAL LOAD-- 96 PERCENTAGE--8%
11/04---CD4--253 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--8%
2/05----CD4--239 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--7%
5/05----CD4- 213 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--7%
8/05----CD4--333 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--7%
11/05--CD4--328 VIRAL LOAD--166 PERCENTAGE--8%
2/06---CD4--279 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--10%
5/06---CD4--350 VIRAL LOAD--288 PERCENTAGE--11%
7/06-- CD4--322 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--10%
10/06-CD4--286 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE- 11%
1/07---CD4--332 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE-- 12%
4/07--CD4---380 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--14%
8/07--CD4--366 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--13%
11/07--CD4-295 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--12%
1/08--CD4-303 VIRAL LOAD--<50 PERCENTAGE--10%
4/08--CD4-379 VIRAL LOAD---<50 PERCENTAGE----12%
7/08--CD--327 VIRAL LOAD---<50 PERCENTAGE---13%
10/08--CD-4-323 VIRAL LOAD--<48 PERCENTAGE 12 %
Next blood test scheduled for : 1/15/09
Ray
-
Mine are in my signature as well. Everyone here has been very supportive and it definitely helps makes living life a lot easier! Thanks everyone and happy new year!
-
When I was diagnosed poz in 1987 my CD4 where 650. viral load and% were not available a this time. I began tritherapy in 1997 at + - 350CD4,and Vl near 200 000. I am now stable around 1000 CD4, undetectable, 44% CD4/CD8 ratio 1.6
happy new year to all
Jacques
-
We can assume just a few months unchecked HIV wrecked havoc on my immune system. A few months HAART - read it and weep for joy.
By the way, I never had gastrointestinal problems, before or after HAART. Many researchers think the gastrointestinal impact of HIV is one of main ways it destroys overall health and immune dysfunction. My ID says to expect CD4's in 600 range but wouldn't it be fabulous if, with time, my body adjusts back to basic health and equilibrium? It's not just the numbers, you know....
Best regards.
-
In signature
-
Hey all!
id like to thank everyone for their post. I took the oppurtunity to show the results to my family in order to better illustrate how success can be met and how many people have successfully lived with the virus. It also helps me a great deal....when i 1st found out i was positive i made a mental note that my goal was to be 40years old...im 21 now....seeing the achievements others have made i know i was cutting myself short.
Thanks again to everyone who shared this truly positive information :-) I hope it helps other 'newbies' and gives a boost of moral as it has for me.
Best wishes
J.R.
-
My CD4 count is 563 and VL is 230.
I have been HIV+ since 1989. I am doing very well health wise and have had NO opportunistic illnesses. I am grateful for the meds - I personally feel they have saved my life.
Before the protease inhibiotrs came out in the mid 90's - My T's were 225 and I was nearing the AIDS diagnosis back then. I have a very agressive stain of the virus and was going downhill fast. Within 3 years after being infected I went from 1100 t's to 225. Moved from Tx to come home to Louisiana to die. Because of the meds, I had to learn how to live again and for that I am so grateful. Almost 20 years now and by the grace of GOD and the many new meds on the market - I am hoping for many many more years.
-
I have been blessed with great results, especially after shifting over to Atripla. My first combo worked well but had terrible lipid side effects. Those are controlled now and I have lost most of that extra weight as well. The progress can be seen in my signature.
Joyful, healthy, and happy New Year to all...especially my AMG buddies.
Gary
-
What a good question. I appreciate reading what the others have posted here. OK, so, here is the thumb nail:
No idea when I was infected. No seroconversion illness that I recall. Probably sometime in 2002 if one is to consider the local gossip of who my ex was sleeping with when.... but, that doesn't matter.
10 Sept 08 - Diagnosed with HIV.
24 Sept 08 - CD4 23; 1%; VL 770,709.
Started Atripla and a bunch of other prophylactic stuff sometime shortly after.
3 Dec 08 -- CD4 145; 8%; VL 209.
And, unless I am hit by a bus, I am sure the story will continue. The important thing to note is the heaping portion "kick ass" that seems to be in single HAART tablet. ;-)
Regards!
-
.
-
Just got the labs on Monday. Been poz 6 years now
vl - undetectable
cd4 - 698/50%
There was a huge jump in the last six months (cd4 - 553/27%) and it makes me wonder if my labs got switched with someone else's:) I'm on Truvada and Viramune.
-
See below
-
I don't know where anyone else is getting tested but the Viral load test I take cannot measure under 50 ppm. And I'm mostly there except for a couple of times each year.
Viral load was not available until 1997 when I tested way above the minimum. It took a year of med's to get me to normal. My Immune system was just above 300.
I'm doing well and my coworkers think that I'm cured and I have no support for AID's walk. The cancer people think that they should get all of the support and yet we share the support organizations. I think that San Francisco got it right to share everything. AID's research has led to important breakthroughs in Cancer.
But I'm just another old FAG that the current generation doesn't want to hear from.
-
Well I am a newbie...here is the information:
Diagnosed May 2007 (Believe to have seroconverted in 2006)
May 2007: Viral Load ?? CD4 Count: 15 (PCP and AIDS diagnosis days after initial)
Started Atripla
November 2007- Viral Load: Undetectable CD4 Count: 200
February 2008- Viral Load: Undetectable CD4 Count: 296
April 2008- Viral Load: Undetectable CD4 Count: 371
August 2008- Viral Load: Undetectable CD4 Count: 692
December 2008- Viral Load: Undetectable CD4 Count: ??
I went downhill very quickly but also rebounded just as fast. I am thankful for the Atripla. Those of you who have lived with this longer are a true inspiration to me.
-
See signature.... Just got new numbers this week, still waiting on viral load, but we expect it to stay undetectable.
I'm taking Vicriviroc and Reyataz with a Norvir boost. This is an expiremental combo of a PI and an entry inhibitor. No side effects for me and works great, very small pill. I hope they can get it on the market soon because there are alot of people who would benefit from it. I am in a treatment naive study (meaning I had not had treatment before). There are 80 of us in the study, 40 on my combo and 40 on Truvada instead of Vicriviroc (Vick-Re-Veer-Ock).
While I can't talk about some things in the study, I can say that the dosing is 30mg, once daily for Vicriviroc. That much is public info in the study protocol.
Vicriviroc is similar in concept to Mariviroc (Selzentry). It prevents HIV from using the CCR5 receptor. You must have a tropism test done to see what receptor your HIV likes. It can be R5, X4 or dual. (CCR5, CCXR4). dual and X4 don't respond to Entry inhibitors. It's estimated that 70% of new infections are the R5 tropism.
Selzentry is a twice daily dosing. The tropism test is very expensive from what I hear. Mine was paid for by the study sponsor and they have done a few more since then to make sure my virus has not converted. According to the study Doctor, it's thought that HIV eventually switches to the X4 Tropism at some point in the infection and that this is associated with advanced HIV.
If:
you are healthy
have not done recreational drugs
do not drink.....
consider participating in a drug study. Some studies have a hard time finding participants. Drug studies are the way in which new medicines get to market.
it's a great way to overcome not having health insurance and get your meds provided. Most of the time you get significantly more attention healthwise. I know I see the study nurse and doc a heck of a lot. It has worked very well for me.
-
Infected 1983. Diagnosed 1987
First "real" labs 1995
Cd4 :7 and viral load < 5 million
I quiclky managed to test undetectable and my CD count bounced back to 950
Now 640 and 32% and my health is really good.
Happy new year to you all.
Hermie
-
In my Signature below
-
I tested positive in August 1992. At that time I had a CD4 of 802...the VL test was not done back then. My CD4 remained in the 700-800 range until July 1998 when it dropped to 253 and my VL was 159,000. I started meds at that point....Viracept and Combivir.
My CD4 stayed around 500-600 for about 5 years and then for some reason it began to increase. Today I am taking Sustiva, Combivir and Viread. My VL has been <50 since October 1999 and as of Dec 2008 my CD4 is 1,222 and 37%.
Jim
-
10/03/2007 CD4/T cells 120 .09% & Viral Load 930,000
12/15/2008 CD4/T Cells 962 .32% & Viral Load Undectable !!!
Started on Atripla ( 1 year) & had to change because of the Sustiva. Went to Kaletra & Truvada that lasted 3 1/2 weeks side affects were "HORRIBLE"
Now on Viramune & Truvada no side effects at all!
Have a great Hew Year All!!!
-
just diagnosed 2 months ago >:(
my viral load is 6730
cd4 is 391
cd4%is 48%
my partnet tested psitive too, we are absolutely gutted but things are getting easier.
back to the clinic for us both tomorrow.
he's been on medicine for just over a month truvada and sustiva and he gets no side effects and i am so happy about that.
doc has said i may need to start treatment soon.
glad i have found this forum
cheers
-
March 2008 - seroconversion/very sick
April 17/08 - diagnosed HIV
April 23/08 - first bloodwork VL >750,000 CD4 310
June/08 - VL 670,662 CD4 314 (Doc wanted to start meds...but she felt I wasn't "pschologically stable" and didn't think I would be adherent.( Reccomended increased visits to psychologist)
August/08 VL 490,788 CD4 292
September 17/08 - started meds - Truvada/Norvir/Reyataz
November /08 VL 41(where I live <40 is considered undetectable) CD4 444
After getting over the initial physical illness in April...the worst for me was the psychological/emotional/anxiety etc which, after taking advantage of alot of local resource people, disclosure to family, few close friends etc, improved greatly by the fall.
Now, 9 months out from diagnosis I feel great, no serious side effects and have good mental health back.
-
results are in my signature. Doc started me early. CD4 at 511.
Just received latedt results:
Vl undetectable
CD4 723
-
My counts are in my profile signature as well. This was a great idea from the original poster, especially for newbies such as myself who are still trying to get their heads around everything.
-
Entering 18th year of living with HIV.
CD4 as of last month: 895 VL: Undetectable.
My first CD4 measurement was 390. First VL once the test became available to me in 1997 was <1,000 copies. The next test was undectable and been that way since.
I've been on the same regime since 1997 AZT/3TC (now combined as Combivir) and Viramune. Add some Lopid for choelsterol and Zantac for the Gastric reflux that the other meds cause and taadaah that's it for me.
18 years HIV positive, still not on a protease, undectable since 1997. CD4's typically hover around 800-1,000.
-
See signature below. Poz @ 5 years. No meds...yet.
-
Labs in my signature.
-
I was diagnosed in April of 2008 with a CD4 count of 2 and a viral load of 5.5 million
started meds within 3 months viral load became indictable and the count went up to 55
got labs done again a few months ago and viral load at 48 and CD4 at 221. Cant say I feel great but
its better than I was 10 months ago. I just get excited everyday when I wake up to be able to face the world with my greatness and humor.
-
I was diagnosed in Jan 07. I have never had less than 800cd4 or more than 2k vl. My cd4 percentage is still above 30. I had someone tell me i live in "harmony" with the virus. I would of smacked him but I have had significant issues with neuropathy and didnt want to hurt my hand. Yesterday I was told my creatine was 2.0. Now I have to get my kidneys checked out. I guess bloodtests dont tell the whole story. I am going to ask for an systemic inflammation test next week when I go for the next kidney panel. I am wondering if I am pumping out a shit ton o cytokines as a side effect to my body kicking HIV ass. I have read that an cause a lot of problems ...Yeah....harmony more like total war and i plan to win. >:(
-
My first post here! I dunno why I didn't search for this years ago:
Poz for 7 years, 2002 - 19 years old: Diagnoized in 03. My labs were good: VL 10k, CD-4 580.
Today: Still no meds. I use to think I was lucky and well I still am but I see other ppl that have better #'s then me w/o meds and I can't say I've truly taken better care of my body but I knew my limits. I'm getting smarter or older and planning on a cleaner healthier life.
My AVG labs in the 6 years are: CD4 600 VL - 20k (Highest CD4 740, Lowest 490) I actually had a Viral Load of 101k for the first time last August (CD4 520) and they said it was up to me if I wanted to start meds. I was kinda taken back and worried as my VL finally started moving a little. So I waited 3 months and my VL dipped to its lowest level since I started my labs 6 years ago to 3k. I don't get it! I know they say to go my ur CD4% which usually is above 32%. During that 3 months I slowed my drinking way down and took selenium everyday.
I live in Omaha, NE and I NEVER see my MAIN Doctor (maybe 3 times in 6 years), just the ppl working under her. (Like House) They all have different opinions, does anyone else have this problem? I find it annoying. For instance I feel I've wasted $ on my labs going every 3 months for the past 6 years when nothing changes. One doc did ask if I wanted to come every 6 months, I said SURE. My next visit a newer Dr recommended me to continue every 3. whatever
I realize I'm very lucky and it's up to me to take better care of my body. I've seen ppl my age have to go straight to meds and I feel guilty. Then I wonder if I'd be better on meds anyways as nobody really knows when to start it seems. I wouldn't mind seeing a VL of U/D and CD4 above 800.
-
Diagnosed Jan. 9, 2009
CD4 425 22%
VL 32,415 copies
Doc said no meds yet, next labs in mid March.
-
10/06 CD4 6 CD4% 1 VL 14000
01/09 CD4 369 CD4% 20 VL < 75
-
boi2kwik4u -- just wanted to welcome you to our forums. Glad you found us!
Doesn't sound like you need to start meds yet -- I'd wait until your CD4s drop below 500, and even then there's some debate.
Peter Staley
Moderator
-
Cd4 lowest was 160 current is 367
viral load highest was over 10,000, current is undetectable
I started on Truvada / Sustiva, I'm currently on Atripla and have been for more than a year. Ciao.
-
cd4 lowest 123... as of now 1475 -1500 for over a year now
viral load undetectable