Latest results - mini-crisis on hold

[gemini20]

Remember that mini-crisis just over a month ago when my t-cells were falling fast? Well I did nothing about it (apart from some counselling to try and address my 'issues' with treatment), and decided to hold out for the next set of bloods.

Today the numbers are in:

T-cells have risen ever so slightly from 157 to 177

% has dropped from 15.2 to 12.2%

Viral load has gone up from 8,633 to 24,022

I am hugely relieved as I was fully expecting t-cells to be down in territory that I have never been i.e. below 100 but thankfully not there yet.

And so my decision remains the same - I am staying off the HIV meds at this point in time and for the foreseeable future. However I will continue with Septrin while my counts are below 200.

My doctor wants me back in 8 weeks which suits me fine, the caveat being that if I feel unwell at any point between now and then, I must go straight to the clinic and get checked out.

Phew, I am so relieved and thankful to get another two months addition to my treatment break. I will continue to do my best to stay well and healthy but recognise also that there are risks in my strategy.

Just wanted you all to know where things are with me.

Best wishes,

Emma 

[Andy Velez]

Thanks for the update, Emma. That sounds like a good, watchful plan. It's always good to hear of a doc who's paying good attention.

Keeping fingers crossed that the numbers go the right way.

Cheers,

[macholicious]

I hope your numbers continue to rise.

[newt]

Emma, have your ever thought, you might go like this for years and years, doing it your way 

- matt

[gemini20]

Matt - I'd like to think I could go for a few more years doing it 'my way' - after 16 years with HIV I seem to have worked out what works for me so I'll stick with it until I get proved wrong!


Emma

[Robert]

Oh Emma......

good, good, good, good, good. 

I like this.  And now that winter is finally over and spring has sprung, I think you'll do just fine (at least I'm hoping!)

robert

[Life]

"HIV Emma's Way" - Sounds like a top seller.....   Please keep your watchful I on everything Em....  If it aint broke don't fix it....

Love Ya Hon..

Eric

[jack]

how long have you been off drugs

[Matty the Damned]

Such good news Emma, considering the circumstances. I hope you're able to stay med free for as long as possible too. Just keep an eye on that sneaky CD4 %.

With great fondness,

MtD

[gemini20]

Jack - I have been off meds for 18 months now. My last treatment break was from 2000-2004, I don't expect to last another 4 years this time around but I'm happy getting each extra month.

and yes Matty I will keep an eye on the % - it was down at 10% a couple of months ago so I'm just pleased it didn't fall back to that this time.


Emma

[Matty the Damned]

and yes Matty I will keep an eye on the % - it was down at 10% a couple of months ago so I'm just pleased it didn't fall back to that this time.

I know what ya mean babe. My % was 10 in January up from 5% in November 2006. Ghastly.

Huggles,

MtD

[frenchpat]

Hi Emma,

I hope things stay stable this way for a long time. Because I am interested in your approach but have far less experience: did you have a genotype resistance test after your first stint of the meds?

thanks

Pat

[penguin]

gonna start calling you Frank   

keep up the good work..

kate

[dad1216]

Emma....

I am so glad you are happy with your current numbers, I know that you were really concerned.  I would do a happy dance for you, but the body refuses to cooperate. 

There are few of us that are taking this approach of "HIV Emma's Way" and you know that I support your decision.  You are an inspiration to me.

So I have to quote you again:

Ultimately I know that I go to bed each night happy in the knowledge that I am in control of my own destiny

.....that has given me peace and strength many times as I let nature take its course....

 

Bob