CD4 results

[BM]

After an initital surge to CD4 408 (19%) from CD4 52 (6%) when starting my new drugs, I was quite disappointed to get a result of CD4 208 (11%) one month later. My consultant described the 208 result as a much more "realistic" one given where I was starting from and that 408 might have been a lab error. My most recent result (taken last Wednesday) is CD4 233 (14%). My CD4 history is in my signature.

Is this much more in keeping with others' experience and expected CD4 gains? What can I realistically expect my CD4 count to climb to in the future? I'd like my percentage to get above 20 as I've read that below this level is just as bad as having an absolute CD4 level below 200 with regards OIs and other illnesses.

[Robert]

hi bm

your consultant is right.  It takes most of us months if not years just to get to 200 t-cells.  To reach a cd4 count of 208 after just 6 months of treatment (and starting at a count of 78)is a very respectable result.  408 is certainly an anomoly.

It takes a little longer to get above 20%.  Like you, I got up over 200 within 6 months but it took a good year or so to reach 20%+.

Just be patient.  Don't be discouraged.  You're results are good.

robt

[Assurbanipal]

Hi BM

I started off about the same numbers and diagnoses a couple years ago.  (In poker terms, I'll see your OI's and raise you a molluscum  ) Was also very focused on the % number.  Numbers are below -- took 2 years to get to 20% and my CD4 count bounces around up and down -- but as long as the general trend is up I'm happy.

I find it is really helpful to graph out the numbers.  This site has an application you can use (although I do it in Excel myself)

Hope this helps.

[David_CA]

I don't have much of anything to add to what the others have said, but I do have a question.  Why have you had labs done so frequently?  It looks like several were a few weeks to a month or so apart.  I've noticed the same with a few other members, too.  This isn't meant as a criticism but only as a question.

Edited to add... I see you're not from the US.  Most likely, things are just done differently here (or there, however you look at it ).

[BM]

David_NC: because I had been so ill my doctor wanted to keep close track of how I was responding to my medications. Thus, my resistance was spotted early and my treatment changed. I'm told once I'm undetectable and my CD4 count begins to stabilise, then I'll be tested every three months or so, in keeping with UK guidelines.