my first lab results

[bluewindow]

hello all. i got my first lab results yesterday and i would like to share them with you.

CD4: 640
VL: undetectable.

I ve been infected sometime between Nov 2007 and July 2008. i believe i am hiv pos for at least 4 months. I did another blood test yesterday to confirm that the VL is really undetectable. I will have the results of my second test next week. My doc told me that my VL is so low mainly because of 2 reasons. The amount of the virus got into my body was either too little or my system is strong enough at this point to fight it. Either way, I supposed that is good news.

I wanted to ask you if there is any alternative ways besides medication to help you keep the CD4 numbers high and the VL low. I ve been reading about herbal treatments but i have no idea if it is appropriate to start anything at this point. My doctor suggest to continue to do just what i do every day to keep my body strong (which is nothing much, just good food, no drinks, and some exercise) but i wonder if there anything more that i can do to avoid starting medication, as much as this is possible. I just want to keep my numbers like this for as long as i can

This is still a big shock for me as for it is for everyone that is going through the same. I cant take it out of my mind, i am stressed all the time but other than that my body i guess feels fine.

any thoughts or comments will be highly appreciated.
thank you very much all

[Matty the Damned]

Darlin'

First up, your numbers seem very good. Normal in fact. Particularly normal given the time frame of infection you mention. On that basis I feel confident in saying that you don't need to start medication at this point.

Rather I wonder what led your doctor to give you a diagnosis of HIV infection?

MtD

[bluewindow]

thank you for your response.
He mentioned that my ratio is low (i think he said . and i forgot to ask more about what that means. i don't know what this ratio refers too. I should have asked more about it.

[bluewindow]

hmm i dont know why the face icon showed there. I mean .eight

[Matty the Damned]

Can you tell us about you positive HIV test results?

MtD

[bluewindow]

all i ve been told from my doctor is my CD4 is 640 and that they couldn't detect any virus which i guess means that my VL is very low to be detected. But he told me also that because of my ratio is very low that means that i am infected. I was tested hiv pos on July 9th. i don't know anything more. I should have asked a copy of my blood results. sorry if i am missing something here.

thank you

[Matty the Damned]

Have you tested positive for HIV via an ELISA test?

MtD

[bluewindow]

ok i am looking at the paper i got from the lad when i was diagnosed. the tests names show here are:

HIV-1/HIV-2 PLUS O EIA
HIV-1 WESTERN BLOT.

[atlq]

That means you did have an ELISA test, confirmed by the Western Blot. I would second MtD's opinion about the lack of need for medication at this point.

There have been no herbal remedies that have been shown to maintain cd4 counts independently in the face of HIV infection. Also keep in mind that herbal remedies can interact with some ARV's, so if you are taking anything, let your doc know. Exercising regularly, eating well, and keeping stress and depression away are the most important things you can do at this point...

Oh, and one more thing. I know this is new for you, but you will find that having a basic understanding of the tests your doc is running, as well as some basic treatment knowledge will be of great benefit. There are some great lessons on this site. For starters:

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/WhatIsAIDS_4994.shtml


All the best...

[Ann]

blue,

There's a third option that your doctor didn't mention. With that undetectable viral load so early on in the game, there is a chance (chance, in other words, it's not written in stone) you're what's called an "elite controller". This term is applied to those rare people who manage to control the virus - to undetectable levels - on their own, without meds.

Do a forum search for "elite controller" as well as "LTNP" (Long Term Non-Progressor). Normally, the LTNP term isn't applied to a person until they've been monitored for some years, but given your undetectable viral load so early on, it's a distinct possibility in your case. Just something for you to look into.

Don't take what I've told you as licence to ignore your hiv status. You will still need to get regular check-ups and have regular blood draws to see where you stand.

Please note that it is also still possible for you to transmit the virus to your sexual partners, despite your undetectable viral load. Please remember to use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse.

Welcome to the forums, by the way.

Ann