latest numbers question about cd4%

[midland moe]

my numbers beep getting better you can see the progression at the bottom but my latest numbers seem great!   534 cd4! back into "normal" range again albeit lower end...my cd4 % is 20% its higher than before but thats still low isnt it?

[tednlou2]

I've been told as long as my % is in the 20's, I'm okay.  I was told once it dips below that and we see a trend that way, then it is time to discuss meds.  So, I guess docs start to get more concerned once % gets below 20--even if the absolute CD4 is high.

When I was sick in the hospital, my CD4% was at 19%.  So, I guess that goes along with what I've been told about percentages.

[Miss Philicia]

The % is a much more stable number, so it's logical that it increases very slowly and over much longer periods of time than the real cd4 numbers.

21% or higher is the marker for a properly functioning immune system, while at or below 13% indicates a highly damaged one.  Moe, you're pretty much at "proper" so really you're doing well, and considering your real cd4 was so low when you were diagnosed contextually you're doing amazingly well.  Seriously, your numbers couldn't be better.  Relax a bit and enjoy yourself.

[Etay1207]

Damn! I must be dead.  My CD4% is 5.8

[aztecan]

Hey Moe,

I think you are doing well.

Your immune system is growing stronger incrementally, which is good. Too fast and you could risk other problems.

I think a kudo is deserved here. 

Keep up the good work.

HUGS,

Mark

[Ann]

Damn! I must be dead.  My CD4% is 5.8

A very real possibility in the near future.

[tednlou2]

Damn! I must be dead.  My CD4% is 5.8

Etay,

Did you post a question to a doc on another website?  I don't feel like I'm telling anything I shouldn't--these are all public sites and this guy had the exact numbers as you.  I'm just curious what you think of his response?  

[tednlou2]

I was just thinking my last post could be seen as a hijack.  If so, I will withdrawal it.  When I wrote it, I did think it was relevant to the question about CD4% and disease progression. 

[madbrain]

my numbers beep getting better you can see the progression at the bottom but my latest numbers seem great!   534 cd4! back into "normal" range again albeit lower end...my cd4 % is 20% its higher than before but thats still low isnt it?

Yes, 20% is still low. Normal range is about 30 to 60% - not 20.

[Miss Philicia]

Yes, 20% is still low. Normal range is about 30 to 60% - not 20.

link

Provided that the CD4 percentage stays at 21% or higher, the immune system still appears to be functioning properly, regardless of what the CD4 count is.