Can somebody help me make sense of these test results, please?

[Sera]

Happy new year to all!

The last time I was here, I was having bad stomach pains which were later diagnosed as h-pylori bacteria. After going through a treatment of antibiotics to treat it, my cd4 counts improved. So I never started HIV treatment as planned and I have been doing well until today.

I had  the regular three months test done on Friday and got the results today which are a little scary and confusing. Here are the nos, viral load - 594, cd4 count - 162, and 41%. last time which was september they were; viral load - 800, cd4 - 300, and 37%.

I wellcome any opinion while I wait to talk to my Id doctor-(the nurse gave me the result).

Sera.

[marc11864]

Hi Sera,

I can imagine how scary your numbers are but try not to fret. I've seen worse, even in myself and worrying won't do your health any good. The good news is, you're on top of your counts and preparing to take some action. You've also cleared up that h-pylori. You may be advised to get a second set of tests to confirm the numbers and that isn't a bad thing.

If your t-cell count is under 200, your doctor should advise you to start taking Bactrim (AKA: Sulfameth) to protect from pneumonia. I had to for a while myself and overall I had few side-effects if any.

You'll also likely be advised to start taking HAART. These are the meds that you hear about quite often. In your first month or so, you'll know what side-effects you are likely to have. Most dissipate after the first month. Talk to your doctor about options. There are a number of drug combinations available and no single combination is right for everyone. You appear to have access to a computer so I'd advise reading up on Bactrim and HAART combinations as you can so that you know what to watch for. Your numbers are of concern but not anything to panic over. Heck your viral load isn't anywhere near as bad as some I've seen and when I had my first test back in 2005 mine was around 87,000. After 2 1/2 months of HAART they dropped to undetectable levels.

It's not the end of the world, don't let your mind or anyone else tell you it is.

Hang in there and keep letting us know how you are doing. You might also want to join a support group if there is one local to you or if there is not, and you have the time and inclination, why not start one on your own? It'll help to keep you occupied and informed. Not to mention that helping others is a rewarding thing for your health too! 

Take care.

[newt]

What marc said

- matt

[eric48]

Hi,

With you CD4 being 162 and CD4% being 41, it means your total number of lymphocyte is 395

These numbers are a bit different from what people usually report here.

this is (very) low and referred to as Lymphocytopenia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphocytopenia

You being HIV+, T lymphocytopenia is what comes first to mind (and, consequently, the need for HIV treatment)
but, may be, not the only cause

I understand that you had at some time planned for HIV medication (and differed after the Pylori event).

It is a good thing to be ready and resolved when starting meds.
Everyone is different...
That being said, it is generally observed that, in many (if not most) people the first few months can be
from easy to a bit rough, but, say, tolerable.

It will be interesting to hear from you after your doc appointment

Cheers!

Eric

[Sera]

Thanks for the responses. I did talk to the Doctor and she wants to retest in two weeks and then go from there. Eric how did you calculate the lymphocytes to get 395? My Doctor said the lymphocytes are normal so no worries there. She doesn't think bactrim is necessary before we test again, but thanks for the suggestion.

 I forgot to mention before that i had a flu shot half an hour before the test and i was wondering  whether that would have any effect if any. I  read somewhere that a flu shot can affect the viral load count.

Thanks.

[J.R.E.]

 I forgot to mention before that i had a flu shot half an hour before the test and i was wondering  whether that would have any effect if any. I  read somewhere that a flu shot can affect the viral load count.

Thanks.

Hi Sera

A flu shot can have some effect on the viral load, but it returns back to where it was.  I don't think having the flu shot 1/2 hour before , would have any effect.

Ray

[eric48]

Hi,

if 41% of your Lymphocytes are CD4 , which is what the CD4% means, and since the CD4 count is 162, then

Total lymphocytes = CD4 Count divided by CD4 percentage, hence:

Total lymphocytes = 162 / 0.41 which makes 395... (this number should swhow on your lab sheet, at least, it does on mine...)

a flue shot can affect the viral load count... this is true, therefore you should have had your blood drawn, then the flue shot

But, in this case, half an hour before is may be not enough time to screw up things...

Not too surprised that she ordered a new set of tests...

Whether the flue shot has an influence on these new test may come into the picture.

Keep us posted

Eric