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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Basquo on May 18, 2007, 11:57:28 pm

Title: Gene Mutation Test I Saw Advertised here
Post by: Basquo on May 18, 2007, 11:57:28 pm

On Thursday I was perusing the Forums at work and up popped a banner for “HIVMirror,” a mailorder test that checks for the genetic mutation CCR5 Delta 32 and one other mutation, the ones that supposedly keep one from progressing to an AIDS diagnosis. These tests, to my knowledge, were only available to people in research trials, but now apparently are available commercially. I’ve contacted my lab friend to see if my hospital can do it, and if it would be cheaper to just pay the $99 and do it myself.

I did some searches and POZ reported on it recently, but somehow I missed it. I’m asking all of you what you think the worth is; specifically, what is the difference between having good results with labs consistently, and wondering why, vs. thinking your labs will be good for the rest of your life and you are just a lucky bastard?

Tonight, I’m betting on emphysema or cirrhosis. But I’d really like to know why I’m the way I am.  Last Summer, me and Doc W. took about a gallon of blood and overnighted it to Baldimer. Enough to make me weak, but not enough to make me feel important a year later.

Title: Re: Gene Mutation Test I Saw Advertised here
Post by: otherplaces on May 19, 2007, 12:45:31 am

From what I've read there's really no reason to do the test unless you're going to take the new entry inhibitor.

Not having a CCR5 may indicate slower progression, but I don't think that's a given.  I imagine strict adherence to your meds would be a better predictor of slow or no progression.

brian

Title: Re: Gene Mutation Test I Saw Advertised here
Post by: Basquo on May 19, 2007, 01:18:27 am

Well that's the thing, I haven't taken HAART, so I've no meds to adhere to. Except for IBS meds. And nicotine.

Title: Re: Gene Mutation Test I Saw Advertised here
Post by: Ann on May 19, 2007, 06:44:48 am

Quote from: Basquo on May 19, 2007, 01:18:27 am

Well that's the thing, I haven't taken HAART, so I've no meds to adhere to. Except for IBS meds. And nicotine.

LOL... Nicotine is one drug I've never had a problem being adherent to - except for the times I've run out when the shops were shut! ;D

I think I'm going to have to find out if this is available commercially in the UK. Poz ten years now and no meds - I wouldn't mind having an idea if this is going to last or not.

Thanks for bringing this up Creighton.

CCR5 Delta 32 Hugs,
Ann
xxx

Title: Re: Gene Mutation Test I Saw Advertised here
Post by: fearless on May 21, 2007, 11:56:34 pm

why bother, when you know you will die from smoking anyway.

Title: Re: Gene Mutation Test I Saw Advertised here
Post by: Basquo on May 22, 2007, 08:05:26 am

You're absolutely right.  Nicotine will do it.  Not tar, or smoke, but nicotine.  Good thing, too, I'd hate to die from pessimism.