New Labs ... Sort Of

[wellington]

Summer is a wonderful time to vacation, right? Hence, my delayed trip to the doctor as he was off building a deck or playing golf or whatever doctors do in their time off.

My last set of labs proved my CD4 had topped 200 for the first time since diagnosis and I was awaiting that pesky VL result which always seems to take longer. Lo and behold, my VL numbers are still not in, 2 months later. Why? You may ask. Because, apparently the vial of blood was damaged in transport. At least that's what I was told. I would rather like to believe, however, that aliens have beamed my samples up to the mother ship coz I must have amazing blood given my response to starting medication in April 2006. I expect my next labs at the end of September will prove my CD4 even stronger and VL remaining undetectable. Good plan, no? 

I also found out today that my genotype test/profile has indicated I have the following resistances: 20R and 211W something /K to NRTI and 63P to PI. It's looking good. I guess I only have a mild case of HIV  I tried to find more info about these mutations - perhaps someone can point me in the right direction for my continuing education.

Now, the terrible news. I'm continuing to gain weight. From 118 pounds in April, I'm up to 151. That's a 28% increase in body mass. Oink. Anyone want to help me build a few new rooms on the house and widen the doorways? I'm kidding. I think I'll move before I need to add on 

[HIVworker]

Go to this website...
http://hivdb.stanford.edu/

And look at the bottom right hand corner. If you click NRTI, NNRTI or PI it will give you the degree of resistance associated with each mutation.

Regardless of whether they lost or damaged your blood sample, 2 months is too long to wait to get the information. I suggest doing another blood draw - and as they cocked it up last time it should be payed for by their dollar.

Hope that helps!

Rich.

[J.R.E.]

Hello wellington,

I agree with Richard. Two months is too long to wait. In my close to 3 years on meds, My labs for viral load were messed up only once. I rescheduled it right away, and had those results came back in a few weeks. I would be pushing for those results...

As far as the weight issues, after I started on meds, my weight sky-rocketed !! I found myself eating all the time. Couldn't get enough food in me !! Try to watch your diet, and your food intake. Are you getting exercise. This will help also. Try achieving the weight you want to be, and maintain that weight.
I like keeping a little extra weight on !!


Take care------Ray

[Eldon]

Hello Wellington,

I'd be all over the Lab's workers to find out what your viral load is. It is good news to hear that your CD4's have topped over 200. As far as your weight gain, I agree with Ray as with my own life experience that the meds make you gain weight. It was a period of about (6) six months where I would just eat and eat.

Now, there is sort of a balance and I am maintaining my weight. Just eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, get you some exercise, and get your proper rest. It is good to hear that you are doing so well. Keep it up!

Have the BEST Day.

[wellington]

Well, this being Canada, all lab test are covered by our provincial health plan. I'm not sweating the extra month wait ... and I may elect to go sooner if I suspect I'm not doing well. I've had really great progress with the meds so far and have missed only one dosing in almost 6 months.

As for the weight, I was suprised I put it back on so quickly. I wouldn't mind weighing in around 180. I exercise frequently ... and perhaps that's where the appetite comes from. Aside from my bout with PCP in the spring, I'm no couch potato.

Thanks for the link, Rich. I'll go edumacate meself.