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Author Topic: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!  (Read 9993 times)

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Offline Nashvegas

  • Member
  • Posts: 196
A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« on: October 26, 2006, 10:32:41 am »
Hey everyone.  I'm a 43 year old man who found out about six weeks ago that I was positive.  I experienced a classic sero-conversion episode in early August '06, and suspect that I was infected earlier in the summer.  By the time my doctor confirmed that I was poz, I was pretty much prepared for the news: no tears, no rending of garments, no sleepless nights.  But a part of me was still scared shitless. 

Fortunately, I quickly found this forum.

I've got a wonderful partner (he's negative -- we'll celebrate 20 years together next April) who has been great in dealing with the news.  Incredibly supportive.   At the suggestion of my doctor, however, I've refrained from telling anyone else about being positive.  While I think that's the best course for me at this time, I've really felt the need to connect with other people who are in the same boat.  This forum has provided that connection for me, even though my only activity to date has been reading the postings.

My first labs came back about a month ago: CD4 - 561, viral load - 8,000; 29%.  I'll go back in the next couple of weeks to run the numbers again.  But in the meantime, I'm just trying to keep a positive attitude, take a little better care of myself, and live every day to the fullest.

Anyway, just want to say "Thanks" to everyone who's posting here.  It's especially reasuring to read posts from POZ folks who've been healthy for years and years. You're an inspiration, and a reminder to me that life doesn't end with a positive test result. 

More to follow....
   

8/12/06 - sero-conversion
9/14/06 -- Positive Test results confirmed
9/21/06 -- CD4 - 586; viral load 8,000; 29%
12/25/06 -- CD4 - 373; VL 2,800; 23%
2/10/07 - CD4 - 228; VL 865; 25%
3/15/07 -  CD4 - 365 (no viral load test)
5/1/07 = CD4 - 341; VL 4,358; 27%
8/1/07 - CD4 - 315; VL - 2,300; 25%
9/20/07 - CD4 - 378
11/22/07 - CD4 - 257; VL 7,300;
2/27/08 - CD4 231 (16.5 %), VL 5,960
5/20/08 - CD4 229 (18.3%), VL 11,100
6/17/08 - CD4 166 (14.5%), VL 9,030
6/17/08 - STARTED VIRAMUNE + TRUVADA
7/2/08 - CD4 272 (20%), VL 113  :-)
7/16/08 - CD4 -217 (21.1 %), VL - Undetectable
7/30/08 - CD4 - 220 (20.4%). VL - 92
8/14/08 - CD4 - 280 (22%) VL-undetectable
1/04/09 - CD4 - 250 (28%) VL-UD
5/15/09 - CD4 -393 (28%) VL-UD
8/15/09 - CD4-346, (26%) VL-UD
11/15/09 - CD4-373 (28%)

Offline Eldon

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,664
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2006, 05:24:40 pm »
Hello Nashvegas,

It is unfortunate that you have tested HIV positive. However, it is a goood thing that have become aware of this so that you can take better care of your health. Your labs DO indicate a good set of numbers and now it is all about taking care of yourself. It is good that you have your partner by your side which has dedicated himself to being supportive to you. In this arena you need to have a good strong support system.

I wish to extend to you a warm WELCOME here at the forums. Here you will find the encouragement, communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.

We have a great group of Real people who will listen as well as answer you. Feel free to come and vent with whatever is on your mind from time-to-time.

In the interim,eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy and avoid processed foods, saturated and trans fats. This will also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Make the BEST of each Day!

Offline Andy Velez

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 34,126
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2006, 05:58:50 pm »
Welcome, Nash,

You've come to the right place. It'll take a while to get accustomed to having HIV in your life, but gradually it will fall into being a part of your life and not as enormous as it may feel from time to time these days.

What's important now is for you to develop a good partnership with your doctor in keeping you well. Part of that is having your numbers monitored regularly, but it's also important for you to be able to ask questions when you need to.

Take your time about disclosing to other people. I agree with your doctor about that issue. You may find some helpful suggestions in the lesson on this site about disclosure.
It's great that you have a loving and supportive partner. By talking as simply, openly and honestly as you can about your thoughts and feelings you can maintain and even deepen the intimacy in your relationship.

You also need to know that many thousands of sero-dystonic couples, (and some of them are regulars here), are having good lives together in every way, including sexually. Of course you do have to always use condoms for intercourse, whomever is the insertive partner.

You're always welcome here to ask questions or to discuss anything that's on your mind.

Welcome,
Andy Velez

Offline BKNYLivin

  • Member
  • Posts: 76
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2006, 11:00:51 pm »
Welcome Nash! I was also recently diagnosed and this is a very supportive place - you'll probably have a few questions over the next few weeks/months and I'm sure you'll find some answers here. It's great to hear you have a supportive partner, that must be very comforting. Not sure what it's like where you live, but I'm sure there must be some HIV support services - sometimes it helps to talk face to face with someone else(other than our loved ones).
Your numbers are good - concentrate on staying healthy.
Diagnosed 9/18/06
10/13/06 - CD4:449, 33%,  VL:>500,000
11/20/06 - CD4: 392  VL:425,000
02/08/07 - CD4: 361, 16.9% VL:133,000
02/13/07 - Started HAART: Atripla
03/08/07 - CD4:401, 23.8% VL:643
06/05/07 - CD4:614, 33.6% VL:225
09/14/07 - CD4:612, 37%  VL: <50
12/14/07 - CD4:582, 38.5% VL:<50
4/11/08 - CD4: 658, VL: <50
3/5/09 - CD4: 847, 49% VL: <50
7/29/09 - CD4: 965, 50.1% VL: <50
12/28/09 - CD4: 925, 49.2% vl <50
9/16/10 - CD4: 1011 vl: <50

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2006, 09:44:02 am »
Hey Nash,

Welcome to the forums. Make yourself at home. It is a great place to find support, information and fellow hi-fivers who understand.

I look forward to hearing more from you.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline allopathicholistic

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,258
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2006, 01:05:49 pm »
I've really felt the need to connect with other people who are in the same boat.  This forum has provided that connection for me, even though my only activity to date has been reading the postings.

We're here for you every step of the way babe! Delighted to meet you!  :)  :)

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2006, 07:18:40 am »
Hello Nash,

Just wanted to get in here and say hello and welcome you to the forums !! You will find a lot of information here, and plenty of support. If there are things you don't understand in the "lessons" part of the site, don't hesitate to ask questions ! Let us know how your next set of labs go, but you don't have to wait until then to be in touch with us !!


Take care of yourself/ stay in touch--------Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline RobT

  • Member
  • Posts: 319
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2006, 03:46:30 pm »
Nash-
Welcome to the forums! U will find plenty of support here, but unfortunately the price of admission is certainly a bitch.
U have taken the news of ur positive diagnosis much better than I have. Keeping a positive outlook (pardon the pun) is a real improvement. Just make to take better care of urself nutritionally and physically and u will b fine.
Life does not end w/ a positive test result contrary to my intial opinion. If u maintain that positive attitude of urs, then u will overcome that obstacle.
Again, welcome the the forums!

RobT

Current meds: Atripla
VL: undetectable
CD4: 630

Offline Queen Tokelove

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,031
  • Smokey the Smurf
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2006, 07:08:09 pm »
Nash~~

What can I say? Everyone has said it, this is a great forum with a great bunch of people. Welcome Aboard!!!
Look forward to hearing more from you. It's great that you have someone by your side every step of the way. Your numbers look great too. :D
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline northernguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,347
Re: A newbie! My first post! My first labs!
« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2006, 02:21:17 am »
Hey Nash, welcome.   You and I seem to be early in the same boat: age, time with a partner, right down to the lab #'s! 
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

 


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