Please tell me I am just going bezerk.....

[Mantra]

Hello guys,

What a great site and what insightful forums.  You guys are an inspiration.

Was diagnosed recently and went on Atripla....even before doing the bloodwork.  The CD4 subsequently has come at 405 and no VL yet, but the floater in my eye (in my estimation) has become more pronounced since I learned of the CD4. I am (understandly) obsessed by the floater (which I have had for years...even in "negative era"). My doc does not believe this is even a factor and that a flaoter is a floater.

But I have been voraciously reading articles on the internet about this topic and am having a truly "Carrie Bradshaw-ish" type moment: Is this considered immune reconsistution of a previously unknown CMV retinitis or is this is my mind playing games with me? Can immune reconstit. occur at higher CD4 levels?

This whole diagnosis was very disappointing (but not entirely unexpected in view of  my having thrown caution to the wind and engaged in sexually less than protected conduct and occasional meddling with drugs).  These factors were limited to a particular time in my life and are no longer factors, as I now consider this diagnosis the path to a new, health-driven beginning!  I hope that there is hope for me yet!  I take full responsibility for my actions, but nevertheless pray for a bright future.

Thanks for being in the trenches guys and for all the wonderful input you have added in these useful forums. 

Yours,

Driven to Distraction!

[Matty the Damned]

Hi Mantra!

Welcome to the Forums. I'm sorry you're here but glad you found as all the same.

Look, your doctor is right. A floater is a floater. Particularly as you've lived with the little darling for all these years. It's not uncommon for newly diagonsed folks (and some not so newly diagnosed types) to blow these things out of proportion.

What were utterly unremarkable things before suddenly become Life Threatening Omens of Impending Doom.

My advice is to stop googling this stuff. It's only going to get you bad information and make you crazy. When it comes to HIV information you need only two things.

1. Your doctor/health care team;
2. This website.

I strongly encourage you to check out our Lessons section which contain wealth of knowledge presented in a clear, straightforward manner.

Most of all, welcome.

MtD

[Mantra]

Dearest Matty,

Thank you SO much. I really am going crazy.  Your encouraging response comes at a time of complete desperation and worry, particularly as I am not sure about the outcome of whether CMV is involved and what the hell is going on with me.

I am in agreement with you, as well, as to the notion of all things suddenly being harbingers of some chaotic event.

Thanks again and a big hug for your kindness.

[Matty the Damned]

Dearest Matty,

Thank you SO much. I really am going crazy.  Your encouraging response comes at a time of complete desperation and worry, particularly as I am not sure about the outcome of whether CMV is involved and what the hell is going on with me.

I am in agreement with you, as well, as to the notion of all things suddenly being harbingers of some chaotic event.

Thanks again and a big hug for your kindness.

No problem Mantra.

I appreciate that this stuff can be overwhelming so let me show you how to use our Lessons to get some useful information which is relevant to your circumstances.

First we look up the lesson on CMV, which we find here: http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/CMV_6768.shtml (You can find the links to all our lessons in the red link I posted above.)

That lesson tells us that CMV is really not something to freak out about unless your CD4 count is lower than 50:

Being infected with CMV is no reason to panic. CMV is only a threat when the immune system becomes damaged. If your CD4 cell count falls below 50, you're at a much greater risk of developing CMV disease, particularly CMV retinitis (discussed below).

Well that's good to know, particularly as your CD4 count is 405. So straight away we can be pretty confident that you're not at risk of developing CMV retinitis.

And CMV is not a problem at all unless you've been infected with it. You should ask your doctor to arrange a CMV test if that hasn't been done already.

The AIDSmeds Lessons are an invaluable resource in this way. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Cheers,

MtD

[Mantra]

THANK YOU . THANK YOU SO MUCH MATTY. Yes, the blood work was done for CMV; still waiting.

And i checked out the lessons, you highlighted, too.

You are an amazing person.

Cheers and I am in your debt my friend.
 

[Matty the Damned]

THANK YOU . THANK YOU SO MUCH MATTY. Yes, the blood work was done for CMV; still waiting.

And i checked out the lessons, you highlighted, too.

Bookmark them. They're good stuff. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

You are an amazing person.

Well, maybe a little.

Cheers and I am in your debt my friend.
 

Not at  all, I'm glad I could help.

Best regards,

MtD

[Mantra]