POZ Community Forums

Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: Cheltlee on February 20, 2014, 05:56:57 pm

Title: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: Cheltlee on February 20, 2014, 05:56:57 pm

So today I went for my results of my third blood work since I have started my meds and to say I was a little disappointed with the results is a understatement.

It seems like all was going very well for my first two results and I was hoping that this time round it would show an undetectable viral load. This wasn't to be the case today, in fact as you can see from my numbers things haven't changed at all really. Both my cd4 and VL has leveled off and it is worrying me that this has happened so early into my meds as well as the fact that my cd4 is still very low, still with a detectable VL.

I know I am probably expecting to much too soon but the way things were looking I was really hoping for some good results today.

Feeling a little deflated today :(

Cheltlee

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: eric48 on February 20, 2014, 06:49:16 pm

Sounds good to me ...
Give it time ...
Its working!
Mobile.eric

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: buginme2 on February 20, 2014, 07:03:55 pm

 No it's still good.   Both test are the same but that is kinda common in the beginning.   The HIV drugs are working.   You'll be undetectable soon,  or probably already are actually.  CD4's  just take time.

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: 2tcells on February 20, 2014, 11:31:05 pm

Ya I know how that feels it sucks when it hasnt gone up as much as u think its going to my cd4 has gone up less each time since my 3rd bloodwork and my vl went up last time so I just dont get my hopes up when I get my results

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: pittman on February 23, 2014, 10:55:02 pm

Undetectable is relative.  As tests get more sensitive, the threshold number to get to undetectable gets lower. The actual results however are still the same.

You are still early in your treatment, and you are improving. Given where you started, slow progress is not unusual, but you should have every expectation that with time, you will recover.

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: Pontus on February 25, 2014, 08:38:20 pm

I had a similar experience, at one point my VL was 40, when i went back three months later my VL jumped to 100, although CD4 were higher than the previous round of labs.

At this point I was worried the meds were not working or I was doing something wrong (of course I was not).  However, we went ahead and tested one month later after that blip (the term my doc used).  two weeks later after the labs came back, not only was I finally undetectable, but my CD4s are in the high 700s.

Thus, based on my experience I would say.. be patient.. don't freak out when you get a "blip". give the meds and your body time to get you to undetectable.

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: lucinda29 on April 15, 2014, 12:30:27 am

I agree,  Don't give up. Keep taking your meds even when you don't feel like it. Remember that is what's keeping us alive. Your blood works number will improve and if the meds  you are taking are not working,  Your doctor can change it to something else that might work for you. Just be open with your doctor and explain your concerns. One thing is for sure, you have to be consistent with your meds. Take them on time every day and if possible at the same time. You can't afford to miss any dosages.  Ifb you do your part,  it will work out. Stay strong friend.

Title: Re: 3rd blood work and not much change
Post by: zach on April 15, 2014, 12:36:08 am

in five short months you've from 300k VL to almost UD. thats the bright side man, not reason to dispair. i'm posting this a month after your OP, i sure do hope you've been adherent and gone through a bottle of meds in that time.