Test results not what I expected, a bit stressed now...

[pozoz]

Hi everyone,

Got my results today, was expecting "better" numbers.

Also Doc wants to see me regarding "minor abnormalities" with the tests I asked for.

PSA slightly elevated at 2.88 (should be under 2.5)

Thyroid function normal, but antibodies present (hypothyroidism?)

VL still not UD (191) and CD4 now at 459 , 27%

Had a few other tests done but he made no mention of those, will ask when I go in. (LDL, HDL, Liver, Kidney etc)

Going back to see doc next week and not sure anymore about much of anything, and feeling worried now.

 any thoughts appreciated...

Cheers.....

[Ann]

pozoz, your CD4 numbers are actually quite respectable. Your CD4% went up quite a bit and that's significant. And it's not unusual to take a while to get to undetectable. You had another VL drop and you'll most likely be undetectable for your next draw.

I don't really know much about your other test results, but if the doctor is calling them "minor", I wouldn't worry too much about them. It may just be things that need an eye kept on but nothing to panic about.

Overall, it looks like you're doing well. Keep up the good work!

[Nevergivingup]

Thyroid function normal, but antibodies present (hypothyroidism?)

I would say thats what he/she wants to address with you. They my want to start you on some type of therapy for that, because if let go can be serious. I had the same issue and was surprise how much of a part your thyroid plays in your over health. The therapy consist of a pill, I know more pills, but you take it once aday. Once on it you will have to take it the rest or your life but there are no side efects and it doesnt mess up your hiv meds. You have to take the pill in the mornings on a empty stomach with water.

[eric48]

Hi Pozoz,

I have been reporting on my main thread that I , also , have a VL that kinds of take its time to go down.

Your profile is, in that respect very similar to mine. (starting above 500 ; % 20 ; VL 50 k-ish) we also started almost same time and
our VL are close (mine at 200). CD4 recovery in the same pattern as well

My doc, myself, and, apparently yourself were expected 'better' results (VL).

I have had a long discussion with him yesterday and I will be meeting some of our local research guys.

In fact, expectations in terms of VL are based on guidelines. These guidelines were conservative as to when to start the meds.

New guidelines re command starting with higher numbers.

When you initiate meds (and under the condition/hypothesis) that they are successfull, your system needs to empty the bathtub of existing, infected CD4.
Purge. It takes more time to empty a fuller tank than a lower tank. This is were I have this in depth discussion with my doc and I'll report more when I get things right.

as of today, my understanding is that it will not be unusual for people with a profile that we share that the emptying of the 'tank' takes a bit longer.

This is where I sympathize with your 'disappointment' but can assure you that I am currently very optimistic despite this 'not yet UD' thing.

As for the worries, same, here ...

Quite fortunately, my doc, who seems quite embarrassed with my results, decided to give it a bit more time.

Since this discussion was yesterday, It is still a bit fresh and I will post further details later.

Hang on (and be positive : modern meds are very potent)

On a funny side my doc told me that when he got my results, he could not sleep half of the night.
I told him that we are even since I could not sleep the other half ;-)

Cheers

Eric

[pozoz]

Thanks guys,

Not feeling that bad now, amazing what a bit of feedback does to ease the mind 

Guess I had my mind set that these latest results would be better and I'd be able to stop worrying and just take my pills and move on and get checkups a couple of times a year.

Ann, yes the numbers are an improvement, I only was able to see that after hearing what you had to say...thanks for the encouragement

Nevergivingup,
Yes, Thyroid function is something I've never thought about until now, and yes it's amazing how important thyroid function is to overall health. I've read a bit more about it and now will just add it to the things I need to manage...Thanks.

Eric, Yes we have very similar profiles, I like your analogy and look forward to seeing how you progress, and of course I wish you the best. Sounds like you have a very good doctor who you can engage and discuss things with in detail, which is fantastic. Lots of doctors from my experience are always in a rush and sometimes you can leave scratching your head wondering why you still have questions or concerns.

Thanks again guys.... I'll keep soldiering on and once again look forward to my next draw in 2 months...This time perhaps with a more realistic expectation 

Cheers....PozOz

[surf18]

you know you have the right to get a draw earlier if you want. i had what i thought less than stellar cd counts on my last test and i said i want them retested. he said i could go in a month not the two, and i called back and said no that wont work,so he did two weeks.so if you dont want to dwell on this for sixty days tell your doc you want a test in 30 days.

[eric48]

same here...

I will get one VL test in 6 weeks as ordered by doc (and covered by insurrance) and get one intermediate (without prescription, at my own cost) in 3 weeks...

Cheers

Eric

[debsd222]

Pozoz, You've only been on the meds for 6 months, I think you're doing very well. I know its stressful, but you just need a little patience. Take care, Deborah