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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Maestro on December 29, 2006, 06:11:01 pm

Title: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: Maestro on December 29, 2006, 06:11:01 pm

I may have asked this before in a different way, but I am still a little confused.  My Uncle has a cd4 of around 130 and his % is 11.  Every time he sees his ID, the doc says his numbers are great and he is doing great.  Am I imissing something here?  I understand that the low numbers are not a death sentence, but is it really "Great"?

Thanks again for all the help.  Things are quiet back home in Florida.  I try to check in once a day or so with the Uncle in California.  I'll keep everyone up to date.

Thanks for everything.

M

Title: Re: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: mjmel on December 29, 2006, 07:08:33 pm

It's "Great" that your Uncle is under the care of a physician that offers him positive reinforcement and encouraging words. This doc has a great relationship to his patient. "Great Numbers" is difficult to standardize as it's relative to a given set of circumstances. i.e.....bouncing back from a severe "dip" in numbers......
or starting meds/treatment with low numbers......
or not getting any infections or complications despite low numbers.

Hope this helps you gain perspective.

Title: Re: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: IzPoz on December 29, 2006, 07:25:42 pm

Maestro,

Every scenario is different.  In your uncle's case, his numbers are Great, because they are showing improvement.  He had a recent dip in his stats, and this is his rebound.  Anything above 200 is good to have, and of course, 400+ is gravy.  The doctor is happy to see the improvement that your Uncle is making.

How's he doing now that he's back home?

Title: Re: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: Maestro on December 29, 2006, 08:55:11 pm

IZ,

That's the thing.  There really has been no rebound.  The % has been between 11 and 12 all along.  And the cd4 ranges from around 100 to 180 max (only saw that high once).  So for 7 years there has not been any signifigant change.  Now, on the other hand, he is still alive.  So I can sort of understand the doctor saying everything is great.  It is all relative.  I guess I would just like to see everything going up, not staying as it has been for 7 years because I have seen him go to the hospital 3 times in the last 6 months and don't want it to continue.

By the way, now that he is home, things are...uh...great?  Really tough for me get a handle on, but so far, so good.

Always,

M

Title: Re: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: Eldon on December 30, 2006, 03:41:28 am

(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/forfun_06/newyears-2007-165x208.jpg)

Yes, I AM Supporting You!

Hey Maestro...

It is GOOD to hear from you and that you had a safe flight back home to the Sunshine State. As far as your Uncle's numbers are concerned, it does take time with the climb to get them back up. He is on the rebound as his immune system is recovering from the damage that it has sustained from the virus. What you will be looking for is an upward incline with his numbers.

Take care of YOU!
 

Don't You Dare Give Up... Don't You Dare Give In...

BECAUSE It IS ALL Within YOU to WIN!!!

Title: Re: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: Gary85741 on December 30, 2006, 08:42:01 am

     I view CD4 and viral load numbers as two identifiable markers amidst many more which are as yet unidentifiable.  That's not to say they're not important obviously...just that they're a small piece of a larger (and unquantifiable) puzzle.
     I have low energy (compared to most others) and wasting.  I've been on most of the medications during the sixteen years I've had the virus.  Yet my viral load has been undetectable almost two years, and my CD4s went from 925 to 1064 in the last three months.  No one would think it to look at me or my general lifestyle.  Go figure!?

Gary

Title: Re: Is there a standard range for "Great NUmbers"?
Post by: IzPoz on December 30, 2006, 09:52:27 am

Maestro,

I'm really glad to hear that he is doing well at home, I know you had your worries about him taking care of himself and doing the things he should be doing.

It really sounds like he's remaining stable, and that's a great thing.  It will take some time for his body to recover, let's hope for more improvement over the next year.  I'm hoping for a better year for you and him!