Are my numbers normal??

[dlr61589]

So i've been browsing the forum for a few weeks now since I tested positive June 15, and finally have a reason/numbers to post and question about.

My timeline: I get tested regularly every 3 motnhs..

Dec '14- Negative
March '15- Negative
6/15/15- Reactive Anti-body finger prick
6/19/15- Confirmed immunoassay
7/7/15- First CD4 372 VL 180

I've read that when you're in the acute/early stages of infection, that's when your viral load is the highest?? Is it normal to see an initial viral load at 180?? I've seen people in the same time line as myself with infection time, diagnoses, etc with waaaaay higher VL numbers than mine....could something be wrong or is everyone different in acute/early infection??

Thanks in advance for the feeback.

[zettainaoru]

You probably pass that early stage in between March and Juli.
But your are lucky to notice it early.
Early treatment give sooo many advantage.

[zach]

or is everyone different in acute/early infection??

this^^

some generalizations can be drawn, but no conclusions... you'll be fine

welcome to the boards

[mecch]

Hello welcome here.

First please clarify. Those are number without treatment, correct?  Because you don't mention treatment.  If you are not treated, you have had a fantastic immune response to controlling the virus with a VL  of 180. Your CD4 is a bit low so you should start your treatment. 

[leatherman]

Your CD4 is a bit low so you should start your treatment.

the guidelines in the USA now is to treat everyone diagnosed HIV+ immediately. There is no longer a period of waiting based on cd4 count. Studies have conclusively shown that immediate treatment has long term beneficial effects for the patient; not to mention, "treatment as prevention" is yet another reason to start as soon as diagnosed

[dlr61589]

Hi everyone thanks for the response....but yes that is without treatment, my doctor requested for more blood work to be done before I start treatment in a few weeks....she wants to make sure I don't have any hypersensitivity issues to Triumeq and also do another VL test just to get a good baseline and to see if I could possibly be a long term nonprogresser...?

[zach]

don't hang too much hope on being a non progressor... maybe you are, and thats great... so are unicorns 

even if you turn out sensitive to triumeq, there are plenty of other combos... both fixed single dose, and multi dose... that are very effective, just be willing to dial things in with your doctor

good luck going on meds, it's really pretty smooth, people's fears are usually way overblown