Am new to the forum and newly diagonised and looking for support

[lioness]

Hey people, am new to this and looking for support. I got diagonised recently.
I did both rapid and 2 blood tests and they were positive. My CD4 count was 700 and Viral load undetectable. How possible is it to be undetectable yet not on drugs?
Thank you

[karry]

Hello Lioness
Welcome to the forums.
Yes, its very possible to be undetectable and not on drugs. I was one of those people for a good over 5 years before my VL started gradually rising, and the max it ever got was about 200. My CD 4 has also been consistently high since diagnosis even without treatment.
I only recently went on treatment because I am pregnant, but once I have the baby I will see with my doctors if I should continue treatment or stop. Prior to treatment my cd4 was over 700 and my vl was just about 200. I was diagnosed in 2007.

I hope that answers your question.
Karry

[karry]

Just to add that undetectable does not mean you dont have the virus...just means the diagnostic system used to quantify the virus in a precise quantity of your blood sample might have a lower sensitivity limit that's higher than the amount of copies of the virus in that quantity of your blood sample.

[PittGurl]

 lioness - sorry to see you on here but at the same time, this forum prob saved my life from taking it myself....just knowing there are others like me here that I can send a question at any time and not feel judged. 

[lioness]

Thanks Karry and PittGurl and the rest for your replies. I am so happy I found out about this forum. I will ask more questions and will appreciate your support.
I started on ARV (a one pill generic with efavirenz, lamivudine  and tenofovir) straight away and feeling much better apart from the stress, digestive track problems and anxiety that I face sometimes. Thank you

[vivyt]

Welcome Lioness!

[lioness]

hey ladies,
how are you? Just checking on you. I am personally getting better though cold too much. I hope to hear from you.

Cheers

[BT65]

Hi Lioness,

Glad you found us.  I was diagnosed in 1989, so almost 30 years ago, was infected in 1987 by my first husband. That is when he came back to the area from Florida and had gotten into IV drug use. Though I know he had no clue he had aids since he never, ever went to a doctor or took care of his health.  He was too much into his addiction. I'm not angry at him, just for dying in 1989, leaving me by myself. But he was a tormented soul.

I've been on treatment almost since the beginning of diagnosis, early meds, which weren't good.  Now I'm on 3 meds. I was on 1 but last viral load was detectable so my ID doctor added 2 more. I've also had a bad case of thrush lately but hopefully that is on the downswing.

I don't always check in here like I used to, but I still do.  I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and look forward to hearing more from you!

Betty

[lupetto]

Hey lioness and welcome to the forums!
Great to hear you had such great numbers already before starting the medication and that you're satisfied with your treatment. I hope your stress and anxiety will ease off bit by bit. Looking forward to getting to know you better!

[lioness]

Thank you Lupetto, Am really trying my level best. Still feel the bitterness in me for trusting someone who ruined my happiness. Its a tough road with little support