Author Topic: quite a Drs visit today (Read 5274 times)

Jeff64 · « **on:** October 16, 2006, 03:32:27 pm »

Well I am just back from my I.D. Doc.

She told me where my numbers were- CD4 600 and VL 22000.

Three moinths ago my CD4 was 900 and VL was 5600.

She wants my labs done in two months from now, not three and wants the HIV genotype done.

I sort of welled up as she told me all of this. That does seem like bad news to me.

Jeff

Razorbill · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2006, 03:38:47 pm »

Not bad, Jeff. Inevitable progression that we have all dealt with or will deal with. You've got some time before any serious discussion of meds begins I would think. Your doc is wise to start checking you more. Hang in there, except for some numbers on paper, nothing has changed in your life from yesterday (except hopefully your underwear

)

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2006, 03:51:03 pm »

sorry to hear

remember that 600 is better an 60

remember that we live in 2006 and not 1986 where HAART didn't exist yet

sending my love

be strong honey

Alain · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:09:12 pm »

Jeff64 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:10:34 pm »

Thanks guys...I know I am just whining. But this really is NOT fun!

I am sure after a nice glass of wine and a nap I will feel better.

Longislander · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:38:41 pm »

Hi Jeff, seems like you're still a ways off for meds, but good to see if a pattern is developing (or something like that!)
My doc had me in every 6 weeks til my #'s jumped a bit. Don't sweat it, ok?

Enjoy the wine, and naps are always great!

Paul

wellington · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:53:19 pm »

From whine to wine?

Drop one more letter and you'll go from wine to win! Numbers can be disheartening but it's the trend that's really important so don't pay too much attention to single signposts. If after another few months things are continuing on, then you'll be armed with good information on what precautions to take next. A CD4 of 600 is still about 3 times what I presently have and I feel pretty damn good, and have for some time.

Eldon · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2006, 05:14:14 pm »

Hello Jeff,

You are doing good with your numbers. What you may want to consider (if not already doing so) is to start a multi-vitamin, grab some Omega 3, drink plenty of fluids, cut out the fast foods, get some exercise, reduce your stress level, and get your proper rest.

Make the BEST of each Day!

Jeff64 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2006, 09:24:29 pm »

I am taking all the supplements I can stand.
I feel like a monk I am so good to myself. No fast food, no sweets, no nothing.

It is futile.

I am gonna die from this stupid thing.

Longislander · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2006, 09:27:51 pm »

Hey Buddy, don't beat yourself up over this. Some people better qualified are gonna jump in here real soon to help you out.

Taking (Monk-like) care of yourself is a good thing!

Take things slowly.

Paul

Blixer · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2006, 09:48:29 pm »

Jeff, I know it can be really disappointing when you see a drop in CD4 and an increase in Viral Load. But don't be too hard on yourself and enjoy life! As others have said, you are still in good territory and you may have a while before you have to consider meds. And even if not, the treatement today is very tolerable and you can experience good results. I found out my diagnosis in January of this year and was on meds in April. I had virtually no time to even think about what was going on. I opted for aggressive and fairly early treatment with my CD4 at about 540 the day I started treatment. I did the ultra healthly thing for a while and guess what... I found it didn't really make any difference. So I live healthly, but don't get too overly concerned about it. If I want a Big Mac, I'll have one. Well, not too often, but I've decided to enjoy life and I'm committed to having a high quality of life. I believe that is totally realistic and my experience so far (although it has only been just over 9 months since my diagnosis) seems to support that!

Good luck! Follow your doctor's suggestions, watch your numbers, and when it's time for meds go forth knowing that you are gonna come out on top of that virus. The meds do work!

Life · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2006, 09:59:52 pm »

Jeff, its just stepping stones... You knew one day (maybe not so soon) that you would be looking at the next stone... What you are feeling is pretty much how we all felt hoping that we could go for years before meds. Don't think with your numbers there is going to be any rush to jump right into them. But, this is the time to start thinking about them in the not to distant future. Maybe a 6mo to a year.. Let the docs decide. Usually around the 350-400 mark(trended) is when its time to make "the next step"... Its going to be ok.... This is a process.. Don't go thinking to much.. Educate yourself about the next step.. Ask questions and find out how this stuff works... To me "was no big fuckin deal" after I got started....

Love

ndrew · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2006, 10:55:52 pm »

Hi Jeff,

I think your reaction is understandable, however there is plenty of sunshine in the future. I really wish you the best with all of this, it sucks, but it is a great time to be alive! Not to be overly optimistic, but for an occasional grumpster, I am still surprised... keep on truckin!

Kindest,
Drew

poet · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2006, 06:37:40 am »

Hi Jeff. I am new to the forum (but hiv positive since 1984) so forgive me if I repeat things. Depending upon who pays for your labwork, I would get the genotype done a.s.a.p. What you and your doctor need to find out is what type of drugs, hence the test name, you may have been pre-exposed to and so their use in any combination is worthless: your hiv will know how to work around them. With that in hand, you might start a new combination of drugs and retest after a month for the regular numbers. Also watch the ratio between cd4 and cd8. It may be that your cd8's dropped and so your cd4's. In my case, a doctor looked at a decade of ratios and while the numbers went up and down, the ratio remained constant. As you all can tell, I am an agressive patient, someone who hears what the doctor says and makes his own decisions based on what is being told to me and what seems to make sense to me. I, afterall, have to live with my own decisions. Best, Win

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2006, 06:41:53 am »

It is futile.

I am gonna die from this stupid thing.

Yup, you probably are gonna die from this thing. Me too. Most of us will. What can you do? It's a question of "when" not "if". I always find some hope in that.

MtD

blondbeauty · « **Reply #15 on:** October 17, 2006, 05:10:42 pm »

My cd4 dropped from 689 to 503 and the viral load increased from 15.232 to 100.000 in ten months...I decided to stop that trend starting meds. HIV was winning the Battle too fast.

poet · « **Reply #16 on:** October 18, 2006, 05:47:45 am »

I think that I had waited until my CD4's were approaching but not yet at 200 something. Back in the 1980's we only had mono therapy, read AZT, and it didn't make any sense to me- although it did to friends and doctors- to take something until I actually had to. My waiting enabled me to go directly to the cocktail, which tells you how long I stalled, and we didn't have a way to measure viral load or, at least, I again can't remember that being brought up. I think that having each of us in control of our medical future is important, that each of us is making our own decision, listenig to our doctors, listening to friends, reading posts but coming to a decision which we are comfortable with. Win

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Author Topic: quite a Drs visit today (Read 5274 times)