2nd set of numbers..and a big CD4 drop...

[bedder1]

i only found i was poz in August, at that time i was also co infected with gonnoreah and stage 2 syphillis. my first labs came back cd4 631 and vl 82,00
it has been 2 months ive been trying to esat better and take vitamins...but i wont lie and i know ya'll wont be judgemental...i DO use cocaine about 3 or 4 times a week but i never binge and i nevr buy more then 20.00 worth. my new numbers were a shock to me

cd4 475  and vl 33,000.

please if you can, spare me the advice on drug abuse...i realize i can go on doing it and i am not seeking approval to use it in moderation.
what i AM wondering is has anyone else had such a large drop so quickly? is it most likely from the coke (which i have read can effect hiv agressively)  or does the num,bers fluctuate THAT drastically?  my dr said she is still not worried but if it drops like that again we will consider the meds at cd4 350. she also scheduled the next labs in 30 days instead of 60 days.  YOU all have my word i am stayin away from the drug call me scared straight (ewww straight lol)

[Eldon]

Hey Bedder1,

Your numbers did take a dramatic dive from where they were. There is a section that discusses the usage of drugs: http://www.aidsmeds.com/news/20020214scie003.html. You may want to read over it when you have the time.

Also, the most important thing here is for you to take care of your health. Try not to tear down what needs to be rebuilt and stabalized.

Make the BEST of each Day!

P.S. I admire you openess and your honesty during your self-realization phase in this life.

[skeebo1969]

  That was a question my doctor asked me after a recent sharp drop in my cd4's.   Have you used cocaine?   I hate being asked that because I have been clean from the terrible drug since May 89.   Is your drop attributed solely to your cocaine use?  Probably, hard to just point it at that.   I am clueless about the treatments for the other STDs you have , by the way, were they treated?  If so or if not I wonder if they played a part in it.   Could be just a natural decline since you may not know exactly how long you have been infected.   But as you probably already know, no cocaine is not beneficial and yes it does affect your immune system

[newt]

Hey hello

I am gonna disagree (a bit) with Eldon here

You were diagnosed HIV-positive with two active bacterial infections.  This will make your baseline CD4 count higher (because infections activate the immune system therefore raising the number of infection-fighting white cells).  Your latest CD4 is a better starting point. 

Yes, tis true cocaine* has a transient effect on HIV & pushes viral replication right up, you can show this in the lab, but no study has reliably translated this basic science into worse clinical outcomes for people.

Counts, yep, they's like a kite in a lazy wind sometimes, up and down. The trend, like 3, 4, 5 results over time, gives a better picture. Especially CD4s. Two viral load are not enough to tell you what your infection is doing. Viral load test results can vary by a factor of 3 (may be 3 x more or 3 times less). Viral load of 82k and 33k (or 8,200 and 33k) could be showing the same picture, ie you HIV infection is level. 

Short answer:  The lower CD4 count on 2nd test is unlikely to be down to the coke, it's more likely to be the two infections you had at the time of the 1st count stimulating your immune system.

A CD4 of 500+ is normal. You's nearly there right now.

- matt

_{* and some other stimulants}

[bedder1]

tyu all for the responses and yes to newt thats EXACTLY what i am thinking, however was quite a shock to see the cd4 go down so quick..i still think im gunna swear off the drugs (right after i finish the 1/4 gram i have now lol (sorry if anyone takes my attitude the wrong way) but i am smart and scared enuff to realize this has to be the end of the party for good if i wanna stick aroun...worse comes to worse i ll seek help if i can stop on my own.  its just gunna be an anxious month to see next ressults (12/28)
happy holisays all

[randym431]

I don’t know if his make sense but I'd expect the cd4 to keep dropping until that VL has become undetectable? Its the virus killing off the cd4's. Once the VL <50, then the rise and recovery would seem logical???
ps. Spock made me say that.

[Merlin]

Just curious, but can VL be undetectable if one is NOT on meds?

[allopathicholistic]

but i am smart and scared enuff to realize this has to be the end of the party for good if i wanna stick aroun...worse comes to worse i ll seek help

smart man indeed!! besides the cd4 thing, other aspects of your health will improve by cleaning up your act BRAVO