would rather ask a stupid question here

[minismom]

Couple of questions I'd rather ask here than wait and ask my doc.  Still waiting for her to return my phone call so we can strategize our next move for Mini-moo.

1 - Is it possible to have a geno / pheno typing done w/ an undetectable VL?  (still waiting for the copies of the original tests, newtie-patootie).
2 - Is someone w/ an undetectable VL still more suseptable to getting winter cooties than her counterparts w/ no immune deficiency?  I always
     assumed that w/ an UVL and really good t-cells (usually between 500 - 1100) that her immune system was essentially the "same" as someone
     w/o HIV.  However, I've been wrong about many things so wanted to ask it here.  Wondering if it would behoove us to wait until after winter
     cootie season to change meds in case it should have an adverse effect on her VL and T's.
3 - Is a "nuke" a nucleocide analog?

Thanks and big moochies to all!

Mum

[aztecan]

Howdy Mum,

To answer your first question, I believe it is either difficult or impossible to have a genotype done with an undetectable viral load. I could be wrong, but I remember people having labs return their results from these tests as "unavailable" because they didn't have enough virus to check.

As for the winter cooties, it depends on how strong the immune system is. If your CD4 is in the normal range, you probably don't have more chance of getting a cold, flu, etc., than anyone else. That said, if your immune system is compromised, then I would take extra precautions.

The answer to your third question is yes, a nuke is either a nucleoside or a nucleotide analog.

HUGS,

Mark

[minismom]

Ok, that's what I thought all the way around.  She had her bloodwork done 3wks ago and we have yet to hear from her PID.  I've left several messages. Mini woke up after her nap w/ a fever of 101.4 today.  I'd feel better knowing her numbers.

Thanks for your response.

Mum

[aztecan]

Hey Mum,

I hope Mini feels better soon. Give her a hug from "Uncle Mark." I will send positive, healing energy her way.

HUGS,

Mark

[Jody]

Dear minismom...Don't worry about stupid questions...There's a saying- the only stupid question is the one you don't ask...Some knowledgeable, caring person will almost always get back to you here and don't ever be afraid to write down your questions and concerns and bring them to the doctor and take notes...A pro-active patient is the best patient.

Jody