I can't remember anything more frightening than getting my first labs, like the numbers were somehow going to dictate whether I lived or died. Back in 85, we did not have all the count or viral loads, as many of the tests had yet to be developed. But the effect the numbers can have on the mind are another story.
So before I comment on them, let me share a little experience. Numbers are great as a snapshot of where we are, but only become very meaningful, when combined to show trends. Our bodies are ever changing during the day and it's not unusual for our numbers to fluctuate during the day, so my first advice is to get your blood drawn the same time, each time, so you remove one possible variation from the equation.
The other part involves how you view numbers. Hugo, numbers are indicators of your health and to be really used properly they need to be combined with your medical history, how you are feeling, your mental health and well I think you get the idea. Yes numbers are useful, but they are only one indicator of your health and so I hope you can accept that and not become a slave to those numbers, nor let the stress of each new set, send you up the wall.
Concerning your numbers, they look pretty good, however your Viral Load is a pretty high. Have you reviewed these numbers with your doc yet? My guess is they will have you wait for a month or two and then repeat the tests, so you can start developing that trend that I mentioned. In the meantime, just relax and go with how you feel. That's the best indicator you have, because in my 22 years of being poz, I worked for almost 6 years with a CD4 count of less than 200, yet I felt great.
As I said, learn to accept that there are many indicators to your health and that by monitoring them, you will be able to identify issues with your health. Your numbers are there to help you and not to enslave you.
Hugo, you're fine so put this to rest and resume your life. Yes, easier said than done, but we all have to start somewhere. BTW welcome to the forums.
angelofdreams:
hey,
yeah, i have had a look with my doctor but she doess not seem to be that concerned, she goes on more about me smoking then anything else, what seems ironic because she works her way trough probably 25 a day.
just hoping i can keep my CD4 count as high as it is now and i'll be happy
xxxx hugo
--- Quote from: killfoile on August 01, 2006, 07:12:23 pm ---Hello Hugo,
I can't remember anything more frightening than getting my first labs, like the numbers were somehow going to dictate whether I lived or died. Back in 85, we did not have all the count or viral loads, as many of the tests had yet to be developed. But the effect the numbers can have on the mind are another story.
So before I comment on them, let me share a little experience. Numbers are great as a snapshot of where we are, but only become very meaningful, when combined to show trends. Our bodies are ever changing during the day and it's not unusual for our numbers to fluctuate during the day, so my first advice is to get your blood drawn the same time, each time, so you remove one possible variation from the equation.
The other part involves how you view numbers. Hugo, numbers are indicators of your health and to be really used properly they need to be combined with your medical history, how you are feeling, your mental health and well I think you get the idea. Yes numbers are useful, but they are only one indicator of your health and so I hope you can accept that and not become a slave to those numbers, nor let the stress of each new set, send you up the wall.
Concerning your numbers, they look pretty good, however your Viral Load is a pretty high. Have you reviewed these numbers with your doc yet? My guess is they will have you wait for a month or two and then repeat the tests, so you can start developing that trend that I mentioned. In the meantime, just relax and go with how you feel. That's the best indicator you have, because in my 22 years of being poz, I worked for almost 6 years with a CD4 count of less than 200, yet I felt great.
As I said, learn to accept that there are many indicators to your health and that by monitoring them, you will be able to identify issues with your health. Your numbers are there to help you and not to enslave you.
Hugo, you're fine so put this to rest and resume your life. Yes, easier said than done, but we all have to start somewhere. BTW welcome to the forums.
--- End quote ---
AldousOrwell:
Hi Angel
I'm no doctor but do work in the NHS and go to a support group in London and we compare notes.
The CD 4 is similar to a neg person. The VL is high as expected as I warned. But they won't put you on meds until the CD4 drops to below 250.
The % is a bit low so you may get niggling complaints. You must avoid unprotected sex with such a high VL but then so should all pos people.
They will wait to see if your CD4 fluctuates before prescribing meds. Hopefully your % will go up. Over 30% is simillar to a neg person. It's a trade off. ARVS will knock your VL down to almost undetectable but once on you must stay on them, must like a transplant patient must take anti rejection meds.
The important thing is my communicate well with your doc. I smoke about 10 a day, it reduces stress for me, which I argue is more of a health threat. Even though my Dad died of Lung Cancer.
The money saved on ciggies will pay for a nice holiday mind.
We are both lucky
Aldous
nehusker4nu:
Hi guy. I completely understand how you are feeling. I was feeling the same way, but realized that since HIV has been around so many new medications have been discovered. Pepole are living long "normal" lives with HIV because of it. Just be positive about your disease and research, and explore it more so you can understand it more. I believe the more we learn about our disease and the more we know about it, "WE CAN FIGHT IT."
Keep your head up high and always remember that others are out here with it, going through it, living with it along with you. We are out here to help support you. ;)