2-year poz anniversary

[madbrain]

Today marks 2 years since I got the news.
This last year has been a lot better than the first one living with the virus.
I got over my serious depression and resumed full time work.
I received my highest ever absolute CD4 count two weeks ago, as well as my second-lowest VL at the same time. Needless to say, I'm not on HIV medication yet, and it doesn't look like they will be in my near future.

Thanks to one of the members of this board who pointed me to it, I'm in the process of enrolling in the "HIV elite controller" study . http://www.massgeneral.org/aids/hiv_elite_controllers.asp .
I'm borderline with some of my previous labs - I had a few with over 2000 VL which is the study's qualification threshold, but according to one of the researchers I talked to, I should still be able to enter since they were all under 3000 and the majority below 2000.

So, I'm definitely optimistic about the future and my health. I hope I will have many more anniversaries and will not even need to mark this date going forward, but I'm not quite there yet. I hope this post helps others see that things can really get better over time.

[weasel]

hey glad you are doing so well !

   You sound like you got a handle on the situation quickly .

    GOOD FOR YOU !

    I WISH YOU MANY MANY  MORE ANNIVERSARIES !

    In so many ways this is the BEST  time to be alive on PLANET EARTH !


                                              What a joyful post ,

                                                  thanks for sharing .

                                                                             Karl

[Longislander]

Hey Mad,

Sounds like you're doing very well!! Good luck getting into the study-hope they take you on~

Paul

[J.R.E.]

Hello Mad,...

Congratulations, on the two year anniversary. I sincerely hope that you are able to continue without meds for a good long time. I went 17 years without meds. I know I should have started meds, around 2002, but I was in my denial stage again at that point.

All I can tell you is enjoy these years that meds do not have to be a part of your life. I had good health for many of those years, after I was infected in 1985. After starting on meds in October of 2003,( been 5 years now) ,  it's kind of hard to remember those past years of not being on meds. It's kind of a blurr now. Don't get me wrong, the meds saved my life. If I hadn't started when I did in 2003, I wouldn't be here today, typing this to you.
 

Good luck with the study ! And there is certainly nothing wrong with being optimistic, I live that way everyday !! I am sure you will have plenty more anniversaries !


Ray

[GSOgymrat]

Good to here things are going well. It is interesting how different people's bodies react to the virus. My viral load was very high and I had an AIDS diagnosis within a year of infection. Your body's immune system is obviously much better at fighting the little bugger. Continued good health and success!

[NewYorkKat]

With numbers like that, that is something worth cause to celebrate!

[madbrain]

Hi,

Good to here things are going well. It is interesting how different people's bodies react to the virus. My viral load was very high and I had an AIDS diagnosis within a year of infection. Your body's immune system is obviously much better at fighting the little bugger. Continued good health and success!

Yes, the differences in rates of HIV progression between individuals is a really interesting question, and I want to be able to contribute to finding out the reasons. The HIV Elite Controller study includes a lot of genetic testing. Perhaps this will help devise new medications or even a cure. That is my hope.

My bf, who contracted the virus from me, is one who progressed quickly like you. He went from negative to positive and with an AIDS diagnosis in a period of 6 months. He has been on meds for a year and a half. He has got the same virus and mutations as I do, and we both got infected in the same timeframe. Our HIV doctor says that the big difference in our two HIV responses is genetic.

In the past year, I have met several other newly positive people who all had similar things happen - HIV negative test in the previous year, and then AIDS diagnosis or very close when they tested positive due to their low CD4 counts.

I am rather pleasantly surprised at how well my own immune system has controlled the HIV so far, because I used to get sick all the time. I would literally catch every bug. My bf was the opposite, he used to never get sick, and he went straight to AIDS. I don't see any logic to it. But I hope the researchers find the reasons.

[tendai]

Congrats on your great numbers!
i know someone who didnt even take 6 months till they died. i heard he was in denial and wouldnt get treatment. his wife on the other hand is hale and hearty though also poz.

[Andy Velez]

Mad, it's really good and encouraging to hear how you're moving right along with your life.

Your question about the difference in reactions between you and your bf is a good one for researchers. Waiting on that one.

Meanwhile starting the day and the week with your comments is definitely a bright spot. Very glad to know you are doing well.

Cheers.

[jamesdarlington]

Today marks 2 years since I got the news.
This last year has been a lot better than the first one living with the virus.
I got over my serious depression and resumed full time work.
I received my highest ever absolute CD4 count two weeks ago, as well as my second-lowest VL at the same time. Needless to say, I'm not on HIV medication yet, and it doesn't look like they will be in my near future.

This is news worthy of a celebration! Cheers mate, I'll drink a beer to that!

[Funkengruven]

Congrats on the 2 year anniversary.  I just participated in the elite controller study you mentioned, and it only involves a very simple blood draw.  I hope you are able to enroll, and I hope your numbers continue to stay where they are.

[Texan38]

Wonderful to hear you're doing soo well!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 

[madbrain]

Thanks to everybody for the kind words !

[StrongGuy]

Congrats on the great progress you have made!