What was your first CD4/Viral Load count?

[Reallove92]

Just wondering, what was your first cd4/VL Count? Mine was
CD4:500 VL:54,500  I just got this result, how could this tell me about my immune system? Is it controlling the virus good? I've only had it for a couple months now, and thats my VL.

[zach]

CD4=8

VL= 500,000+

[anniebc]

My CD4 was 120 and VL was 750,000, I had a pretty nasty sero-conversion.

I would say your CD4's are pretty good, keep working on your VL's and get to U/D.

 Are you on meds?

Jan

[Jim Allen]

My CD4 was 72 and VL was 100000 +

Would agree with Jan your results are good just take your meds to work towards UD.

[RobbyR]

When I was first tested, my cd4 was 294. My viral load was 27,000 or 47,000 I can't remember. I had a bad seroconversion, very very unpleasant. Swollen lymph glands, high fever, thrush..I didn't realize what was happening at the time & I was in denial. I started making healthier lifestyle choices like getting off of drugs & taking better care of myself, so when I did get tested, about 2 years after my seroconversion, my numbers were still not terrible. I suspect that if I had been tested when I seroconverted, my numbers would have been much much worse.

[initforlife]

850 cd and vl 7,000 still hate even thought of dealing with numbers and labs and all that crap even though it was a year in March.. been off meds for awhile who knows what they are now. but I'm sure they are just fine.

[leatherman]

when diagnosed I had just 5 cd4s and the viral load test hadn't even been invented yet.  these days, I'm doing super-duper with 305 cd4s and a viral load that has been undetectable for coming up on a decade.


You've got a good cd4 count. Get onto meds and get Undetectable and you'll do just fine 

been off meds for awhile who knows what they are now. but I'm sure they are just fine.

that's the kind of thinking that ends up with people in the hospital. that's the kind of thinking that can end up with a death Just saying 

[Piscean]

CD4=347
VL=3,400,000
Diagnosed in the throes of seroconversion.

[hayssam]

cd4 320
viral load 520 000
syphylis coinfection and hpv warts fast growing in like a big flour

[zach]

init, half of this i'll post, the other half i PM...

the man that made these statements... he's dead, about a year saying these things

it is really alarming how similar you sound to him

You will have a hard time convincing me that I am sick when my body is telling me otherwise.

I'm not on medication for HIV.  That is a personal decision that I made.

As for me, I refuse to take meds until I get some "sign" that my immune system is compromised.   

I am not ready to start meds yet, so I'm not worried about my numbers.  I'm healthy and to me, that's all that matters.

I am the picture of health!

[DANIELtakashi]

Zach and I talked about this man recently.

[tednlou2]

CD4 was 171.  Apparantly, the hospital never ran a viral load.  That 171 turned out to be "artificially low," due to being sick. 

Based on your one set on labs, it would indicate that you caught this while your immune system is still in pretty good shape-- especially if your CD4% is above 21%.  This site uses the 21% cutoff, as when the immune system is still functioning pretty well.  Well, it did last I checked.  Do you know your CD4%?  Some can have a fairly good CD4 count, but the CD4% is low.  Sometimes they just don't match up. 

Is it controlling the virus good?  Well, it was likely very high after infection-- into the hundreds of thousands or even millions.  So, your immune system did get it way down, likely.  But, "controlling" the virus like that puts a lot of work on the body.

[DANIELtakashi]

How do you do?
61 : 800,000.

When I  first came to this site, I  was severely devastated.
Among those who helped me are Zach, Jeff, Ted, Almost
.., and others.

[DANIELtakashi]

And leatherman mikie is the gem.

[Grasshopper]

When I tested positive in 1992 my CD4 count was 1300, viral load wasn't measured/known back then. Two weeks later I started with AZT (I wanted to DO SOMETHING), also began trying left and right all sorts of alternative hokus pokus shit. I didn't want to die like others were and my boyfriend. Around 1997 my CD4 count was ZERO or too low to be counted, with VL running in the millions. I recovered and for the past 10 years my CD4 count has been hovering around 1300 again 

[DANIELtakashi]

Gem--- do you.say this in American English ?

[zach]

gem is a precious stone, like a diamond or emerald

it works in the context you used

[bocker3]

Mine were:  CD4-350/25% VL-98,559

As for how your immune system is doing -- your SINGLE result, while not alarming, is not enough information to say it's good, bad or indifferent. 
As anyone who's been living with this virus for a while knows, a single set of lab results can be higher or lower than your usual trend. 
So, while it appears that you aren't in any imminent danger, you need to look at this over time.

Mike

[mecch]

Just wondering, what was your first cd4/VL Count? Mine was
CD4:500 VL:54,500  I just got this result, how could this tell me about my immune system? Is it controlling the virus good? I've only had it for a couple months now, and thats my VL.

You can't learn much of use to you, learning a couple examples of our first viral loads.

The thing you do is go to the doctor regularly, and take the doctor's advice about when you should start meds.

I personally do NOT think it is constructive to be thinking along the lines of "is my system controlling this well".  NO.  Only a person whose doctor says, explicitly, he or she is a non-progressor, should be attempting to figure this out.  The rest of us have to take medicine sooner or later.  Maybe that is immediately. Maybe 6 months, Maybe 2 years.  Whatever.

Are you doing what is necessary to prepare yourself for medicine when the doctor says it is time to start? 

In a number of countries including the USA, CD4 500 is considered a good time to start.

Your body is NOT controlling HIV well.  It's either controlling it slightly badly, horribly badly, or terribly.  There are plenty of doctors who  think it is best to start soon after diagnosis, whatever the numbers.

After the first couple of blood tests, during your first year after diagnosis, your doctor should be able to inform you when you should start medicine. That timeframe won't have anything to do with my experience, or zachs or grasshoppers or anyones. 

[zach]

^ all that mecch and bocker just said, louder

[initforlife]

I'm sorry I did not mean to imply for people not to take meds. This was my choice alone to make..I did go thurs and get signed up for medical and have Id dr apt on june 12 but as y'all know my cd4 count was 1200 in Jan and I was Ud what it is now I don't know.. This is one reason I don't come here much any more I don't want to bring people down. I hate hiv I hate dealing with it. and the only reason I made the apt is for my kids.. Did I think this is where I would be at this stage of my life hell no. nothing matters to me anymore. I will stay as a lurker from here on out so I don't discourage other people.. That's not what I want to do.. will I ever come to grips with this dx hell if I know. I  ask about a support group around here where I was certain they had one as this is a bigger area then where I came from found out no there is none. sad truth . They have one in Memphis but I was hoping not to have to drive 45 miles to get to one. Oh well y'all take care and don't do what I do take your meds live a long life!

[leatherman]

In a number of countries including the USA, CD4 500 is considered a good time to start.

actually the newest US Dpt of Health and Human Resources HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) HAB (HIV/AIDS Bureau) HIV Performance Measures for Prescribed Antiretroviral Therapy is to prescribe antiretrovirals for all persons diagnosed with HIV regardless of CD4 count.

Adult guidelines: 2  “Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all HIV‐infected
individuals to reduce the risk of disease progression.
...
ART also is recommended for HIV‐infected individuals for the prevention of transmission
of HIV.

http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/coremeasures.pdf
http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/habperformmeasures.html

South Carolina and North Carolina Ryan White quality committees have set a goal this year of 100% for this core measure. Most agencies already reported compliance in the very high 90s last year before this newer guideline.

[mecch]

actually the newest US Dpt of Health and Human Resources HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) HAB (HIV/AIDS Bureau) HIV Performance Measures for Prescribed Antiretroviral Therapy is to prescribe antiretrovirals for all persons diagnosed with HIV regardless of CD4 count.
http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/coremeasures.pdf
http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/habperformmeasures.html

South Carolina and North Carolina Ryan White quality committees have set a goal this year of 100% for this core measure. Most agencies already reported compliance in the very high 90s last year before this newer guideline.

Good news and thanks for the correction.

[Reallove92]

Hey yes I'm in treatment! But haven't started meds yet, waiting for my blood result for  triumeg. And my wbc% is 28. And my cd4/cd8 ratio is 0.5

[Darkling_Cub]

Initial counts at diagnosis(10.28.2014), cd4:3/VL:43K.
Most recent counts(03.10.2015), cd4:146/VL:UD
Current meds: 1 a day Atripla

[leatherman]

Hey yes I'm in treatment! But haven't started meds yet, waiting for my blood result for  triumeg. And my wbc% is 28. And my cd4/cd8 ratio is 0.5

as soon as you start meds, you'll be "on treatment" like a lot of us. I have heard a lot of good things about Triumeq.

The main numbers you'll need to know to monitor your hiv positive status from now on are the Viral Load count (VL) and your CD4 count (t-cell count). The meds will knock your Viral load down to "Undetectable" (which means as low as that particular test can test. It can be as low as 2, but is usually 20. Used to be less than a decade ago, 500 was "undetectable". go figure. improvements in the meds and tests. SCIENCE! LOL) As the meds get you to "undetectable", your immune system will recover and you'll see your cd4 number rise. What that number is ... is unknown. It's all based on your genetics and what your "normal" immune system was like before HIV. And I'm betting, like ALL of us, you never had your cd4 count checked before you find out you were poz.

Don't freak out though, especially about cd4s. Cd4s change by 100 a day, the quote normal unquote range is from 400-1500! Some people are very healthy with 300, some people are quite ill with counts above 1000. Luck of the draw, blame your grandparents. LOL We just know that cd4 counts under 200 means you have AIDS. anything above that marker is gravy. (says the guy still kicking for 20+ yrs of meds and cd4s at a "whopping" 300 )

[TheNormalLife]

VL-4245 and CD4 of 6 (although I later knew that it wasn't correct and that the lab probably used an expired CD4 test). First "real" CD4 of 530.

One month on meds right now, can't wait to go see Dracula.

Ray.

[Sweet_C]

Mine was CD4 723, VL @14200.  This was drawn about two months after I believe I seroconverted.

[Sweet_C]

double post

[2tcells]

cd4- 2
vl- 220,000

[Denver Toad]

It's been a long time since dx'd... IIRC  CD4 = 16  VL = <650k. I was seriously ill by the time I was tested. In the ER with pneumonia and a failing lymph system.

[DodgerDawg]

CD4 count was 5

VL was 1,800,000

[Denvaux]

I was at my clinic last week to do bloods, and after the practice nurse had drawn the blood, I asked her what my most recent CD4 count was, as CD4 plays on my mind very much; and I was surprised when so  matter of factly she stated ....  "don't concern yourself with your CD4 count as CD4 is today pretty much out-dated.... today we fine tune our analysis of you blood to a greater degree of accuracy pertaining to how HIV is affecting you...... so don't concern yourself with CD4.... CD4 is far too basic! " 

[Jim Allen]

I was at my clinic last week to do bloods, and after the practice nurse had drawn the blood, I asked her what my most recent CD4 count was, as CD4 plays on my mind very much; and I was surprised when so  matter of factly she stated ....  "don't concern yourself with your CD4 count as CD4 is today pretty much out-dated.... today we fine tune our analysis of you blood to a greater degree of accuracy pertaining to how HIV is affecting you...... so don't concern yourself with CD4.... CD4 is far too basic! "

Its very coincidental you mention this as I had a similar experience last Thursday.
I told them my bloods so my results and to give me the numbers otherwise why bother with the testing. They could not answer that one and gave me my results. Lol.

It's true however CD4/CD8 counts ' % and VL, Liver function and items like cholesterol is only part of the overall plan and health that should be monitored. Just looking at one single item would be basic or over simplifying health monitoring. But good place to start is with your basic results and work from there.

[joemutt]

June 1997
cd 4 220, VL 500 K

[Denvaux]

Its very coincidental you mention this as I had a similar experience last Thursday.
I told them my bloods so my results and to give me the numbers otherwise why bother with the testing. They could not answer that one and gave me my results. Lol.

It's true however CD4/CD8 counts ' % and VL, Liver function and items like cholesterol is only part of the overall plan and health that should be monitored. Just looking at one single item would be basic or over simplifying health monitoring. But good place to start is with your basic results and work from there.

When they draw blood they are looking at numerous bodily functions as affected by HIV and the medication combination itself, so there is certainly a need for regular scrutiny; I think that on clarification that what she meant was that the CD4 count post infection but pre HAART was still sometimes used as a guide regarding starting medication, although the general edict of advice  is to start medication immediately on a positive result.  Too much emphasis on CD4 when on medication is misleading as this result can rise and decline with a bout of the flu, a cold or even too many cigarettes smoked;  CD4 post HAART is apparently an unnecessary obsession.   I'll see what my consultant has to say on this when I see him.

[Jim Allen]

When they draw blood they are looking at numerous bodily functions as affected by HIV and the medication combination itself, so there is certainly a need for regular scrutiny; I think that on clarification that what she meant was that the CD4 count post infection but pre HAART was still sometimes used as a guide regarding starting medication, although the general edict of advice  is to start medication immediately on a positive result.  Too much emphasis on CD4 when on medication is misleading as this result can rise and decline with a bout of the flu, a cold or even too many cigarettes smoked;  CD4 post HAART is apparently an unnecessary obsession.   I'll see what my consultant has to say on this when I see him.

Indeed clarify with your consultant doctor. I would agree with your nurse over focus on one item such as CD4 is simplistic, as I said it's only part of a wide range of items monitored, However it is still part of an overall health picture that should not be dismissed so easily and since they are testing and monitoring it they seem to agree by default. Otherwise why bother checking .

I track all my results and I also have my BP checked regularly but one off BP result does not mean I'm sick or healthy it's just a single event and result but it still needs to be done and tracked just like my CD4.

I find it very important to track my own stats and results so I have a clear picture over time how my health is doing and no single event or result means anything but all together they give me clarity just like the monitoring of my BP.
Now I know of several people who rather not know and leave results with the doctors and nurses to track and monitor but I'm not one of them .

[Denvaux]

Long before I was infected with HIV (or knew of the infection),  many years ago infact-I read a book, I forget who by, but it was titled, something like - HIV- the new OCD. Don't get stuck there mate - get on with life!     

[Jim Allen]

Well monitoring ones health is hardy OCD, it's called being an informed patient :-)
Some can go overboard but that with anything in life.

[zach]

personally, if i ask my medical team a direct question about my health, i expect a direct answer... not an explanation why i don't need to think about it

but i don't think about it anymore 

[Sweet_C]

When they draw blood they are looking at numerous bodily functions as affected by HIV and the medication combination itself, so there is certainly a need for regular scrutiny; I think that on clarification that what she meant was that the CD4 count post infection but pre HAART was still sometimes used as a guide regarding starting medication, although the general edict of advice  is to start medication immediately on a positive result.  Too much emphasis on CD4 when on medication is misleading as this result can rise and decline with a bout of the flu, a cold or even too many cigarettes smoked;  CD4 post HAART is apparently an unnecessary obsession.   I'll see what my consultant has to say on this when I see him.

This is exactly what my PA told me.  She explained that the only numbers they focus on from here on out is the VL.  If it's undetectable, then she said the CD4s don't matter.  The office gives each patient the option of whether they want to continue to monitor it, but I suspect that once the insurance companies catch on we will no longer had the option. 

[zach]

seems to be two threads going right now both voicing cd4 anxieties

one thing i'd like to add, and i'll probably cross post this to the other thread

the newest wisdom is don't worry about cd4, and while that is true... for those of us diagnosed with aids and taking prophylactic antibiotics... 200 will still be a goal

but still, don't worry about it, you're doing all that needs to be done staying adherent to meds

 “If there is no solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it.”
― Dalai Lama

[weasel]

I'm sorry I did not mean to imply for people not to take meds. This was my choice alone to make..I did go thurs and get signed up for medical and have Id dr apt on june 12 but as y'all know my cd4 count was 1200 in Jan and I was Ud what it is now I don't know.. This is one reason I don't come here much any more I don't want to bring people down. I hate hiv I hate dealing with it. and the only reason I made the apt is for my kids.. Did I think this is where I would be at this stage of my life hell no. nothing matters to me anymore. I will stay as a lurker from here on out so I don't discourage other people.. That's not what I want to do.. will I ever come to grips with this dx hell if I know. I  ask about a support group around here where I was certain they had one as this is a bigger area then where I came from found out no there is none. sad truth . They have one in Memphis but I was hoping not to have to drive 45 miles to get to one. Oh well y'all take care and don't do what I do take your meds live a long life!

    You are still a newbe !    I pray you come to terms with this .
 Please lurk , I often lurk     
   As you know My trip to Cape support group is over 130 miles round trip .
     My new found group is 90 + miles round trip .  I love my new group , As one person in the group told me
 a new person can change the whole meeting , new topics  . People are more willing to speak up if they know
 you need help !
   Please do take the time to find a group and go .   
   After so many years ; I do NOT forget the awful years you may or may not relate to . My life is OK , it is better than OK .  I am happy , not as spry but happy !
 I truely go for weeks with out thinking about AIDS , It is a waste of my time .
I know it's there , I take my pills morning and night . I plan to be 93 one day 
 It's a wild ride at times , doctors & numbers can be very nerve wracking . One day I will tell my doctor
 to stop telling me all these numbers ,that rarely bring joy 
   Trying to deny that you have HIV or need MEDS is not the path I or anyone that has met you wishes to hear .
 I do agree in READING  as much as you can about HIV .
 The forums have many blogs , read them .

                                                                    I can't wait to see you @AMG Memphis !

                                                                            July is almost hear !   HUGS , Carl

[sumd22]

CD4 was 48 and VL was 186,000.  I had been positive for probably 7 years and I was panicked when I got those results.  This was last Spring.  I am lucky that I didn't get sick.

Tomorrow is the 1-year anniversary of starting meds.  As of May 4th, My CD4 203 and VL is Undetectable.  CD4 went up by 155 in a little under a year.  I am thrilled.

So you are in great shape.  And, from my experience, Stribild is frigging amazing.

[hobbyrunner]

Cd4 359, VL 57000 about 3 months after seroconversion. Just started Triumeq 2 days ago, so far so good  .

[OneTampa]

1985 diagnosed with AIDS Related Complex.  First CD4 test results listed 75. 

Been undetectable for about 15 years. For the last 10 years or so CD4s have run in the 600s to 700s. Hit CD4 at mid 800s for a brief period a few years ago.  Recently moved to the low 30s percent for the first time.

 

[hayssam]

my cd4 was 320   vl 560 000
after 7 months taking atripla .. my cd4 recover to 800

so if the cd4 keep going up after 2 years starting haart
does it is indicate that my infection was old???
i heard that cd4 usualy drop 150 per year when someone is hiv infected

[CallMeSid]

Back in July of 2007:

CD4: 795 (40%), VL: <50

I'm weird.  Some would call me a "viremic controller".

[Rosie117]

Diagnosed in October 2013, bloodwork in November 2013 showed CD4 259, VL 22,080. Stribild got me down to undetectable 1 month later!

[Souledout]

I'm weird too. CD4 of 672 and undetectable VL.