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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: ALH300 on April 04, 2008, 12:34:42 pm

Title: Numbers help......
Post by: ALH300 on April 04, 2008, 12:34:42 pm
I got my labs back today and kind of confused....and not sure what to think.....

cd4 432 %14.4 vl 11,830

Last labs were....

cd4 493 %22.4 vl 5900

Can my % actually change that much in 3 months? My doc ordered labs again in one month...she said it could be an error in the the percentage either for this set of labs or the previous ones.....For the record I have been feeling great no illness what so ever except for a cold in November.

Any have any input or theories?
Title: Re: Numbers help......
Post by: newt on April 04, 2008, 07:07:25 pm
Well I wouldn't sweat about it too much.

Over time -- the important thing -- your picture looks stable. The viral load differenc between the last two tests is barely significant. Your CD4 count and % overall is more or less even (and good too).

- matt
Title: Re: Numbers help......
Post by: ALH300 on May 21, 2008, 04:01:00 pm
Got my results back and still my doc and I are a little concerned over my cd4%.....

cd4 480 cd4% 15  vl 2360.

So now I get to kick back and wait for another 3 months to see what my % does.

Wondering if anyone has had to start meds with such a low % but a not so bad cd4 count?
Title: Re: Numbers help......
Post by: Blixer on May 21, 2008, 06:06:53 pm
Hello ALH300,

I started Meds shortly after my diagnosis with a CD4 absolute of 540 and a % of 12%.  My CD8 count was very high and that was what was depressing the %.  My doctor recommended starting meds even with a high absolute count because he said my high CD8 indicated that my immune system was hyperactivated.  I was undetectable within 2 months and my % has been in the 27 to 30% range now for quite a while.
Title: Re: Numbers help......
Post by: John2038 on May 21, 2008, 07:06:30 pm
My CD8 count was very high and that was what was depressing the %.  My doctor recommended starting meds even with a high absolute count because he said my high CD8 indicated that my immune system was hyperactivated.

And what ?

hyperactives CD8 might be a good sign, as they can allows you to become undetectable. The CD8 count will then decrease and the CD4 % increase.

Well, that's my guess, I might be wrong, but in fact, accordingly to my internet reading, nobody really knows.

So before overreacting and starting meds like that, wait the next labs !