CD4 Stagnant

[getbusyliving]

I have been on Truvada, Reyataz and Norvir since 01/23/04.  CD4 started at 28, I think and VL 30,000.  CD4 is now at 190 and stalled.  VL remains undetectable and I have never been sick so all is well.  BUT, why the CD4 stall? and how can I change that?  Any Ideas?

[aztecan]

Count your blessing that you didn't suffer any of the nasty OIs you could have when your CD4 was at 28.

The meds are doing what they're supposed to. Your viral load is undetectable.

Remember your CD4s were very low when you started meds. The fact they have bounced back as far as they have is something to be very happy about.

They may increase as time passes, but it might take a while. All you can do is pretty general health stuff like eating properly, getting enough rest, moderate exercise, a good multivitamin, etc.

One of the most important things is to try to keep a positive attitude. That works wonders sometimes and, even if it doesn't increase your T cells, it will make you feel better anyway.

Hang in there.

HUGS,

Mark

[Robert]

HI GBL...


It's me, Robert.  How are you doing?  We haven't talked in a while, have we? 

I wish I knew what to say. You and I could be a case study.  I started the same regmine 12/03, one month earlier.  I had 18 t-cells.  But now I'm up over 500 t-cells.  It's strange how this works, isnt' it?  What about your percent?  How is that doing?

Our friend Newt has made it very clear that "The key test when on treatment is viral load. This tells you if treatment is working."

"When not on treatment, CD4 count is more important than viral load, because it tells you when to start/think about treatment."

I'm not sure that helps much.  I wish I had something more to add.

[aztecan]

Hey Robert,

I agree with Newt to a point, the viral load is the key test to see whether the meds are working or not. I do disagree, though, regarding the belief the CD4 is unnecessary after starting meds. Without the CD4, you wouldn't know if you need prophylaxes for OIs.

But, as we both said to GetBusyLiving, the meds are working.

One thing I didn't mention is it can be bad for the CD4s to jump back too fast and cause immune reconstitution syndrome. So, when you look at it that way, having CD4s take their time in recovering isn't necessarily a bad thing.

As I said earlier GBL, Hang in there and remember we are sending positive energy your way.

HUGS,

Mark

[allanq]

Hi getbusy,

I'm in the same boat as you. Been positive for over 20 years. CD4's were down in the low double digits until late 2003, when I finally was able to get on an effective regimen (Fuzeon, Sustiva, Tipranavir/Norvir). After about six months my viral load went undetectable, but my VL has been in the 150-200 range. It's never been higher than 220, with my CD4% around 12%. I've been feeling fine, with no OI's. From what I can tell,once you achieve undetectable VL, there's not much else that can be done to raise the CD4's

I'm currently on raltegravir (Isentress), Sustiva, and Prezista/Norvir.

Allan

[getbusyliving]

Thanks to all of you for the info and advice and positive thoughts.  Robert, wow! you are right we haven't spoke in quite a while.  Glad to hear all is well. 

As far as positive attitude, I am very positive and my life is wonderful.  I really don't think about HIV at all except to take my meds and I have a relatively healthy lifestyle. 

So all is well, just wish cd4 would jumpa little, but I am a patient man. 

Thanks Again you are all appreciated.