POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => I Just Tested Poz => Topic started by: Elephant on April 10, 2009, 01:39:00 pm
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My numbers are :
Component Your Value Standard Range
T HELPER CELLS TOT 475 - CUMM
% HELPER T CELLS 18% 29-61 %
VL = 27,000
And the other test showed I'm not resistant to any medications.
I don't think the 18% is so good. Huh?
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My numbers are :
Component Your Value Standard Range
T HELPER CELLS TOT 475 - CUMM
% HELPER T CELLS 18% 29-61 %
VL = 27,000
And the other test showed I'm not resistant to any medications.
I don't think the 18% is so good. Huh?
18% is not great, but it is not too bad either. My bf after 2 years of HAART is at about 20% - he started at 9%.
For the record, if you drop below 14%., you are officially considered to have an AIDS diagnosis - but that doesn't mean you get sick necessarily, not with 475 absolute CD4.
Also, remember that this is your first test, and you shouldn't rely on a single set of lab tests. The next one, in 1-3 months, might be better.
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Just keep getting tested. Remember, in the beginning your counts will fluctuate a bit. It's very hard not to stress about things like this. But, just be vigilant right now. Your CD4's are decent enough. You're at a stage where your numbers change rapidly.
I don't really know of a way to stop worrying about it. But I can tell you that I spent a lot of time focusing on staying busy. Not that it always worked, but it helped. In any case, your doc or your local ASO probably can get you in touch with someone who can chat with you face to face about this.
Scott
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I think that taken all together, your test results are encouraging for effective treatment. You should do well.
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14% = officially considered to have an AIDS diagnosis
That is freeking me the fuck out.
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Dont get to stress....everyone is right. Watch your numbers for trends...if your CD4% continues to drop....then its time for meds. I personally think the CD4% is more importand than the viral load. You need you white blood cells to fight off any OIs as much as possible. Just try to relax...which that's easier said than done....and see what your next labs do. Mine the first time were low and gradually increased on their own and then settled. So...be patient and as long as you feel ok...you will be fine. I was always tired and had no energy even when my viral load ranged from 10-50K. I can't tell you how much better I felt after a couple of weeks. The difference was amazing. Take the time right now to get educated on the drugs so you know exactly what the doctors are talking about. This is your life and your body....its your choice. Ask questions and plenty of them to us and the doctors. AND my advise...KEEP DREAMING...and follow your heart....you life is still worth something.
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14% = officially considered to have an AIDS diagnosis
That is freeking me the fuck out.
Well, not according to WHO (World Health Organization).
According to WHO, CD4<200 is AIDS diagnosis, and CD4% is not important at all.
I spoke to my infectologist, and he said nowadays CD4 number is more important than CD4%
when it comes to being diagnosed and starting therapy, CD4% is important for observing dynamics only...
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Elf,
In the era of effective treatment for HIV, assuming you will have access to this treatment and can pay for it, and AIDS diagnosis has a lot of historic meaning and symbolism and prejudice that you must try to educate yourself about and counterbalance with facts of your particular situation and body, and the medical care of today.
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In summary, our results suggest that the absolute CD4 count may be the more useful measure for decisions regarding use of opportunistic infection prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy, as well as assessment of prognosis. Although it was previously obtained because it was necessary to calculate the absolute CD4, the CD4% adds little additional independent information.
Absolute CD4 Vs. CD4 Percentage for Predicting the Risk of Opportunistic Illness in HIV Infection
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/487533
:)
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Since starting meds my dcd4% is now up to 26%.
Thank you all for the support.
It's been a tuff month. :)
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Wow that is a great increase in percentage. Congratulations.
Matt
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that is great news....congrats....
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14% = officially considered to have an AIDS diagnosis
That is freeking me the fuck out.
It's just words. Don't give it your attention. Have you ever been sick with HIV-related illness?
"AIDS" diagnosis criteria are not that meaningful on an individual basis, and are different in different countries. Talk to YOUR doctor about this. Don't let anyone label you with something that you feel is heavy.
And now you know you are positive, you have a doctor, there is good treatment, you are not going to get "AIDS" in some old conception you may have of that word.