my cd4 is up....but very slow.

[dingowarrior]

i was wondering why some members/people have their cd4 up considerbaly,some up 100 count ,between doctor appointmemts.
and my cd4 has gone up roughly 30 counts between doctor visits.rather slow i think.

any response would be appreciated.

[Zanarkand]

Hey Dingowarrior!
It can be a number of things, I'm no expert but this is what I've heard.

The lower your cd4, the slower it increases.
I'm sure this rule doesn't apply to everyone but to most I'm sure.

The virus may be immune to your current drug combo.

Your VL may be too high to expect drop in CD4.

Keep us posted so we can support you!

Hugs,
Kent

[Ann]

Hi Dingo,

If I remember correctly, you started treatment sometime in late spring/early summer 2006. Your viral load should be undetecable by now and that is the most important thing. As long as your viral load remains undetectable, the meds are working. It can take time for your CD4s to increase, especially if you started meds with low numbers - below 200. What is your CD4 percent doing?

Hang in there...

Ann

[Central79]

There's some evidence to suggest that recovery is slower if you start with a more immunosupressed system. I understand you started ARV with a CD4 count of 120, so that might explain it.

There's some evidence to suggest that people who start with a CD4 <200 never return to their "normal" counts. I think as long as you get up above 300-350 then you'll be fine. And you'll probably go higher, it will just take longer.

Best wishes,

Matt.

PS - I'm assuming you're undetectable.