declining CD4

[shellshocked]

I was infected in July/Aug 2007. Since then, my CD4 count has been in steady decline. My first results, from October 2007, showed CD4 at 670 and viral load around 1400. I've had the blood tests done several times since then. The CD4 has consistently been around 500 with the viral load around 1000.

I'm concerned now because my latest results, from the end of July 2008, showed CD4 at 380 and viral load at 20,000. Both results are troubling to me. I haven't yet had a chance to discuss the results with my ID specialist.

Is it normal/expected to see such a steady decline in my results, given that I was recently infected? Will the CD4 bounce back to higher levels? Or am I "rapid progressor"? After my first results, my ID specialist speculated that I would not need to start meds for a long time, possibly 10 years or more. Now I'm worried that I'll need them much sooner.

[newt]

Variation of +/- 100 on CD4 count is easy, CD4s vary by time of day, whether you slept well, and the test process etc.  A one off result is not a concern.  But a trend, if downward, especially if combined with a rising viral load, would be something to think about. And yes, this is "normal" in the sense that it happens to nearly everyone sooner or later. The 10 year thing is a crock of shit, many people start combo well before this, most in the 3-7 year range, a few earlier and some lucky souls well after.

- matt