Wifes CD4's seemed to have dropped drastically

[DaneGrey]

My wife, who is still in Africa as we await her visa.

Tested Poz in earlier this year, her CD4's on Feb 20th were a strong 644.

She just got re-tested June 23rd, her CD4 is now 320, thats a big drop in 4 months, I tried not to be concerned when she told me, but in fact I swallowed hard.

At that rate, well, I'm concerned.

Any insight is appreciated.

BTW, we don't know the Viral Load, they keep saying it is an unnecessary expense, my wife, unlike a Westerner, doesn't challenge the Doc, even though I told her to get the Viral load done.

[Christine]

Do you know what her cd4% is? The absolute cd4 count can jump around a lot, the % is more stable indicator. Just because the counts drop on one test does not mean she is progressing. Would you be able to call her Doctor and request a VL test? Or write a letter to her Doctor?
Christine

[DaneGrey]

Do you know what her cd4% is? The absolute cd4 count can jump around a lot, the % is more stable indicator. Just because the counts drop on one test does not mean she is progressing. Would you be able to call her Doctor and request a VL test? Or write a letter to her Doctor?
Christine

Christine,

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

Here are the exact #'s from her test on Feb 20.
CD4 644
CD3 Average 3500
cd4/cd8 0.32

Doesn't sound like that was on there. I have not seen the latest one, she just gave me the number over the phone today.

Unfortunately she is in a very, disorganised 3rd World country, I won't say which, I've spent alot of time there the last 3 yrs, and no, unfortunately I coulld have no way to contact her doc.

The Doc's are completely unreliable, they will not show up for appts they schedule, go on vacation, or just not show up to the hospital/clinic for weeks at a time, the staff often having no idea when they will come back. It's just crazy but the whole country moves that way.

That is why "bribes" exist, LOL.

I will tell her she needs to get the CD/4 % & Viral Load done.

[doyourowndamndishes]

Hi Dane,

Yes as Christine mentioned, those lab results will help, especially the viral load.  Further, it is trends in numbers that doctors use to evaluate disease progression not one single lab result.  Cd4s, viral load, and any test result can jump around, even daily; I had a blip about a year ago in viral load which made me think ok need to change meds again.  It was just a blip and they are common.  Once a trend has been established then immune health can be better discerned.

I know it's hard especially when dealing with loved ones but try to relax.  Even with the drop in numbers you could be making a mountain out of a molehill.

Cheers,

Alan

[krakerjm]

That is a serious drop even though fluxuations are not uncommon, and not knowing the vl?  Wait for another test, if it drops in the 200s can she get meds?