POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Mattinsrq on September 10, 2006, 08:39:30 am
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Hello Everyone!
Im newly Diagnosed, almost 3 months ago. I've started taking better care of myself and am not on any hiv meds.
This is the first time I've gotten a cold in a few years. The cold seems rather harmless enough. So, my question is:
Is there anything I should do "special" or just ride out the cold? I'm a little anxious I guess.
My vl is 34k and my cd4 just went up 200 to 1084.
Thanks
Matt
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Matt,
Welcome to the Forums!
It's not uncommon for us HIVers to worry that every little infection and sniffle we get is AIDS related. Especially just after diagnosis. Given your robust CD4 count (send some of those T-Cells my way!) I would think you've just got a cold and you should inded "ride it out".
Fondly,
MtD
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Thanks Matty!
I rarely have had a cold in last 10 years, so I was like, "Is this the end?"!!! My thoughts can get very dramatic at times :)
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Quite understandable dear! It's totally natural to see everything through the "prism" of HIV. You were probably scheduled for a cold anyway. ;)
Like I said your CD4 count is excellent. Has your doctor told you what your CD4 percentage is? If you haven't already, I'd recommend you take a wander through our lessons on what the various blood tests mean. Most informative.
Fondly,
MtD
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shoot, I'd have to look at my labs, but I'm pretty sure its around 42%
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shoot, I'd have to look at my labs, but I'm pretty sure its around 42%
Bastard! ;) :P
Matty the Damned is green with envy!!!! ;D
Anything above 32% but below about 60% is within normal range.
MtD
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Ok, then I'm just a crazy bitch that needs to RELAX, lol!
Thanks, and I love your name, people call me Matty!
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We need more Matty/Matt/Matthew types around here. With you I think we have 5 at the moment. ;D
MtD
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just stating the obvious but easy-to-forget: note your symptoms especially if they differ significantly from the last cold you had (e.g., mucus more watery than before) ... this way, in case it goes on too long (hope not) it can help your doc figure out what's what especially if you're noticing things not seen in the past
(http://www.myspace-images.com/wb/media/getwell/get_well_soon_14t.gif)
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It is very common and normal to think this way. I have been HIV+ for 12 years and still to this day I think every little cold or sicknees is related and it is not. Just know that sometimes it takes us a little longer to recover from a cold. Good luck and hope you feel better. Rachel
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eat right,take on some vitamins,and rest,the same as you would do if you werent positive,thats the way i would do it.but i guess being new to this wonderful world here,you may just be worring more because of fear of getting ill?as long as you take good care of yourself you should be fine.take care
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Hello Matty, it is Eldon.
I wanted to extend to you a warm WELCOME to the forums. Here, you will find love, encouragement, communication, support, understanding, fun, and most of all, many of your questions answered relating to HIV/AIDS.
As others have said, your numbers are fantastic. You should ride this cold out. In the meantime (if you have not already), add a multi-vitamin to your diet, drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet, get some exercise, and most importantly...get your proper rest.
Again Welcome! and Have the BEST Day!
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I would not worry about a cold...just a minor annoyance.
Jeff
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WELCOME TO THIS PLACE!!!!!!
For me, invaluable. Diagnosed just 2 months ago. And I had a cold those days. BUT it wasn't the end of the world....
BTW: WHAT A NUMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alex
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Thanks so much for the encouragement everyone! ;D It's day 4 of the cold and I'm starting to feel better.
I already take vitamins...about 20 different things a day to get as healthy as possible. I know that can't keep my viral load from increasing(or can it?).
I've read through the lessons a few times and found them awesome, especially in how to read my tests.
Thanks again for the support and look forward to chatting with you all again.
Matt
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Hey Matt,
Taking vitamins will have no impact on your VL either way.
Fondly,
MtD
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Hi Matt ..... mattty......
Here is a GREAT REFERENCE (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=234.0) for some nutritional advice and what vitamins to take and how much.
It was originally posted by one of our own (Steven) around Feb, 2004. It's good advice.
robert
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Very Informative post. Upon diagnosis, my doctor recommended I get a "Spectracell" blood test. This is a specific test that shows exactly what nutrients your body needs. It gives a range of recommended dosage to improve the areas lacking, to come up with a tailor-made approach to supplements. It also gives a personalized guide of natural foods that supply the vitamins and minerals you need.
Anything else seems like a crap shoot...hoping you are taking the right stuff, in the right amount.
Matt
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I'm battling a cold too. This is my 3rd time with a cold since my diagnosis (Dec. '05). I'm terrified too. I try to remember to keep calm because stress doesn't help. I'm getting better but I think it's a cloud that always hangs over us poz folks. We have to remember not to blow it out of proportion. The way society has taught us to think about this disease makes it difficult, especially when you learn the facts.
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Well, my cold has taken a nose dive ....to my chest. I think it's time to go to the doctor, since breathing is strained and coughing up Furbies. :-\
I am just trying not to stress out about it, and focus on other stuff. (I quit my job last week, probably some of the stress that may have caused me to get sick) And I feel SO uncomfortable applying for jobs while hacking and sniffling...not the best 1st impression.
My boyfriend can help support us during this, but I really don't want to rely on him to take care of me...
lol, sorry to ramble...I may have overdosed on the NyQuil!
Matt
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Hey.
I'm a woman who suffers from Tecno Phobia! JOined the Forum today. Trying my hand at bloging 4 the first time. Nervous & excited ( Like I was on my 1st date) :)
Prags
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Hey Matty!
Try not to be so stressed out about your cold. Wait till the doc says anything.
All the Best.
Prags
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Hey matty...
Don't really stress out about your first cold, it's your body repond to infection and if your are getting checked out that with your doctor and have the knowledge of your CD4 an VL. It's natural since you haven't get a cold in 10 year, but 10 years a go means a lot diference to your inmune system.
Wish you the best..
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Matty, you still got alot of Cowboys and Indians fighting the good fight.. Youll shake it off...
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Hello and welcome!
Taking vitamins and other supplements may not directly affect your viral load, but if they make you feel better then your overall health will be better, and THAT affects you viral load, most of the time, anyway, I feel. Of course, you'll need to rethink supplements should you start meds, but if your CD4s are over 1,000 then you're doing great! Even with normal CD4s I've had to adjust my diet due to IBS (That's what they call it when they can't figure out what's up with your guts; I figured out on my own it was from eating 2 meals a day in my hospital's cafeteria) and I do take meds for that, but they'll have to wrench my vitamins and garlic pills from my cold dead hands before I give them up! (Unless I start HIV meds, in which case I may have to ditch the pilled garlic and go for the real thing.)
Keep it up!
Best,
Creighton
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I just got over a cold that ended up turning into walking pneumonia. It took the doctor some time to convince me it wasn't HIV related. I just finished the anti-biotics and feel pretty much back to normal. This was also my first time feeling sick since diagnosis. I am going to have to learn not to panic.
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Good morning ppl!
I agree, not every little ailment is related to the positive status. It could be due to change in season. I, too right now am suffering from a Bad cold but just taking anti biotics & hoping that the cold goes away!
Cheers to all
Prags
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Thanks for all the positive messages of encouragement! I'm feeling a bit better. I didn't go to the doctor after all. I'm thinking from the above responses, the best thing to do is relax and continue to take care of myself.
I am so glad I posted this, because when I started this thread, I was filled with anxiety, and now, thanks to you guys and gals, it's gone!
Matt
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Hey Matty!
COLD HAS DISAPPREARED! WOW! Congrats buddy!
& We are all here to support & care for each other !
Pushing out for Work.....
Prags
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Hi Matt,
Welcome to the Forums,
Nothing worse than a summer cold, Glad its clearing up, not to stoke any worries, but there is a pretty lively red Tide going on that can sometimes agrivate a cold but I wouldnt get too bothered about it ( Im in SRQ also ;D)
Sometimes a Cold is Just a Cold...although Nyquil is pretty much always Revolting which is why I chase it with a shot of Vodka.
Aint our town a fun place ?? feel free to send me a PM if you wanna chat.