Newbit - Tested positive on July 11th

[POS07-11-2014]

Hello Forum,

First, I want to say thank you for this forum. This was one of the first sites that I found when back in May my Oraquick test had a very faint line. I was paniced and freaking out and reading the postings from people who already knew their positive status really calmed me down and helped me to progress to where I am today, SO THANK YOU!

I was formally diagnosed on 7/11 as being positive and I think I am coping pretty well. I have my first battery of blood tests done last Saturday on the 19th. I am trying to understand all of the numbers and they are all not posted yet on the providers web site, but I am learning a lot and trying to stay calm.

The reason for my posting today is to say thank you as I have done, but also ask a few questions (as I cannot seem to find an answer online).

• My Neutrophil percent is Low at 45.7 and my Lymphocyte percent is High at 43.4%. My Absolute numbers are in range at 3.2 for Neutrophil and 3.1 for Lymphocyte. Question: If my absolute numbers are in range, do the percents being out of range really mean anything?
• CD3 Count is in range at 2936, but my CD3% is high at 96. I have tried to find our what that means and if I should be concerned, but I cannot seem to find anything on it

By the way, I dont have my viral load numbers yet nor the the information on the genotype. I guess those results take longer to post.

There were other issues of concern in my posted numbers, but I think I understand those.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[POS07-11-2014]

I just spoke to the nurse in my doctors office and she told me viral load is 312,736. They are still waiting on the genotype to recommend a course of treatment, but did go ahead and set up my appointment for 8/13. (wish me luck!)

She also told me not to worry about the percentages and focus on the absolute numbers on the Neutrophil & Lymphocyte.

The CD3 she was kind of vague on, but said that since the count was in range at 2,936, dont worry about the percentage.

What an adventure

[phoenix]

welcome to the forums
Don't worry to much about your numbers, they will get better once you start your med's.  Don't know anything about CDC3, others might. My results only show  CDC4 and CDC8 counts and percent's. Good luck 

[Tonny2]

I just spoke to the nurse in my doctors office and she told me viral load is 312,736. They are still waiting on the genotype to recommend a course of treatment, but did go ahead and set up my appointment for 8/13. (wish me luck!)

She also told me not to worry about the percentages and focus on the absolute numbers on the Neutrophil & Lymphocyte.

The CD3 she was kind of vague on, but said that since the count was in range at 2,936, dont worry about the percentage.

What an adventure

  ojo   Hi 2014....I would let all that information to my doctor, right now, I understand you want to know everething, but its going to be difficult for you to understand....relax, please, write everything down, and ask your doc on your next appointment...usually we concentrate in knowing our cd4 absolute, cd4% and VL, the rest is all complex, for now...later on if you want to learn everething, do it step by step...you will go ncrazy...good luck    ojo

[POS07-11-2014]

I did take someone else's advise as well and have a list of questions to ask the doctor. I guess it is my OCD (Not diagnosed), but I want to control my illness and gain control over what is going on, so I want to try and really understand it all.

I did go to the GI doctor today as I have really been suffering with soft stool and explosive bowel movements, which is not normal at all for me.

The GI ordered a colonoscopy, stool tests and did give a pill to take to slow down activity in my colon to try and help with that situation.

My infectious disease doctor does not seem to be as confident as I am that it is related to the HIV and my body fighting the virus.

I only share this because it helps me and I hope it helps someone else to know that they are not alone.

I sincerely appreciate the responses. I have not been able to share my status with anyone yet and knowing that you all are here really comforts me to know that I am not alone, even if I am forcing myself to go alone (for the moment).

[Tonny2]

ojo   Hi again

If having all this tests make you feel better, I guess is ok having them done...I think that is good you learning everything about HIV, but take it easy, you will have time to learn about it, just relax, stress isn't good for you...I wish you luck   ojo

[POS07-11-2014]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to put a small update.....

My original complaint to my doctor was two fold, questionable results on two Ora-quick tests and diahrria.

Well, the Ora-Quick, although extremely faint, was right, I am positive.

Most of my doctor's all seemed to think that the Diahrria was related (except my id doc), but turns out, it was not. I have Giardasis, a parasite that lives in the intestines. It was found in a stool culture ordered by my GI doctor. I am on an antibiotic (Metronidazole) that should wipe that out in a week.

My point is that the easiest answer that a doctor may give you may not be right. Push for verification. I could have walked around with the parasite a lot longer if I had not pushed them to continue testing.

[absopozilutely]

Glad you got it figured out, very happy for you.

[POS07-11-2014]

This is my last post in Newly Positive, I plan to start posting to the "Living with HIV" section of the board, but wanted to let you guys know that inspite of my ID not getting my final labs (Genotyping is taking 4 weeks due to a new resistence test) she went ahead and put me on Stribild which I will start tomorrow. My Rx had to special order it, lol... My RPh and I are going to have to have a talk about that .

My ID did scare the hell out of me telling me that her hesitation was the expense of the medication and didn't want to waste my money if it ended up being not the right treatment for me. She said the prescription (WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE) was between $1,500 and $2,000 USD per month. THANK GOD FOR INSURANCE! The copay is $100, which still seems like a lot, but so much better than $2,000! WOW!

Anyway, I am excited for day 1 to start my journey to UD! Wish me luck, please....