ESR in HIV

[hope4love]

I had visited a physicain to check for my very prominet veins in my hands and legs. Physician on examination orderd Blood test for ESR, Vit B12, and doppler for Venous legs to rule out vericose veins.

I also have tinnitus for the past 6 months and had an ENT consultantion, where an PFA and impedemy test was peformed and the result shows there is 30% damage to the ear nerves.

My question to the forum does HIV virus has a role in the damage to ear nerves? and Does HIV increases ESR level? my current ESR level is 15 mm/hr where the normal range for men is 1 - 10 mm/hr. My blood Vit B12 is within the normal limit.

I was diagnosed with HIV in Jan 2010 and my CD4 is 275 and VL is 4000. Not on medications yet. Dotor had advised to wait untill another blood CD4 count in June. I am worried if HIV is damaging my organs fast.. please advise.

[bocker3]

The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is a nonspecific test that can be used to indicate inflammation is going on in your body.  So, yes, HIV could increase this result because HIV can cause inflammation.  Other things can affect the result also, like anemia.  When an abnormal result is found, the doctor will usually do additional testing to determine cause.

It's a very simiple test.  Basically they push your blood into a long, skinny tube and measure how far the red blood cells "settle" in an hours time.

Personally, I would not bat an eye at a result of 15 and I suspect that your doctor probably won't either. 

I have no idea how/if HIV affects ear nerves.

Good luck,
Mike

[veritas]

Hope4love,

HIV can affect ear nerves. I'll give you this link that explains how HIV can affect someone  from the neck up. Now all of this probably doesn't pertain you, however, it doesn't hurt to be informed and to look out for any adverse events:


http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-04-01-13

I'm more concerned that your ID hasn't put you on HAART yet. Why wait? Your numbers say to start even though your viral load seems fairly low. You might want to ask.

v

[Inchlingblue]

I'm more concerned that your ID hasn't put you on HAART yet. Why wait? Your numbers say to start even though your viral load seems fairly low. You might want to ask.

I think it's probably because he's recently diagnosed and seems to have had one test so far and the doctor wants to see the trend in the numbers, especially given the viral load is low.

If the trend stays about the same (or obviously if the numbers get worse) then it's time to start meds, since your CD4s are below what the Guidelines indicate (350-500).

[mpositive]

I am wondering why the doctor is waiting for 6 months instead 1 or so for  a second CD4 & VL test after your initial diagnosis.  That seems unusual to me.  Is he an HIV specialist?  With a CD4 of 275, you are at a point where starting is already recommended.  I think I would inquire about such a long wait between tests.... Jan. 2010 to June seems long.

Good luck to you     

[tednlou2]

Hope4love,

HIV can affect ear nerves. I'll give you this link that explains how HIV can affect someone  from the neck up. Now all of this probably doesn't pertain you, however, it doesn't hurt to be informed and to look out for any adverse events:


http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-04-01-13

I'm more concerned that your ID hasn't put you on HAART yet. Why wait? Your numbers say to start even though your viral load seems fairly low. You might want to ask.

v

Thanks for the link.  It was very informative.  After the time I know I was infected, I got the swollen lymph nodes all over that lasted for more than 3 months like the link says---actually they lasted years.  Within a year of infection, I would have recurring cracked sores at the corners of my mouth.  I use to think those were cold sores, but I've learned cold sores look much worse.  I know now it is angular cheilitis.  They are so frustrating and seem to come on with stress--but it is hard to tell.  I also get those sores on my throat (usually 1 or 2) called aphthous ulcers; however, mine are really small and not big like the link talks about.  My brother gets these as well, but I get them often.

About the ear---since infection, if I push in on my left ear, it hurts really bad.  The right ear doesn't.  I know...stop pushing in on my ear.  I've always wondered what that was all about.  I've had it checked out and it looked normal---doc just looking in with scope.

Anyway, thanks for the info.  I was surprised to hear the stats on hearing loss in HIVers.  I've not heard that before...lol.  Seriously, good to have the info.

[J.R.E.]

I also have tinnitus for the past 6 months and had an ENT consultantion, ...

Hi,

There are a few of us here that are dealing with tinnitus. Mine started in 2004 shortly after starting on treatment in Oct of 2003.

Here's a couple informative links (regarding Tinnitus) from past discussions on the forums :



http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21473.0


http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=14611.0



Ray

[hope4love]

Hi,

There are a few of us here that are dealing with tinnitus. Mine started in 2004 shortly after starting on treatment in Oct of 2003.

Here's a couple informative links (regarding Tinnitus) from past discussions on the forums :



http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21473.0


http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=14611.0



Ray

Hi,
There are a few of us here that are dealing with tinnitus. Mine started in 2004 shortly after starting on treatment in Oct of 2003.

Here's a couple informative links (regarding Tinnitus) from past discussions on the forums :

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21473.0


http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=14611.0

Ray

Hope4love,

HIV can affect ear nerves. I'll give you this link that explains how HIV can affect someone  from the neck up. Now all of this probably doesn't pertain you, however, it doesn't hurt to be informed and to look out for any adverse events:


http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-04-01-13

Thank you for all the link and information. It is quite scary to see the information on how HIV can affect neck and upper regions. I have already experincing sensorineural hearing loss of 30%. We cant reverse the hearing loss as there is no treatment and wondering how to futher prevent the hearing loss and treatment. I am still not on HAART my CD4 and VL in Jan was 234 and 3400 and in March was 275 and 4000. Does taking HAART will reduce or prevent my further hearing loss? I am not feeling good as I keep hearing this ringing sound in ear. My ENT doc has prescribed Tab of Ginkgo Biloba for a month which he tells will help in pushing blood supply to inner ear and ear nerves and might furhter prevent the damage and though he does not assure or guarantee of further loss. I fear of loosing ear sensation! added more issues to deal with my body!

[veritas]

Hope4love,

With two blood tests showing cd4s below 300 and viral load increasing along with other issues, did you ask your Doctor to start HAART?  You've got a trend that is well below the guidelines to start medication. Who knows, your ear problems could be HIV related. There really is no reason to wait.

By the way, is your doctor an experienced hiv doc?

v

[Inchlingblue]

Hope4love,

With two blood tests showing cd4s below 300 and viral load increasing along with other issues, did you ask your Doctor to start HAART?  You've got a trend that is well below the guidelines to start medication. Who knows, your ear problems could be HIV related. There really is no reason to wait.

By the way, is your doctor an experienced hiv doc?

v

I agree.