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Author Topic: anything i can do to raise cd4?  (Read 9667 times)

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Offline zach

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  • Posts: 3,586
anything i can do to raise cd4?
« on: January 12, 2011, 11:22:22 am »
Just read this article, and it gets me wondering. Is there anything I can do to help raise my CD4 count? Its gone up, and I'm thrilled, but I wasn't diagnosed until it was at 8 anyway. As I understand things, Atripla only has a direct impact on VL, which has gone undetectable (yeaaa!!) but it doesn't actually do anything for CD4. I try to eat well, take vitamins, and get plenty of exercise. In truth, I feel healthier than I have in a long time. But my count is still below 200, and that does scare me a little. And the way I read this article, the longer it stays low, the more risks I face later.

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_cd4_discordant_1667_19733.shtml

Offline newt

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2011, 11:48:25 am »
Time is a great healer. You initial rise is very good considering. I have a friend who started treatment with CD4 of 11  and 7 years later his CD4 is over 600. Not everyone gets this kind of excellent result, but from 8 to 158 in a few weeks is a good start eh?

Like the beanie :-)

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline leatherman

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2011, 12:36:42 pm »
for some people too, reaching such a low nadir means that they will never recover very much either. Just think too that the damage that has been inflicted on your immune system has probably been happening for 5 to 10 yrs, so an overnight turnaround is often quite unlikely.

I had cd4 counts as low as 5, 7, and 12. It took over 15 yrs to get above and stay above 200 consistently. However hanging between 175 and 245 for most of that time, I haven't been back in the hospital in 13 yrs, nor sick with much besides an occasional cold and/or fever. it took 17 yrs to reach 300. I've just now, 18 yrs later, had two consecutive counts over 300 (a whopping 311 and 308).

Getting UD is the most important part. Once the level of HIV is reduced so that it isn't doing such terrible constant damage to your immune system, your immune system can recover - plus it can, even weakened, actually return to working like normal on the issues you might have. A little immune system is better than none.  ;) In the long run, though being above 400 or 500 is really nice, it's not really about how many tcells you have (well, once you're over 200),but about how well they work.  ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline zach

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2011, 01:12:04 pm »

Like the beanie :-)

- matt


got it in peru, chicks dont seem to impressed with it, oh well

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2011, 01:43:22 pm »
got it in peru, chicks dont seem to impressed with it, oh well

It's not because of the tam my man.... it's those suspenders. ;)
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline zach

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2011, 02:38:18 pm »
 ??? those are carhartt overalls sir, i love em, you're right though, chicks don't like those either

on topic, over on "the body", i read about interleukin 2 being used to increase cd4 production, but that was from 2003 so may be quite dated... just trying to nose around and see if there is anything that will help, not really expecting a magic bullet

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2011, 02:44:18 pm »
??? those are carhartt overalls sir, i love em, you're right though, chicks don't like those either

Nevermind me Zach, I was just messing with ya...  I thought maybe you was a fireman or something, in which case the ladies love.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline thunter34

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  • His name is Carl.
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2011, 02:46:40 pm »
As far as I personally know, the whole diet-exercise-vitamin thing is about all one can do.  Otherwise, it is just a matter of waiting it out as your body claims back ground.  Unfortunately, I have also always been told that the lower your counts when you start treatment, the faster they will tank if you go off meds.  

I do know, however, that there isn't any particular need to go over the top with the supplements (as some around here are prone to want to do).  Generally, a regular ol' multivitamin will do the trick.  There are actually some supplements that aren't good for those of us with teh AIDS.  I'd check with your doc before gobbling down anything exotic.
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline Hoover

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  • Posts: 284
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2011, 03:01:55 pm »
Zach,

I recalled some discussions about LDN and did a quick search.
Below is what I found.

No, I am not a doctor nor do I portray one on TV.  :o
In no way am I suggesting one use this medication, all I am stating is that I have found to share for discussion.

Hoover and Dr. T

http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/ldn_and_hiv.htm

In Brief

Since the mid-1980's, low dose naltrexone (LDN) has consistently demonstrated a markedly beneficial effect in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. There are a score of such patients who, even today, continue to successfully use only LDN. When combined with HAART, LDN has shown itself to be an absolute preventive for lipodystrophy, as well as a synergistic therapy that diminishes viral breakthroughs and bolsters the restoration of CD4 cell levels.
Infection date: March 16, 2010
20/05/10 - CD4 348  VL 58,000  Lymph nodes in jaw painful!  Antioxidants started.
01/06/10 - CD4 428  VL?
24/06/10 - CD4 578  VL 9,800
13/07/10 - CD4 620  VL?
04/09/10 - CD4 648  VL?
01/11/10 - CD4 710  VL?   CD8 972
16/12/10    CD4 738  VL?  CD8  896   
02/02/11    CD4 520 (month of parasites and new lab)
14/03/11 started Truvida and Sustiva (Efavirenz)
04/07/11 CD4 686 VL 75 CD8 588  41%
10/10/11 CD4 757  45%  VL UD

Offline zach

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  • Posts: 3,586
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2011, 03:12:26 pm »
I'd check with your doc before gobbling down anything exotic.

i won't be going that route anytime soon, not really into alternative medicines, medicinal cannabis however  ;) is a whole nutter story

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #10 on: January 12, 2011, 03:40:19 pm »
i won't be going that route anytime soon, not really into alternative medicines, medicinal cannabis however  ;) is a whole nutter story

And there's nothing wrong with that, trust me.  When my numbers were similar to yours I suffered from constant nausea...  nothing helped more than a quick toke off even the worst strains of weed.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline eric48

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #11 on: January 12, 2011, 04:04:43 pm »
Hi,

putting things in the perspective of timeline and based on all the thing I have read on hte issue, you do NOT qualify for
immunologic non responder, on the contrary, i'd say you are responding very well (all things considered)

It is too early to even worry about that.

You'll be doing fine...

Eric
NVP/ABC/3TC/... UD ; CD4 > 900; CD4/CD8 ~ 1.5   stock : 6 months (2013: FOTO= 5d. ON 2d. OFF ; 2014: Clin. Trial NCT02157311 = 4days ON, 3days OFF ; 2015: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02157311 ; 2016: use of granted patent US9101633, 3 days ON, 4days OFF; 2017: added TDF, so NVP/TDF/ABC/3TC, once weekly

Offline zach

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Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #12 on: January 12, 2011, 04:53:40 pm »
thanks guys, it's just been something kind of on my mind, i've got my first post diagnosis cold and feeling a little jumpy

i'm not disappointed with my numbers at all, damn near brought a tear to my eye when i went undetectable, still, not ready to give up and die just yet, and ready to do whatever i can or should to stay healthy

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #13 on: January 12, 2011, 08:42:00 pm »
Time is a great healer. You initial rise is very good considering. I have a friend who started treatment with CD4 of 11  and 7 years later his CD4 is over 600. Not everyone gets this kind of excellent result, but from 8 to 158 in a few weeks is a good start eh?

Like the beanie :-)

- matt


Simple answer is what Matt has stated.  Things take time, and you will need patience. BUt I think your doing well !

I also started with a low t-cell count with 16, in 2003, this was also after 18 years of being HIV positive.

Here's how I've progressed since that time:


MONTH/YEAR

10/03---CD-4- 16     VIRAL LOAD--500,000   PERCENTAGE <4% ( From October of 03)

12/03---CD-4- 48     VIRAL LOAD- <50    PERCENTAGE--- 4%

1/04-----CD-4- 76     VIRAL LOAD--155    PERCENTAGE--6%

2/04-----CD-4-87      VIRAL LOAD--89      PERCENTAGE--5%

3/04-----CD-4- 125   VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--6%

5/04-----CD4--139    VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--7%

6/04-----CD4--150    VIRAL LOAD--150    PERCENTAGE--6%

8/04-----CD4--199    VIRAL LOAD-- 96     PERCENTAGE--8%

11/04---CD4--253    VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--8%

2/05----CD4--239     VIRAL LOAD--<50   PERCENTAGE--7%

5/05----CD4- 213     VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--7%

8/05----CD4--333     VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--7%

11/05--CD4--328      VIRAL LOAD--166    PERCENTAGE--8%

2/06---CD4--279       VIRAL LOAD--<50   PERCENTAGE--10%

5/06---CD4--350       VIRAL LOAD--288   PERCENTAGE--11%

7/06-- CD4--322       VIRAL LOAD--<50   PERCENTAGE--10%

10/06-CD4--286        VIRAL LOAD--<50   PERCENTAGE- 11%

1/07---CD4--332       VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE-- 12%

4/07--CD4---380       VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--14%

8/07--CD4--366        VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--13%

11/07--CD4-295       VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--12%

1/08--CD4-303         VIRAL LOAD--<50    PERCENTAGE--10%

4/08--CD4-379         VIRAL LOAD---<50   PERCENTAGE----12%

7/22/08  CD4--327   VIRAL LOAD < 48  PERCENTAGE---12

10/13/08 CD4--323   VIRAL LOAD  < 48  PERCENTAGE   12%

1/15/09   CD4  --331   VIRAL LOAD <48   PERCENTAGE  12%

4/14/09    CD-4 --295  VIRAL LOAD   <48 PERCENTAGE  13%

7/14/09   CD-4--352   VIRAL LOAD <48   PERCENTAGE  12%

10/19/09  CD-4 355  VIRAL LOAD <48  PERCENTAGE--14%


12/2/09  CD-4  - 392   VIRAL LOAD < 48  PERCENTAGE  13%

2/22/10   CD-4 -- 320   VIRAL LOAD <75  PERCENTAGE 15%

6/2/10  CD4--365   VIRAL LOAD < 75    PERCENTAGE  --14%

9/13/10  CD-4 -- 292  VIRAL LOAD < 75  PERCENTAGE  15%


Blood test  results from  12/13 10 Will be received next wednesday on January 19th, 11



Take care of yourself------Ray

« Last Edit: January 12, 2011, 08:46:45 pm by J.R.E. »
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #14 on: January 13, 2011, 10:54:52 am »
Zach,

I recalled some discussions about LDN and did a quick search.
Below is what I found.

No, I am not a doctor nor do I portray one on TV.  :o
In no way am I suggesting one use this medication, all I am stating is that I have found to share for discussion.

Hoover and Dr. T

http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/ldn_and_hiv.htm

In Brief

Since the mid-1980's, low dose naltrexone (LDN) has consistently demonstrated a markedly beneficial effect in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. There are a score of such patients who, even today, continue to successfully use only LDN. When combined with HAART, LDN has shown itself to be an absolute preventive for lipodystrophy, as well as a synergistic therapy that diminishes viral breakthroughs and bolsters the restoration of CD4 cell levels.

Despite your disclaimer.....
 LDN for HIV/AIDS = psuedoscience   

http://getbetterhealth.com/low-dose-naltrexone-medical-revolution-or-pseudoscience/2010.05.13




Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #15 on: January 13, 2011, 11:12:01 am »
getting back to you zach.. ;D

patience, patience and patience.
   It took a long time for my cd4 to go up,  years in fact.  Don't buy into (literally) miracle cure/supplement crap; talk with a licensed nutritionist that specialized in HIV, talk with a counselor, take care of yourself (I know, it's sometimes hard to do). 
  above all in the meantime while you are waiting for your body to "recover" keep doing what you are passionate about!

Offline Miss Philicia

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  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: anything i can do to raise cd4?
« Reply #16 on: January 13, 2011, 11:17:01 am »
quack
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

 


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