I'm sorta glad I started meds when I did.

[aupointillimite]

I got my results from my labs that I had done in September.  CD4s dropped from 470-something to 434... still remaining at 31% though.  Viral load held steady at 9,000-ish range.  Go, immune system, go!

There was a definite downward trend in my CD4s though... and I'm happy I've started on the Atripla now.  There seems to be a growing body of evidence stating that starting earlier is beneficial, and with the increasing number of options... I don't regret having started meds so soon in the game.  Plus, it helps me feel more proactive, and that's good for me. 

I'll get the results of my first Atripla-laden labs in a couple weeks. 

Think undetectable thoughts... think undetectable thoughts...   

[Miss Philicia]

CD4's can vary... not a big deal drop IMO.  % is good, no?  I look at that more.  Are these your first results?  I can't remember what your medication history is -- remind me.

Why are you just getting September results back in January?

[blondbeauty]

I think you did the right thing. Look Alberche from these forums. He started meds 3 months after infection with a cd4 count above 1.000. With todays meds it is easy to avoid resistance and they a re very well tolerated.
I am sure you will be undetectable.
I will know my counts the 31th. I hope to be undetectable as well.

[allopathicholistic]

yup be glad ... look @ how my percentage is struggling     

shoulda coulda woulda!!! 

oh well (i can't do anything 'bout it now)

[aupointillimite]

CD4's can vary... not a big deal drop IMO.  % is good, no?  I look at that more.  Are these your first results?  I can't remember what your medication history is -- remind me.

Why are you just getting September results back in January?

They had previously dropped from 570-ish to 470-ish... June to September.  I had been in the 500s for a while before the drop.

And the percentage had gone from 38% to 31%, also June to September. 

I got the results now because I hadn't called to find out what they were... I usually just wait until my next visit to hear what they were from the previous time. 

I have a type B personality like that.

[Miss Philicia]

They had previously dropped from 570-ish to 470-ish... June to September.  I had been in the 500s for a while before the drop.

And the percentage had gone from 38% to 31%, also June to September. 

I got the results now because I hadn't called to find out what they were... I usually just wait until my next visit to hear what they were from the previous time. 

I have a type B personality like that.

And you just started the meds when?  I just found it odd that if you're new to HIV medication that they didn't check it MONTHLY for at least a couple of months.  Mine have always at least done routine bloods (no cd4s, VL) one month after beginning ANY new treatment just to check for abnormal stuff, and then 2 months later checked the other stuff.

... then again, my goal posts have always been closer than yours because I was HIV loser.

[DingoBoi]

i always make it a point to have my labs drawn about 2 weeks prior to my regular checkup.   There really isn't much to talk about other than the weather if you don't have those AT your regular appointment.  I really don't care how I was 3 months ago, but I do care about now.  Potentially you are setting yourself up for a 6 month lag time before a problem is reconized that should be caught much sooner.

I also started about your point having a reconizable decline... graphically it was a straight line drop leading to zero in june2006 or so.    Nothing like having a 'deadline' to encourage you to start meds.

I've also done very well since then bounding back up to 800-ish after a month, and then about 6 months later I've pretty consistently been between 1000 and 1600 cd4's.

There is such a thing as 'too early' but as long as you are comfortable with starting them, that's great.

But your testing cycle is a little odd too.  Look into that.

[fondeveau]

Me, too - Diagnosed 9/7/2006 - started taking Atripla 10/17/2006 with CD4-385 and V/L 30,000.  Blood for next doctor's appointment was taken 3 weeks later - results: CD4-500 and V/L 300.  My next appointment is late February, keep your fingers crossed for me as I will keep mine crossed for you reaching undetectable asap.