Understanding Labs

[RossH]

Hi I was diagnosed on May 16, 2016. VL  62800. CD4 882/%34. CD8 1258/%48
Triumeq started 6/15/16
7/13/16 VL 52. CD4 718/%40. CD8 738/%41
10/28/16  VL 46 CD4 1478/%43  CD8 1167/%36

I don't understand why the CD8 jumped so high. Does anyone?   The doctor says no problem

I'm depressed, afraid and tired.  I know this was my fault but dangit!  I thought I would be UD by now   Anyone have any words of wisdom? I've been compliant with the medication.  I'm going to take my antidepressants and Klonopin and forget about it I guess. Great life if you don't weaken.

[RossH]

Well I guess these numbers are good. I really admire you LTS who have such a positive attitude! I just turned 62. Married but queer none the less since. Forever. So I'll shut up and color   wishing all of you the best

Ross
XOXOXOX

[leatherman]

cd4 and cd8 are only of much importance when first diagnosed (to know when to go on meds and whether to be on OI prophylaxis meds) and after starting treatment (to monitor a recovering immune system).

Newer CDC guidelines now call for less cd4 testing - especially after having reached undetectable. Matter of fact, after being undetectable with a cd4 greater than 500 for two yrs, the cd4 becomes optional with the viral load being the only test regularly used to ensure a patient's viral load remains undetectable.

with you high cd4 count (which has been in an excellent range since starting meds), you'll find that after reaching and sustaining UD, that your doctor will call for longer stretches between cd4 testing. Within a little over 2 yrs, you could possibly only be having your viral load checked twice a year and no more VL tests.

so while that answers nothing about your cd8 count, it should give you some insight into why your cd4 and cd8 counts really don't mean too much, as yours are in such a good range.

My suggestion (as a 32-yr LTS) is to just be happy that your counts are so great and that your viral load has responded so well to therapy.

So I'll shut up and color

not being a chat room, don't be discouraged that you weren't responded too very fast. Sometimes it just takes a bit for enough people to read your post and want to respond (and that is if they even know what to respond). I bought my partner (and myself) a bunch of coloring books last Christmas and a ton of colored pencils. Those intricate pictures are very cool but take me forever to finish. I'm too OCD or something and i just don't find them very relaxing all. LOL

[RossH]

Thanks Mikie . You're words were reassuring.  I love to color and not the computer coloring books but the paper ones with real crayons   LOL 32 years! That's amazing.  I'm sure a lot of that time was pretty rough with the old medications they used to use. There should be a hall of fame or something for you guys that made it through those awful years.  I lost so many friends back in the 80s and early 90s.  I escaped because I lived in a smaller town and  only engaged in oral sex back then and didn't have any sex with men from 86 to 94 since I was married during those years and monogamous. And then one mistake in October 2015 and here I am. Not a very nice gift.  Stay strong!

Ross