Author Topic: Newly diagnosed, Figures, whats next? (Read 10998 times)

paultoole · « **on:** February 26, 2008, 06:52:26 am »

Hello all.......

I have recently been diagnosed as hiv+ (Feb 1st 2008)
I'm almost sure i sero-conversed Nov 2002

My cd4 is 252 and viral load quite low at 26,151

Can anyone advise me on my next steps, will medication only be around the corner?

Have kept it short but sweet, I'm sure you've been asked this question so many times.

All the best
Paul, Somerset, England

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2008, 07:23:45 am »

Hey Paul,

First up welcome to our Forums. You're very welcome here.

A CD4 count of 252 is indeed low and the VL result is low as well. But the thing with single test results is that they don't really mean a lot. Understanding HIV lab results means understanding trends over time and we can't tell that from one set of results.

We need some more information. When were you diagnosed? Do you know when you might have been exposed to the virus?

Best regards,

MtD

paultoole · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2008, 07:30:40 am »

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the welcoming, i really do feel quite at home here reading all your posts.

I was diagnosed Feb 1st this year, and almost sure was infected in Oct/Nov 2002 from my ex-partner, who may i say has been absolutely wonderful to me. He came along to the clinic yesterday for my second lot of tests. It almost felt like we were partners again. Felt very close to him......
Anyway there you go, hope the above dates etc makes sense.

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2008, 07:37:50 am »

Well obviously you're not newly infected, let's work on the basis that you've had HIV for a while now and your CD4 count shows that the time for treatment action is now.

We can help you with that.

Nevertheless, what has your doctor told you about your current clinical status?

MtD

paultoole · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2008, 07:48:11 am »

Well i've just moved from one Clinic here in Somerset to a larger one in Bristol, as the one in Somerset had lost my files!!

I telephoned them this morning and told them that the Somerset clinic had found my files and let them know about my viral load of 26,151....but to be honest, they said that wasn't too bad at all, they would be more concerned if it were above 50,000

I guess i'm slightly worried because of cd4 being 252, especially when i know roughly when i was first infected.

Its all still new to me personnaly, so its great to ask questions and learn from you folks here.
I knew about my ex-partners status from the start, but you know, we didn't really talk too much about the situation, he think he found it quite difficult, and even now is having problems inside with accepting his status, But like i said he's been wonderful to me. So if we can both work on supporting eachother that can only be a positive thing.

BT65 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2008, 09:03:25 am »

Hey Paul,

Big welcome to the forums.

Your CD4s are quite low. So is your viral load. Your numbers indicate that you have been infected for some time. The most important thing right now is to have a good doctor that you're comfortable with and confident with also. And have regular follow-ups. It sounds like your ex is being supportive, and it's always important to have support. Anything you need to ask, ask away. We're here for ya buddy.
Luv,
Betty

BlueMoon · « **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2008, 06:02:38 pm »

Hello Paul, and welcome.

I'm new to all this too so I don't have much to offer except moral (ha!) support, but you're welcome to that.

It's good that your ex is standing by you, and it sounds like he needs support too. A little mutual support makes things a lot easier.

paultoole · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2008, 06:41:53 pm »

Thank you all so much for your support!!

Just what the doctor ordered.

newt · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2008, 06:45:59 pm »

Hello

If your CD4 is this low next time round your doc will almost certainly suggest starting treatment. It can be a bit of a shock, this, soon after getting a diagnosis.

This UK guide may be useful:

A non-technical guide to combination therapy

Anyhow, welcome, me originally from Taunton

- matt

aliveinla · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2008, 08:59:47 pm »

Welcome. Let me say something that must have been repeated million times here: everything will be OK. -- I need to hear this myself, i was diagnosed 1/22/08.

isitthatbad · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2008, 01:47:26 pm »

Youre CD4 is very low the guidelins in England are to start treatment at 350 remain calm and dont stress as stress kills CD4 aswell all the best!!!!

djpj715 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2008, 06:24:12 pm »

I see everyone saying those counts are really low --- with low counts like that do you feel different -- tired -- sick -- or anything?

hotpuppy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:50:10 am »

DJ, low counts just serve as a barometer of your risk for infections nasties. It's like when the cat is away the mice play. Well, when your immune system is down HIV brings over it's friends and they really make a mess.

This is the grid we were given in Next Step:
Above 500 - normal, do what you want.
350-500 - caution, but no cause for alarm.
200-350 - caution, reduce risk, don't eat raw oysters, avoid sickos (people with colds)
Below 200 - Yikes! Watchout for opportunistic infections, consider starting preventative anti-biotics.

DJ and Paul- Tomorrow is as today, the sun will rise, the sun will set. The moon will shine. Take a deep breath and know that the rest of are here and care. I personally find this community to be a source of strength.

djpj715 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2008, 10:57:58 am »

Thanks Hotpuppy thats great info for me

paultoole · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2008, 06:55:25 pm »

Just as a follow up, been to clinic today, and although i have only found out recently about diagnoses, am now starting meds tomorrow. Am hoping to start feeling better real soon.

They have put me on the following...

Atazanavir
Truvada
Ritonavir

Some advice or experience on the above would be great to know.

All the best everyone.
Paul
x

BlueMoon · « **Reply #15 on:** March 11, 2008, 09:34:31 pm »

That's my combo. This is day 19, and no problems at all yet. In fact, I feel pretty good.

Of course what counts is lab test numbers, and I'll get my first set late next week.

Good luck with your meds and let us know how it goes.

PositivelyYours · « **Reply #16 on:** April 02, 2008, 08:38:01 pm »

Hello Paultoole,

First, I would like to commend you for taking the first step by coming to the forum. Here you will find an array of information that will guide you through this new chapter in your life. Secondly, Your doctor will probably perform several more labs just to see if your cd4 will rise. Your viral load is not so high, so things look good at that end. Just remember to keep yourself focus and everything will be okay. If you have any questions please feel free to hit me up directly.

Quote from: paultoole on February 26, 2008, 06:52:26 am

Hello all.......

I have recently been diagnosed as hiv+ (Feb 1st 2008)
I'm almost sure i sero-conversed Nov 2002

My cd4 is 252 and viral load quite low at 26,151

Can anyone advise me on my next steps, will medication only be around the corner?

Have kept it short but sweet, I'm sure you've been asked this question so many times.

All the best
Paul, Somerset, England

paultoole · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2008, 10:02:49 am »

Another update.....

Been on meds for 3 weeks now. Seem to be ok, little sickness on days 2 and 3, and slight yellowing of skin.

My last cd4 counts before meds were 252 and 269....
After 3 weeks of meds its now 230

Will have to wait 10 days for viral load results to come back.

Forums Index

Welcome

Author Topic: Newly diagnosed, Figures, whats next? (Read 10998 times)