POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => I Just Tested Poz => Topic started by: csc1984 on June 16, 2009, 07:56:21 am
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???
Hi Everyone, I never thought that I'd be the type to be posting to a community online (Also thought I'd never test positive, but I guess there's a first for everything), but I've been going through a lot and I am trying to adjust to a different type of Life style.
It's been a crazy past few months, but I feel like things are starting to get better..... until I got my second set of results back. When I first got my results back, my CD4 count was 840 and VL was 40,000. Last Week, I just saw that my CD4 count dropped to 763 and VL shot up to 73,000 only after a month?
1. Is this normal??? It really is discouraging to see this happen.
2. Is there any recommendations to help keep up my CD4 count and lower my VL (prior to starting meds)
3. This wasting syndrome freaked me out... is it ineveitable?
I look forward to hearing everyone's response.
Thanks!
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Welcome, CSC.
Of course it's discouraging to see that shift in your numbers, but take heart buddy, that's VERY common during the early months after diagnosis. They are likely to jump around for a while before rebounding. So try not to be overly concerned. So it's a matter of seeing what the pattern is over the next few months.
The important thing is that your doctor is monitoring what's going on. It's not necessary to rush into making a decision about the meds at this point.
What is important is that you take care of yourself -- all the "sensible" stuff like good nutrition, sufficient rest and sleep, exercise and working to keep stress at a minimum.
Gradually you're going to see that life is going to go on, that it's still going to be good and that while HIV is a serious issue, your life is going to continue to be about a lot more than your positive status. Really.
And no, the wasting syndrome is not inevitable. HIV affects each person differently. There are some common experiences but also many differences. Just now focus on taking care of today instead of worrying and wondering about the future.
Meantime you are always welcome here to talk about anything that's on your mind and to ask questions. There's a wealth of experience here and you will find members to be generous with support and their knowledge.
You're doing ok even if it doesn't seem that way all the time.
And again, welcome.
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Hey there,
I've been living with this thing for over a year and a half and I can tell you you're gonna be fine. The first year will be the hardest. There is a lot you'll have to learn if you wanna get though it. I remember when I got my results and the case worker asked me "what do you know about HIV"? and I just had a blank stare. Now I've done outreach and presentations on it.
Anyway, to answer your questions.
1. Fluctuations in CD4 and viral loads are normal. They even vary with time of the day and the mood you're in. There is no way you'll develop full blown AIDS in such a short amount of time so don't let one test result bring you down.
2. The best way to keep your CD4 count high is to simply take good care of yourself by doing things like eating healthy nutritious food, exercise, and cut down on drinking and smoking. Reducing stress will also help.
3. I know many people who have HIV and have had it in some cases since the beginning and they show no signs of wasting. In fact most of them need to lose weight. I've actually gained weight in the past year even before medications. So unless you starve yourself, wasting shouldn't be an issue. Your health care provider will probably monitor your weight and recommend a proper diet for you. If he or she sees you're losing weight too fast, they will usually give you ensure or something like that.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the best. You will be well taken care of if you follow your health care giver's advice and the advice of people here. That's what we're here for.
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Welcome,
You are going to be absolutely fine. I've been poz for over a year, on meds for just over a month, and I now feel the best I have felt in many many years.
Just take care of yourself, Like PopQueer said, and youll live a normal, long life.
Hugs
-Will