Results of labs.....

[Mike89406]

After 3 mos on Atripla I got my 2nd set of labs back.

CD4 166, CD4 & CD3 helpers 23 %, VL Undetecable

Now I will admit these weren't the results I was hoping for. My October labs after 1 month on Atripla were

CD4 176, CD4 & CD3 helpers 31 %, VL 131

September labs before starting meds

CD4 160, CD4 & CD3 Helpers 23 %, VL 48,300

Now I am happy that I'm undetectable, and I realize that it will take some time to get over 200-300. My immune system from my gut feeling has always been strong because I hardly ever get colds, years since I had the flu.

The only setback was last year as I was diagnosed with testicle cancer. I had an operation to remove the infected one, recieved only radiation therapy. thats where    My last good set of labs October 2005 right before I developed the cancer were

CD4 340, CD4+CD3 helpers 28%, VL around 12,000 and those are one of my lowest set of labs before cancer.

I took the flu mist spray in the nose not knowing it was a live virus in November 2005 thats what I suspect decreased my immune system to the point of my cancer in Dec 2005-Jan 2006.

Having said that I am physically fit I usually eat healthier than most people, and exercise along with vitamins as long as I can remember.

 One thing I'm still optimistic about about is my percentage still being 23 shows that my immune system is in decent condition by its ability to stay at over 20% at its lowest recorded values. 

Despite the time frame it may take to reach desirable normal healthy levels and the CD4 being under 200

 My question is what else can I do to improve the levels so i can stop taking Septra?  And how accurate are the labs? The doctor said they used a different place for the labs this time and this may in my opinion not show the true values.

[Blixer]

Mike, I've always heard that changing labs can produce different results.  So I wouldn't get too uptight over the results based on one set of labs from a new lab.  The VL being undetectable is GREAT!!!  That's what you are looking for.  In terms of gaining CD4, I've always heard it is a slow process.  So just do what your doctor says and take good care of yourself.  There are others on the boards that have more of a background in this than I do and maybe they can shed some more light on your situation.  Best of luck!

[Eldon]

Yes, I AM Supporting You!

Hey Mike...

It is GOOD that your VL is undetectable at this time. You may want to consider discussing with your Doctor concerning the current lab set that you have gotten. There is a possiblity that there was a blip of some sort with the last  test. In either case, take care of you!
 

Don't You Dare Give Up... Don't You Dare Give In...

BECAUSE It IS ALL Within YOU to WIN!!!

[poet]

Hey Mike.  I will echo what David said, having forgotten that years ago we always hated having to change labs because they could throw the results one way or another.  The recent results are coming in really close to each other, September, October, December.  Your viral load is undetectable, which is what we would want it to be.  Your oncologist (or someone else reading this thread) may have ideas about how and when your immune system will get back to 'normal' after your cancer treatment.  You had 340 cd4's in October of last year before starting the treatment, so even at that point your immune system was showing stress.  I would allow time for your immune system.  Win

[jordan]

Give it time, the good news is that you are undetectable.  I'm sure your CD4 will rise during the next visit.