Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 19, 2024, 07:14:38 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772787
  • Total Topics: 66296
  • Online Today: 290
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 3
Guests: 225
Total: 228

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Getting Lab Today  (Read 4310 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline cocoboogie

  • Member
  • Posts: 40
Getting Lab Today
« on: September 21, 2007, 09:54:09 am »
Just got a call my lab work is finally back and nurse wants me to come in today ASAP.

She didnt say much over the phone. 

I did get her to tell me my CD4 count.  She states it is below 20 and they are going to prescribe some medicine today.

I have been scrolling thru the forums and have not seen anyone with a CD4 count this low. 

Should I start preparing for the the big trip to the other side of the moon?
Date    CD4  VL
11/07  20     56,000 started chemo for KS
4/08    12     60,000 started Kaletra and Truvada
5/08    14     820
6/08    19     Undetectable stopped chemo
7/08   149    Undetectable  
8/09   247    undetectable
6/10   498    undetectable
1/11   408    undetectable
4/11   402    undetectable  
5/11   511    undetectable
11/11  599   undetectable
7/12    439   undetectable
3/13     479 undectectable
9/13 645  undectectable

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2007, 10:24:15 am »
Hey coco -- are these your first lab numbers since you began posting here 3 weeks ago about having KS?

Look, you and I both know from what you wrote that you were/are in denial about your health, that you've been diagnosed a long, long time ago but haven't sought regular healthcare.  I'm not lecturing you about this, as I'm sure you realize by now that it wasn't the ideal course to take.  And I do realize you did not, or currently do not, have any health insurance.  You ARE however in a very critical state, and must get very, very serious about your situation. 

No, it does NOT mean you are going to the other side of the moon, by which I presume you mean death.  Medicine has advanced considerably with all of the AIDS opportunistic infections stuff, and while you may have some bumpy months in front of you I think you'll be amazed at what can be done for someone in your position.  But you can NOT expect the doctors and nurses to do all the work for you.  YOU have to do it too.

What is the status of your health care/insurance situation.  Are you all lined up with an HIV specialist?  Do you have a case worker?  Is this case worker making sure that you have what is available to you? 

Your last post on 9/6 showed that even after a week of posting about your KS you'd cancelled a doctors appointment about it due to things at work.  You seem more concerned about paperwork than your KS on your feet, and really it needs to be reversed. 

I'm less worried about your lab numbers and KS, than I am that you simply aren't mentally dealing with the entire predicament.   I'd advise getting off your computer and going into that nurse "ASAP" as she stated, then please come back to this thread and let's talk more.

I wish you the best.
« Last Edit: September 21, 2007, 12:11:14 pm by philly267 »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2007, 06:51:54 pm »
Hi Coco,

I've moved your thread into the Living forum, because you're likely to get more responses here.

We do have forum members who are at/below 20 - or have been there and come back to tell the tale. You can too.

How did the appointment go today?

Ann


Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2007, 07:42:56 am »
Hello Coco,

Welcome to the forums. I am also wondering how your appointment went, and what medications were prescribed to you, so try to get back in touch with us when you can.

I had a t-cell count of 16, back in October of 2003. That is when I started HAART. You can see how I have progressed since starting. ( See below)... Hopefully you will get started on this medication sooner, or you already have. Besides the HIV medications, what other medications are you taking ?
Do they have you on Bactrim ? I also agree with Philly, you have to remain very serious, and get the proper treatment. So, don't put things off any longer. That's exactly what I did, and it got me in serious trouble. You need to take care of yourself now...


Take care and get back in touch-----Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline cocoboogie

  • Member
  • Posts: 40
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2007, 05:51:40 pm »
JRE,

Thanks for sharing your story with me.  It is very inspiring.

Sorry it has taken me awhile to update. 

They placed me on Azithromycin a generic version of Zithromax. I had to take one a day for the first 3 days.  Then once a week for the next month.

They also placed me on Septra DS, I have to take one tablet a day.

They also gave me Ensure because I dont eat 3 or 4 meals a day and I am beginning to lose weight.  I am going to force myself to eat more healthy at least 4 times a day. To be honest, I have not done so well at this the last few days.  I am use to eating a very big lunch and possibly a something light for dinner.

They also gave me a TB shot Friday.  I went in today for followup and I tested negative for TB.

I keep forgetting to get my viral load.  Neither the nurse nor doctor has provided this information to me.  I had to request the nurse provide my T cell count.  I will make sure I get my viral load when I go back Wednesday.

The doctor states she is not concerned about the KS nor the low T cell count  but she informed me I have also developed a severe bacterial and fungal infection in both feet. 

I am trying to prevent using my feet as much as possible.  I have hired an assistant and I will not take on any new clients at the moment.  Once I get my assistant up and running, I plan to take a mini vacation at home and not answer my phone nor deal with any stressful issues.

Thanks again for your response.  I am going to work hard to get my numbers up.  I hope someone that may be newly infected or considering whether to take meds or not reads this.

I hope it helps someone become more proactive in starting/seeking treatment and not wait as long as I have.


Date    CD4  VL
11/07  20     56,000 started chemo for KS
4/08    12     60,000 started Kaletra and Truvada
5/08    14     820
6/08    19     Undetectable stopped chemo
7/08   149    Undetectable  
8/09   247    undetectable
6/10   498    undetectable
1/11   408    undetectable
4/11   402    undetectable  
5/11   511    undetectable
11/11  599   undetectable
7/12    439   undetectable
3/13     479 undectectable
9/13 645  undectectable

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2007, 06:06:00 pm »
cocoboogie, I'm very happy that you are making some progress with seeking medical care and that you updated us on this.  I've certainly thought of you since you began this thread.  Sounds as if they are taking care of you, and it's a great idea to hire that assistant and plan for some time off of work to concentrate on your health situation.

Let J.R.E.'s lab numbers be an inspiration to you.  I also began at diagnosis over 14 years ago with sub 200 numbers and find myself, after a long journey, with excellent health.  HIV meds are much, much better now than when I was diagnosed so you should fare quite well.

Keep us posted, and I wish you well.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline cocoboogie

  • Member
  • Posts: 40
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2007, 06:12:45 pm »
Hey Philly,

I am trying to reply to your post.  I hope this works.

Yes, these are my first lab results.  I had to jump quite a few hoops to get this far.  Scenario too long to post here.  But in a nutshell it involved income and being told I needed to go to my local county health dept first before obtaining referral to Grady Infectious Disease Program.

I am not in denial about having AIDS but until now I did not know there were options for someone without insurance.  I blame my ignorance.  I also think there are alot of people in my same scenario who have not sought treatment because of not having insurance and not knowing what is available.

Once I am more healthier, I am going to get involved to make sure more people are aware of their options.

As of now, this is the first steps for me.  I do not have a HIV specialist. So far, I have only met the case worker once.  She states because of my low t cell count I will probably be referred to the Grady IDP.  

Right now, the County Health Dept is doing what they can until I am transferred to Grady IDP.  I think after meeting Wednesday, the doctor will give me the referral I need to start things at Grady.

I know because of the long time since my original post it may appear as if I am in denial or depressed.  But it takes awhile dealing with the health dept.  Their appts are sheduled a week out and their lab results can take up to 30 days to come back.

I am not in denial, because of my own ignorance regarding healthcare/insurance, I didnt get started sooner.  But I plan to be more proactive with my health care.

Thank you for your concern.  It is truly appreciated.







Date    CD4  VL
11/07  20     56,000 started chemo for KS
4/08    12     60,000 started Kaletra and Truvada
5/08    14     820
6/08    19     Undetectable stopped chemo
7/08   149    Undetectable  
8/09   247    undetectable
6/10   498    undetectable
1/11   408    undetectable
4/11   402    undetectable  
5/11   511    undetectable
11/11  599   undetectable
7/12    439   undetectable
3/13     479 undectectable
9/13 645  undectectable

Offline cocoboogie

  • Member
  • Posts: 40
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2007, 06:14:54 pm »
Wow,

As I was typing that very long reply to your post you had responded to another post.

Thanks again for your concern.

I am logging off to take a much needed power nap.
Date    CD4  VL
11/07  20     56,000 started chemo for KS
4/08    12     60,000 started Kaletra and Truvada
5/08    14     820
6/08    19     Undetectable stopped chemo
7/08   149    Undetectable  
8/09   247    undetectable
6/10   498    undetectable
1/11   408    undetectable
4/11   402    undetectable  
5/11   511    undetectable
11/11  599   undetectable
7/12    439   undetectable
3/13     479 undectectable
9/13 645  undectectable

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2007, 08:58:40 pm »
Hello Coco,

I'm glad you got back in touch with us, and that you got started on some medication. It sounds as though your doctor is right on top of things. I was also on the Zithromax ( Azithromycin). It's hard for me to remember the dosages back then, but it sounds almost the same way that you are taking them now. I was also started on the Septra, also with the similar type dosing.

And, I also took Boost, and Ensure for a period of time. It does help a lot, to get some nutrients back in the body. It will help in getting some weight back on you again. As far as the meals, try to eat 4 or 5 smaller healthy meals during the day. Eat what you can, and what your comfortable with,... just try to spread it out more, you may find it easier that way. After I started on medication ( The antiretrovirals) I couldn't get enough food in me, and the weight and energy levels came back quite fast.


Make sure to stay on top of the foot infection, get that cleared up, also make sure to take any and all medications as prescribed. Make sure not to skip or miss doses, this is very important !! Also make sure to drink a full glass of water with the medications, and make sure to drink enough water during the day. Sleep and rest when you need to. Try to get a good 8 hours of sleep in. The body does a lot of repairing, when you are sleeping. Once again, Make sure not to miss any doses of medications. Depending on the time you take them, you may want to set an alarm clock, to wake you up and remind me.

It will be a tough road for a while, but I'm sure things will get better for you, Just hang in there, and be patient. Things will take a little time, you're going through a difficult period right now, I've been there, I completely understand, what it's like. As I mentioned earlier, I also held off much too long before I got started on medication. I was infected in 1985, and began in October of 2003. Denial is is easy state to fall into. Been there !! Won't let that happen again.

Take care of yourself. Will be looking forward to your progress. Right now it's almost 9:00 PM and I got to get ready to go to work soon. I have a very strict schedule that I keep for myself, to get motivated for the night ahead of me.  :)


Take care/Later-------Ray

Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline StrongGuy

  • Member
  • Posts: 492
Re: Getting Lab Today
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2007, 09:35:54 pm »
Philly gives some level-headed advice. I'd just add that, yes, you probably should really try to get yourself mentally prepared for meds and don't let fear win the day. You can do it and come out shining on the other side.

Mike :)))
"Get your medical advice from Doctors or medical professionals who you trust and know your history."

"Beware of the fortune teller doom and gloomers who seek to bring you down and are only looking for company, purpose and validation - not your best physical/mental interests."

"You know you all are saying that this is incurable. When the real thing you should be saying is it's not curable at the present time' because as we know, the great strides we've made in medicine." - Elizabeth Edwards

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.