Re: Just diagnosed

[Neverbenlate]

I myself was diagnosed about two week ago and was told my Cd4 count was 4. I feel fine but my nerves are getting to me because im not on meds yet because the doctor  cant see me until the 17th. I just dont want to end up getting really sick. Hopefully the meds that they put me on will help with my cd4 count because im so scared. I wish there was something i could do to speed up the process of being put on Meds. Does anyone have any suggestions on what i should or could do to get on my meds ASAP.

[Jeff G]

Hi Never . Welcome to the forums .

I split your post into its own thread so that it will get the attention it deserves . I know you anxious to get on meds , if asking for an earlier appointment doesn't get results don't hesitate to go to the emergency room or see a doctor if you feel ill between now and appointment time . Best of luck and welcome to the forums . 

[WillyWump]

So you got about 9 days until your appt... I really think you will be ok until then. But yeah you can call the doc and see if there are any cancellations and maybe they could fit you in earlier, or like Jeff says go to the ER if you start feeling ill.

btw, welcome. and try not to be too scared, easier said than done I know. But you are going to be OK. Also remember several people on here have started meds with less than 10 CD4's and are doing just fine now. 

-Will

[jkinatl2]

Hello! Welcome to the forums. It sucks that you needed to find this place, but it's great that you did.

Four is a pretty low cd4 count. But waiting a week or so isn't likely to be a problem. You have probably been walking around with a low CD4 count for quite a while. You will, of course, be put on prophylactic meds like Bactrim to stave off some of the dangerous opportunistic infections that can accompany a low CD4 count, but once you are stable and over 200, you likely won't need those.

Your doctor might want to run some resistance tests if s/he hasn't already, so you might not be on antivirals instantly. Though you are correct in assuming that they'd be a grand idea. Choosing the right ones is pretty important, however. Luckily there are several one pill per day options, and as long as you virus isn't innately resistant to any classes of meds, you literally can choose from hundreds of combinations.

I understand that getting this information is a shock. And you really want to do something, like yesterday, but you will be taken care of, I think, in the way that will set you up for the least intrusive, long term treatment.

[2tcells]

dont worry you got twice as many as i did in july when i found out about it. i know how you feel! you will be ok you wont die if you hit 0 cd4 cuz i was worried about that. and once you get your script goto a speacialty pharmacy so you get your pills sooner. i went to walgreens and it took a whole week to get the pills which drove me crazy. i was wearing masks and staying away from everyone so i wouldnt get sick. but truth is i was poz for 7-10 years before i found out i was. so my cd4 count was super low for probably years before i ever got sick

[tednlou2]

Hello, Never.  Welcome to the forums.

Do you know whether the doc is aware of your count?  It sounds like someone else ordered your labs, since you haven't seen the doc yet??  Or, the doc had them ordered, so he would have them by your appt.  I learned my doc rarely looks at labs, until he pulls them up on the computer, while I'm there. 

Since you asked about getting in sooner, perhaps you could call to double check that the doc is aware of your numbers and whether he feels you should have a script called in to prevent opportunistic infections.  I know my HIV clinic often assumes everyone is aware of everything.  I've been asked a few times why I didn't speak up.   If you are at a good practice, then they are probably all aware and know what they're doing. 

As everyone said, another week should not be a big deal.  I know mentally it is.  Do you know if they tested for drug resistance?  I know that can sometimes take longer to come back, and maybe they are waiting for that.  Anyway, all the best and keep in touch here about how you're doing. 

Ted