Dr. Holodniy, I was diagnosed HIV+ in December 2000. I know that I was infected about 18 months ago. In the time period that I've been infected, and even before I knew I was HIV+, I have a had a variety of health issues i.e. sore joints, sore throat with swollen glands, headaches, mouth sores and fatigue. My doctor has told me that due to my numbers (CD4 at 708 and viral load at 2,338), none of these ailments are due to the HIV. I am very confused because everything I read says that some of the things I listed could be due to HIV along with other side effects like wasting and lactose intolerance. Yet my doctor has told me that my CD4 cells would have to drop lower and my viral load go higher before I experience any of these symptoms. I am very frustrated because I do not "feel myself" and don't know what to do to get back on track. Is my doctor right? At what point do you feel the side effects from HIV before or if you ever go into AIDS? My doctor has basically told me that nothing in my life should change with the exception of practicing non-risky HIV behavior and that I should learn to live with HIV as a disease like some people live with diabetes. What are your thoughts? I apologize if this doesn't go into your forum, I just don't know who to ask or where to go. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and for all that you do for those of us who are positive.

In general, your doctor is correct. Usually with CD4 counts and a viral load like yours, there are very few symptoms that are "specific for the virus". Make sure that other diseases like diabetes or hepatitis C infection have been ruled out. It is also important to get a mental health check up, because fatigue and other symptoms, may be associated with depression. MH