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sudden rise in CD4 count
Oct 18, 2009

I was diagnosed in 2005 initial cd4 400. At the clinic I attended at the time low normal was 410 so that number was considered normal. The next was 520 about three months later. VL only 225.

Over the next two years the CD4 drifted down to 260 and realizing I couldn't wait any longer I started boosted Lexiva/truvada due to NNRTI resistence. Over the last 2 years on meds the CD4 number seemed to stabilize in the low 400's, percentages always between 30-40. I was hoping to get into the 500's for psychological reasons simply because most labs, including the one I now use, consider 500 as the low normal figure. Anyway I was thrilled to be UD almost as soon as I started meds so I had no reason to complain that I didnt' have a laboratory normal CD4 count. I also figured because I am in my late 50's I might probably never get that high

My last CD4 just came back, from a lab I had used once before. The absolute number was 900. Percent again 40. I know the absolute number can fluctuate but this seems quite a jump and unusually high for me. The VL was UD again. Should I celebrate being well into the normal range finally or do you think it's most likely a lab error.

Response from Dr. Holodniy

I think you should celebrate regardless. That seems like quite a jump in absolute CD4 count to me. That said, with an undetectable viral load and normal Cd4 percent, anywhere between 500-900 would be great for you.



  
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