Hi,

I'm 40 yo and was diagnosed in October, 2009; VL> 500 000, CD4 252/14%; and clear symptoms of primary hiv infection. Infection was very recent, antibody test at the time still negative. My doc put me on Truvada + Isentress same day. 10 days into treatment VL was 5400, CD4 594/33%, and 6 weeks after that VL 390, CD4 387/43%.

Question: Despite reading mostly how my combo has very few side effects, I seem to be having quite a few, unless they are caused by the virus itself. Very hard time sleeping from day one, and lower back pain, as well as low appetite and some weight loss. Mostly I worry of the numbness I have been feeling in my hands and feet. I'm feeling "pins and needles" for hours or days, then disappearing, only to come back a few days later. No pain so far. My doc says it is not caused by the meds. Of course I'm worried my nerves will be permanently damaged. What is your opinion from this brief description? Also, should I be concerned about the latest CD4 count?

Thanks for your time.

I agree with your doctor, I don't believe your symptoms are related to your HIV meds. Whether this is related to acute HIV infection or some other medical condition probably needs to be checked out. I am not concerned about the modest reduction in CD4 count, given the increase in CD4%, which is currently in the normal range.