I am 47 yr. old. Was probably infected Oct.-Nov. 02 and began severe sero-conversion illness in late January 03, which lasted until April-May. My first test in late Feb. was inconclusive but was confirmed in early April 1. I have developed peripheral neuropathy in toes and bottoms of my feet and that along with weakness in lower legs are the only lasting symptoms -- I have difficulty flexing my anterior tibialis, and reduced balance. My CD4 has gone from 200 to 33o since mid-April, and my VL has dropped from >500K in first confirmation tests, to 250K in April and 125K in May, and I'm waiting for my results from two weeks ago. CD4 was at 200 in April, then 300 in May and was at 330 two weekes ago. I am not on any Drug regimen, tough I eat well and take all the rercommended supplements. I try to get out for walks but for a former weight-lifter & soccer player I aasess my strength at 10 of what it was just over a year ago.

I fully expect to be able to achieve very high compliance when I do start -- that's just the way I am. My HIV specialist heads the HIV Outpatient clinic at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, which is one of the most well-known and prestigious health centers around. She is waiting for my VL to stop decreasing nd my CD+ to stop increasing before initiating treatment.

I've asked the question of her nursing staff, and have looked for the answer on-line, but so far I still haven't gotten an answer: How long can I reasonably expect to live, based on the fat part of the curves, & median expectations, etc.

I know there are all kinds of ifs, ands, and maybes, but what constitutes the fat part of the bell curve? And within that time frame, when can I expect to start getting really sick with AIDS?

I'm dying to know (A joke, you can laugh).

Thank you.

JDS

Any guidance you can offer in this regard will be breatly appreciated.

Thank you

So you want to know the long-term prognosis of newly diagnosed HIV infection and no one yet has yet been willing to give you a firm answer about what you can expect to happen to you decades into the future? Well, here it is.

You will do fine and live a normal or near normal life-span. You will start on antiretroviral treatment for HIV infection when the time is right. The medications in the future will be better than we have now, so you will have minimal or no side-effects. The drugs will be more potent, so your viral load will be undetectable. As time goes by, we will also have immune-based treatment that will help keep HIV well controlled. Eventually, you will be on medications that need to be taken less often.

Since you will be in the medical care system you will have screening examinations to prevent colon cancer and prostate cancer. Your cardiovascular risks will be assessed using validated measures and appropriately managed with lifestyle recommendations and medications, if needed.

So, all in all, the future is bright. Not guaranteed of course (watch out for buses when crossing the street), but definitely bright. Good luck!