I was recently diagnosed HIV +. My first set of readings was VL 20,000 CD4 477, my last set was VL 21,564 CD4 549. My first visit my Dr. advised not to start treatment. On my second visit he wanted me to participate in a new research study. This is a study to see if they can keep your cholesterol down during treatment for HIV. I would be asked to take one of 2 possible doses of atazanavir 300 or 400mg in combination with trionavir, and efavirenz. I do not know what to do, I am so scared to start treatment after reading some of the post on this site. I do not know if living would be worth while if there is no quality left. I realize I have done this to myself so I only have me to blame. I have not told anyone about my status as I want to keep it a secret as long as possible so to spare my family and friends. Thank you for your time

Robert

Hello Robert, it does not sound like you are ready to begin treatment at this point. Your numbers are very good and you are in no danger. Research is critical to advance our management of HIV infection, but you are recently diagnosed and need some time to process this information. There will be clinical trials to get involved with in the future if you choose to, but for now take some time to learn more about this disease and its natural history.

I don't know what your relationship is with your family and friends, but one of the reasons we have family and friends is to help us when we have a problem. Keeping a diagnosis of HIV infection a secret from loved ones is quite a burden to bear. If you decide to withhold this information from your family and friends it would be worthwhile to at least see a counselor (with HIV experience) to help out. Good luck to you and keep us posted on how things go.