I started treatment at the end of April 2005, when my CD4 count was a very low 2. I was put on Stoctrin + Combivir, and have been taking the drugs as instructed since I started.

Since I started the medications, my CD4 count climbed steadily as follows (+/-): 2 months = 50, 5 months = 125, 11 months = 275, 17 months = 460. My last test, however, showed a CD4 count of 360, at 23 months.

My viral load is still undetectable, and has been undetectable since I started testing at month 2 (except in month 5 when the viral load was 65, which was explained as a 'blip').

I had expected my CD4 count to have increased, or at least stabilised, when I took my last test.

Should I be concerned? Could this be an indication of the beginning of drug resistance, or could there be another explanation? I now go for tests every 6 months - should I still stick to the 6 months, or should I re-test sooner to see if things are improving or not? I'm a bit worried.

I am however still feeling very well! Please advice.

Thanks for your post.

I wouldn't worry much about the change in your CD4 count-- since your viral load remains undetectable, this says that your medications are working well.

The point is that there's a lot of variation in CD4 absolute counts; my guess is that if you compare the CD4 percentages there won't be much difference.

Best of luck, BY