IVE BEEN ON REYATAZ, TRUVADA AND ZIDOVUDINE PLUS ANTIBIOTICS SINCE BEING DIAGNOSED IN FEBRUARY AND GO BACK FOR NEW TESTS IN MID JULY. FROM WHAT IVE READ CD4 OF 20 IS QUITE LOW. IS THE THAT TOO MUCH TIME TO RETEST AND HOW HIGH CAN MY COUNTS REBOUND? THANKS

Thanks for your post.

Yes, a CD4 count of 20 is very, very low and without HIV treatment you'd be at serious risk of death within months. With appropriate treatment, your prognosis can be very good. This requires the selection and adherence to a potent regimen.

In this regard, I'm quite concerned that your doctor has you on unboosted (no ritonavir/Norvir) Reyataz with Truvada. The use of Truvada with zidovudine (AZT) is also rather unusual. I'd ask your doctor about why you're not on Norvir. In the meanwhile, it's critical that you take your Reyataz with food and avoid antacids.

Now, to your question. If your viral load achieves undetectable levels, it's expected to see your CD4 count increase at least 100-200 cells in the first year and the risk of having an AIDS complication drops dramatically after the first several months.

Write back, let us know how you're doing. Best of health to you. BY