6 month monitoring

Dec 23, 2011

my last visit on 12/19 my ID told me that I only need to visit every 6 months now. I was diagnosed in 8/2005 VL 236 86,000 30%. I immediately started Sustiva & Truvada & was switched in 7/2006 to Atripla. I went undetectable within a month of starting meds & have maintained an undetectable status for over 6yrs now. My current labs were 850 undetectable 54%. HDL 83 LDL 116 triglycerides 45. all liver function came back perfectly normal. He explained that since I have maintained a UD status for over 6yrs, my CD4 hasnt dropped below 800 in over 2yrs & all other tests are perfectly normal that 6 month testing would not be unrealistic. Ive never questioned his professional opinion, and have absolutely no issues with him, or the staff... they are all truly amazing. Im just wondering how common practice 6 month testing is in the US. He told me if I still wanted to visit every 3 months I could... but it wasnt necessary at this point. I am very adherent, have no weight, drug, alcohol, stress issues... guess Id just like another perspective before making such a seemingly radical choice.

Thanks for all you guys here do!!

Response from Dr. McGowan

Congratulations on such great success.

I do not think it is unreasonable to monitor every 6 months since you ahve a proven record of success and stability. Things are much less likely to change when you have been controlled without eveidence of toxicity for this long. I have a number of long-term patients who come every 6 months and are doing just fine.

Have a great and healthy New Year!

Joe