Positive since 94. Was treatment naive when I started first combo of Sustiva+Combivir in May/2002, when VL>75,000 and T4=320. Achieved undetectable by Dec/2002 and T4's have risen to 750 over time. I have been near-perfect compliant (missed only 2 doses-nonconsecutive- in the past 1.5 years and am a few hours late once a week or so), but just got back a VL of 400 (T4 slightly down to 695). Doctor says ok to wait and retest in 3-4 months when I am due for my next tests. 400 VL is making me nervous, seems like that is border-line between a blip and possible failure. I'd feel better if I knew the exact steps I should take at this point (repeat VL test sooner? how soon? what actions do I take based on the 2nd reading? what if it comes back lower but still detectable? when is it appropriate to consider stopping meds to do resistance testing, or just intensify current therapy, what are the intensification options for my combo, etc.)? Thanks- the news has really thrown me, I was expecting to remain undetectable for at least a few more years.

Most blips (level between 50 and 500) in the setting of no past failures and good adherence and control are indeed nothing to worry about and not predictive of impending failure of the regimen. Since both the doc and patient can get nervous about that despite the reassuring data I often will recheck the viral load sooner to spell relief for the anxiety created if nothing else. If the viral load is still a blip or more I then get a resistance test and consider a quick switch or intensification depending oon the situation. KH