Hello: I have been Hiv Postive for 15 yrs,and no medication...My viral load stays between 10,000-28,000,and CD4 Count stays between 275-367... Would you suggest Medication??

The answer to this question would depend a lot on how you feel. If you have HIV-related symptoms (fatigue, night sweats or weight loss, for example), then starting therapy would likely be recommended. On the other hand, if you are asymptomatic and your CD4 count and percentage don't change much, then a conservative, but closely monitored approach wouldn't likely be too risky.

Bear in mind, that several recent studies have suggested that the risk of developing lipodystrophy (lipoatrophy, specifically) appears to increase with lower CD4 counts. This risk does not seem to improve much after immune reconstitution, hence the risk of lipo might increase by delaying starting (see Lichtenstein, 2002 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections).

Every person brings to this decision a unique set of issues and needs. In the end, with your counts, I'd think that I'm on the fence as whether to start, but if everything is in your favor for starting (stable psychiatric, drug abuse status, good support network, for example), then I'd recommend starting in the near future. I'd definately recommend discussion with your healthcare provider. -BY