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That old life expectancy question
Oct 7, 2007
You must get sick of this question.
So I apologise now.
I am 39 year old male living in the UK.
Diagnosed 19 months with AIDS - KS, weight loss,etc very ill - CD4-136 11% VL off the scale. I was convinced I d be dead within months.
Started HAART and after 9 months received VL <40 CD4 300 16%. Now VL still <40 CD4 469 20%. 100% adherent with meds - why would nt you be- and few side effects, health much improved, KS reduced dramatically. Eat well, dont smoke, no drugs etc., access to an amazing healthcare team.
So what is your honest prognosis?
My doc reckons at the most it may knock a couple of years off my life span, my nurse and health adviser have said the same.
But I still have a huge nagging doubt, maybe a hang up from the 80s/90s.
So your view and any advice would be greatly appreciated. If they are right I feel as if I cant get on with the second chance I ve been given.
Thanks
Brit who thinks your site is at times a lifeline.
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Response from Dr. Daar
I never get tired of this question because for people like you the the news is fantastic. I love being able to tell patients that I think they will live "forever." Obviously this is an overstatement since no one lives forever but I sure don't expect someone like you to die from AIDS. The familiar theme I always share with people is the importance of taking care of other aspects of their lives such as diet, exercise, mental health and avoiding drugs, tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
Grab that second chance and run with it!!
Best,
Eric
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