Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
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Should I start treatment
Aug 31, 2006
Been diagnosed with HIV in February this year. My CD4 was 629 and VL 8927. Haven't done any other CD4 and VL tests since then, I guess because I'm scared. Should I have started on HIV meds already. When is the best time to start. Been having severe headaches, recurrent sinus congestion and vaginal thrush the past few weeks. Been using alternate therapies like herbal meds, echinacea, vitamins, immune boosters,anti oxidants. Could that have triggered these symptoms?
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Response from Dr. Luzuriaga
Recommendations regarding treatment are usually based on clinical status (presence or absence of symptoms), CD4 count, and viral load. Under the current treatment guidelines, treatment would not necessarily be recommended for someone without any symptoms, a CD4 of 629, and a viral 8927. With the symptoms that you have been having, though, you should definitely see your care provider.It is possible that some of the symptoms that you are describing are due to the different medications that you have taken, particularly if you have taken large amounts. Your care provider should be able to help you to sort this out and discuss your options with you.
There's a lot of good information on this web site regarding when to start therapy and the various antiretroviral therapies that are available. The "Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Therapy in Adults" (available under the Treatment Guidelines section) is a comprehensive document that discusses many aspects of HIV treatment. I would urge you to review this information before you meet with your care provider.
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