improving cd4 counts - TheBody.com's Bulletin Boards

Hi Terry. While my response to your question might pertain to me, as an individual, I'll tell you what has worked for me. I'm not saying it will work for everyone, since everyone has their own beliefs and unique qualities. I'm just giving my examples to answer your question and I hope it helps somewhat.

First of all, there is "always" hope and survival. Don't ever let someone make you believe that just because you have a chronic condition, that you are forever under it's control. Sure, I listen when I'm told that I need to keep a closer eye on certain HIV complications that come up every now and then, but I never give into the opinions that my life will be over soon. There is just too much that I want to do in life and I think about those goals when I get sick. This is what pulls me through recovering, if I'm ever hospitalized or sick at home. I always end up rebounding right back to health again. I am 32 years old now and was infected when I was 17, so it's been around 15 years I've been an HIV survivor.

I think the most important thing I did was get my emotions in order. I was so angry because I was infected on purpose and also became positive right after escaping my father's physical abuse. I went through years of anger until I got a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) which I narrowly escaped from dying. Keep in mind, this happened inspite of me being a competitive bodybuilder and taking excellent care of my health. I also developed asthma, high blood pressure and constant irritability over every little thing that upset me. I realized my stress was killing me, especially after my CD4 count dropped to 16. Even though I developed a healthy "physical" lifestyle with bodybuilding and nutrition, I wasn't taking care of developing a healthy "mental" lifestyle.

Now, my CD4 is in the 500 range. Yes, I am on meds but I'm saying that a good mental, as well as physical outlook, helps with maintaining the health you currently have.

Here are some of the things I presently do. I meditate for a short 20 minutes each day and focus on a positive word during the meditation.....like "health" or "laughter" or "happiness" as examples. It can be any word that you want. It's not easy at first because you have external thoughts, sounds and feelings that want to interfere. That's okay, as I acknowledge these and let them come and go. When I go to bed, I put on soft yoga, meditation or tai chai music, and keep it at a low volume, sleeping to it all night. In my mind, I feel it subliminally and subconsciously affects me in a positive way while I sleep. I also bodybuild as a release of my emotions that I deal with from having HIV. The trick with exercise is to listen to your body. Too much can run your body down. You have to work out until you feel really revved up, but as soon as you start feeling fatigued in a run down type of way, stop. My nutrition consists of high protein foods like tuna, chicken breast, protein shakes, salmon and avoiding fried foods. I sometimes eat some sugary, fat foods, once in awhile as a reward for me trying so hard to take care of myself. Of course, the last thing I will mention, has been the most important for me. It's the mental aspect. For me, therapy through poetry, drawing and storywriting helps heal and calm me. I don't know how to draw or write well. I still do it because it's a release, it's entertaining to me and I understand what my point is.

Remember that it is always possible to stay well. I gave you my example so that you can have some knowledge of things to think about that you might want to avoid and other things that you might look into. As I said, I went from poor health to being very strong and happy again. I hope I helped, even if a little. Take care of yourself, be strong, stay healthy and I send good thoughts your way. Always, Marco Antonio

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Someday, I will be the most powerful Jedi ever!!!

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