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Lilly
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Reged: 11/11/04
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cd4 or viral load
#140131 - 04/14/05 11:56 PM
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When starting to think about treatment, does either counts (cd4s or viral load) play a bigger role? My viral load has recently dropped, but so has my cd4's. My counts are all still at a comfortable level for me with no meds, but at the clinic they told me not to worry to much with my cd4s sliding because now they look more at viral load and it had gone down. But at this same clinic about a yr ago (different dr.) I was told they go by more by cd4s than viral load? Have done some research and have my opinions, but would like to hear what others know? Thanks guys...
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Hi Lilly
I am in your shoes also cd4's in the 300's for almost a yr. Only symptom was shingles in march 2003 which was scarey. I want to start and should before it's tough to pull those cd4's back up. I am 25 and need to be around for quite a while. I know meds are scarey but what alternative do we have. I am seeing my doc next month to discuss my options, so i am sure w/in the next few months i will be on meds. Let me know how everything goes for you.
stef
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debtex
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Reged: 03/21/05
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If you say your viral load is going down...thats great. They actually look at alot of different factors, but kind of all together when it comes to importance of your blood work. Your viral load could be very low..but yet, if your cd4 drops below 200 they may want to put you on meds. Now lets say your cd4 is good, but your viral load is over 100 thousand. They are going to suggest that you start meds. If your numbers are in pretty good shape (wondering what they are anyway?, if you would like to share). So both #'s are determining factors for meds and the status of your virus. Please keep in touch and let me know how things are giong. Love and prayers to you
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Lilly
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My cd4 is 325, and viral load down to 9,800. I realize more is involved than just numbers before a person begins,and I since I am feeling good I am not really worried/planning on it. I was just curious after I felt I had got different messages from the doctors. Thanks alot for the info and concern !! Sunshine
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Tscotty
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Reged: 03/26/05
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Posts: 13
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Hi,
Is your physician a HIV specialist?
It is very important that you get your virus undetectable.
This can be done with the right combination of medications. Usually when your viral load goes down your cd4 count will improve.
You should understand how the two are related in terms of your overall health. cd4 below 200 is not comfortable. Strive for undetectable viral load and high cd4 count. When you do start meds and the right ones - be diligent and careful not to miss any.
Is it possible that you get with a specialist and stay with that Dr. once you are comfortable with them?
If you are using a clinc be very proactive with your care. Ask specific questions and write down the answers. Then research the accuracy of what you have been told.
There are varying opinions about viral loads and tcell counts and when to start meds...and many times those opinions are expressed by the healthcare providers in ways that are easily misinterpreted by their patients. My opinion after 13 years of infection, trial and error, 9 physicians, a bazillion pills, drug holidays,drug resistance, high cd4 count, low viral loads, genotype, phenotype,etc...is that an undetectable virus is the best kind (not just low) and high cd4 count in relation to that is optimal.
Best of luck to you - you sound as though you are on the right path and early enough to being informed and staying
healthy!
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Foster
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Regular
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Reged: 11/06/04
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Loc: Denver, CO
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If your CD4 Percent is still above 30 then you could hold off on meds, but if CD4 and CD4 percent has been dropping then it would be time for meds.
Foster
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debtex
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I know when I was first diagnosed 12 yrs ago, it was believed back then to be on meds to maintain an undetecable viral load and be on meds to do so. And for the most part I beleive its possible that doing that played a huge part in my viral load remaining so low (no meds viral load is less than 1000). and cd4 is still good at 700. But these days I see patients stay off meds, right from the beginning, and there viral load is still below 10,000. Which is really super low, since they don't even suggest meds are necessary until up to 75, or 100 thousand. Lilly, your numbers are in great shape, with no meds still. Do you know how long you have been infected.
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