Question
I tested positive and my CD4 count is 39…
16 October 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed.
Hi everyone, I tested positive for HIV. My CD4 is 39. I have started treatment 4 days ago. They put me on Ranega. I’ve been feeling constipated and have been eating healthy. So my question is what are my chances?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
It is great that you have now started treatment. Have you also started a medication called co-trimoxazole? This is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections as your immune system recovered. It is usually given to people with a CD4 count below 200.
How long have you been feeling constipated? Constipation is not a side effect of Ranega. How have you changed your diet recently to be eating healthy? Stress and anxiety can cause this. How have you been feeling since testing positive? and have you been drinking enough water?
As you have now started treatment it is very likely you will go on to live a healthy life. Have you had any other symptoms/illnesses since starting treatment e.g., rashes or fevers?
It is not uncommon for people to start treatment with very low CD4 counts. Starting treatment will suppress HIV and let your body naturally recover it’s CD4 count. When your CD4 count recovers it means your immune system is healthy and prevents opportunistic infections. This is why people no longer have AIDS as it is reversible with treatment.
It can take time for your CD4 count to recover but with treatment to suppress HIV and the antibiotics to prevent other infections, there is on reason to not think you will continue to live a healthy life.
Josh.
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