Question
Why has my CD4 count gone down and viral load detected?
25 November 2023. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hello, in 2019 I went to the doc for a bladder infection, they were doing free testing and so I did an HIV test. The shock was a positive result. I married a second time and my husband is negative. In my case the doctor said she could say it was 10 years or more…my first husband did have very bad diabetes and did pass away in 2008.
I am on ARVs which I have to crush and put in yogurt because I have never been able to swallow pills. My CD4 count did go up a bit not as much. When I started it was 119 with a viral load of 19000. It has been a terrible shock because I have never tested because I have always just thought everything is ok. The past 6 months my CD4 did drop again and a slight vl was detected. My doctor said it’s nothing to worry about but I have never missed a dose although it’s crushed. I did have lot of stress going on. I’m South African. Thank you
Answer
Hi, how have you been doing?
I am sorry to hear about your first husband and how this was so much of a shock to you.
Are you being supported by your doctor/husband now while you are adjusting to being HIV positive?
What is your current CD4 count and viral load?
As you have not missed a dose it is unlikely that these small changes in your results are much to worry about as your doctor has said.
Stress can even cause changes in your CD4 count which may be the reason why there was a small dip in your count. Have you been told what your CD4% is?
As you are crushing your pills have you discussed this with your pharmacist/doctor? Some pills are not suitable to be crushed and it is importnat that you check it is okay to crush yours.
A small increase in viral load can be normal. Often people can experience something called a blip. This is a random increase in viral load that occurs for no possible reason. It does not effect U=U and it will return to normal the next time you have a test.
Josh.
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