Question
I don't want to take treatment, how can I increase my CD4 count?
4 March 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Side effects, Starting treatment.
Hello,
I was diagnosed HIV positive in 2009 and at that time my CD4 was over 400. It then slowly dropped and the latest CD4 was 187. My doctor asked me take HAART medication plus he also ask me take bactrim. I started HIV medication and after I took the medication, within 30 minutes I had a headache, very high fever, rash all over my body, vomiting, loose stool and I became so weak. I couldn’t even wake up from my bed, it was that terrible what I went through. So I just took HIV meds only once and then I stopped taking the medication because medicine should help the patient, not make my bad condition even worse.
Can you advise me how I can maintain my CD4 and CD8 because I just plan to not take modern medicine plus I am working person and I can’t take off all the time.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry to hear you are having so much trouble taking HIV meds. Unfortunately the only way to increase your CD4 count is by taking antiretroviral drugs that make up HAART medicine. Many people have problems with side effects when they first start treatment. However, within 2-4 weeks your body will become used to the drugs and these side effects will lessen.
If you are suffering from side effects there are additional treatments the doctors can give you to prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches etc. to help you get through the first few difficult weeks. If you start treatment and then stop you are in danger of becoming resistant to your medication. This means you may reduce the number of treatments available to you in the future.
If your CD4 count is only 187 then you need to start taking HAART as soon as possible. Before doing this you should ask your doctor for a resistance test. Which treatments did you take before? If you took nevirapine or efavirenz and got a rash then you should try to avoid these treatments.
For more information on side effect please follow this link to our guidebook on HIV and your quality of life
It might also help to view similar questions on starting treatment
HIV treatment is very individual and it is about finding the right combination for you. If you give the medication a try and are really not getting on with it then you can speak to your doctor about changing the meds to something that is more suitable for you.
If you decide not to take treatment then your CD4 count will decrease until you become very sick and eventually die. At the end of the day it is your decision whether or not to take treatment but you should be aware of the consequences if you are to make an informed decision. Good luck and please do not hesitate to contact us again if you need any more support.
Hi James,
There are people all over the world actively working on HIV cure research. However, as of yet there has been no cure found. This is due to the complexity of the virus. But one day we might get there. For now ART is the best thing.
Is the cure for HIV on trial a real thing?
Hi Thembnkosi,
I’m sorry to hear that your son is ill. How old is he? The medication that he’s being given do you know what it is? Also, do you what his CD count is?
When I took my son to hospital he was sick, but he was walking, Now he is a bedridden at hospital. The yellow drip they gave him makes him sick, they said there’s no alternative for HIV cure, only that yellow drip. He’s also got meningitis. I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m waiting for my son to die at the hands of doctors and nurses.
Hi Charles,
Side effects when beginning meds are common. However, because you’ve been having them for a few months my advise would be for you to talk to your doctor. This is because you may need to change what you’re taking.
I was diagnosed with HIV 6 months ago. My CD4 count was 852 . I started medication early December. I’m suffering day and night. Can I stop taking medication? I’ve loss of memory, headaches, and feel terrible.
Hi Nocawe,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such a difficult time. Is there anyone that you can talk to for support?
For me to be able to support you with the right info, I’ll need some more info. When were you diagnosed? How long were you on meds before you stopped them? Do you know what your CD4 count is? And your viral load?
With regards to your child, what is their status?
I was pregnant, for all my pregnant time I tested negative. After birth I’m HIV positive. I blame the clinic for not protecting my baby. Now its difficult for me to take the treatment coz I vomit all the time. I went several times to the clinic to tell them that but they kept on telling me I will be fine. I ended up stopping the treatment.
Hi Louise. your CD4 count is very good. This means there is no urgency to start treatment. although treatment is now recommended for everyone, including at high CD4 counts, in practice many countries still wait until the CD4 count is less than 500. Please talk to your doctor about the guidelines in your country.
I was diagnosed with HiV early this year and my cd4 count is 546. Should I be on medication or not