Question
My CD4 count didn't go above 150, how long have I got to live?
12 April 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Living with HIV long-term.
How long do I have, honestly?
I have been diagnosed positive for just over 3.5yrs presenting at 35yrs of age with shingles and a CD4 count less than 05. My health has remained fairly stable since diagnosis, apart from 2 episodes of abnormal cell growth (Intraepelithial neoplasia PIN/AIN), but I have been unable to increase my CD4 count over 150 and the CD4 % remains low between 15-19% with HAART therapy.
I am just wondering, truthfully how long a person can be expected to live with constantly low immunity?
Everyone keeps saying to me ‘well, I could get run over by a bus tomorrow’ but this doesn’t help my situation, nor can this statement be compared to living with a long term condition.
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Please do not worry, your CD4 count has increased considerably since your diagnosis. This is something to be pleased about. Having a CD4 count below 200 can mean you are more at risk of opportunistic infections. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s system is slightly different. Some people get sick when they have high CD4 counts whilst others have CD4 counts of below 100 and are feeling very healthy. Please read this section of our guidebook which focuses on what it means to have different CD4 counts.
Whilst you may be at slightly higher risk of opportunistic infections, if you lead a healthy lifestyle – don’t smoke, drink sensibly, sleep well, don’t get too stressed, eat healthily, get regular exercise etc then you could expect a near normal life expectancy and a good quality of life. Please read this similar question including the referenced article about life expectancy to learn more.
The rate at which CD4 counts increase is usually related to how low they got before treatment was started. As your CD4 count was so low to begin with it could take you much longer to see more of an increase in your CD4 count. For more information please read this article. As I said, this is not something to worry about. Once you are on treatment as long as your viral load remains undetectable then that is the most important thing to focus on.
Hi Victor,
The symptoms that you’re experiencing could be due to the meds. What is it that you’re taking?
Am on 3rd week of ARV’s. I feel nothing is changing on my weakness and my weight remains constant. I have flu like symptoms were I get extremely cold especially in the morning. Tb is negative but weakness tiredness n extreme feeling of hunger in the morning really stresses me out. Its now affecting my job….
Hi Jeanette,
This could be related to your meds. It could however be something totally different, therefore you should talk to your doctor about this.
If I am HIV+ and after three months I started feeling dizzy and can’t even walk for 1 meter and I have got chest pain what is the meaning of this?
Hi Lerato,
How are you coping with your diagnoses? Are you able to get any support?
A CD4 of 120 is low. However, there are much lower. Though difficult the important thing is that you now know about your status. Given that your pregnant and that your CD4 is 120 its very important that you start treatment. This is because ARVs will help you to control your HIV, increase your CD4 and also reduce the risk of transmission to your baby.
For more about HIV and pregnancy, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Other then ARVs, you should also be taking co-trixmoxazole. See here:
http://i-base.info/qa/3560
I just found out that I’m positive. I’m pregnant and my CD4 is 120.
Hi M2,
What treatment are you taking for your HIV? And have you always been on the same treatment? Are you undergoing treatment for the cancer? If so, what? Are you aware of what your viral load is? Are you taking other medications?
Has your CD4 ever gone above 120?
I was born in 1965. I’ve aggressive prostate cancer. I was diagnosed with a CD4 of 3 in 2011. Its now 120.
Hi Kedibone,
Yes its possible to have a CD4 of 50 and an undetectable viral load. Though for this to happen a person will be on treatment.
Is it possible to have a cd4 count of 50 with viral load undetected